OK, you've got talent, you can sing, dance and juggle, but if your headshot image does not present the impression that you will make someone else money with it, you will not get a second look. It must have an appeal that need not be said in words. You will also be sending some type of resume with the photograph. If the photo does not have impact, your resume will not get read. If your resume is lacking in experience, an impressive headshot photo may carry you to the next level.

Having a current professional headshot (also known as "glossy") in your portfolio could be your most major advantage to finding work in your entertainment field. A headshot is an 8x10 glossy photographic print that is focused on the face of the individual talent. This photograph could extend to include parts of the upper body. Headshots were cultivated in the 1930's with the Motion Picture companies promoting their stars by use of images that portrayed the types of glamour and intensity seen in the movies they starred in. They are primarily used in the acting and modeling fields, but even other entertainers may be asked to provide them for one reason or another.

If you are planning to work in the entertainment field, plan to work hard at preparing for your headshot (and any other promotional images). If you think your are going to waltz into the photographers studio, plop yourself down and take a few school portraits, or glamour photos, don't waist your time or money.

The perfect headshot must represent you well. When the viewer sees the image it must elicit an immediate dramatic response of "Wow!, I notice this person" The headshot uses the face as the foundation and main focus of the image. That rest of the body, up to a waist shot can be included, or composed in the photograph as long as it adds to the impact of the "Wow" factor. It should focus on your unique or bankable assets, hair, lips, eyes, etc. Even if the photo is two dimensional, it should exhibit the illusion of depth with the use of light shadow, makeup and background. Most of all the head shot should look like you. If you get an interview based on your headshot and resume, and walk into the interview looking like someone else, the prospective client may feel taken advantage of or bamboozled (a technical term).

The other, and possibly more important, aspect of the headshot is that your personality shines through. A instructor in a photography class that I once took made the statement that a picture that you take of a person must not just "look like the subject", it must "feel like the subject." In the case of your headshot, it must show that you have a personality and can portray or exhibit a presence that shines through a two dimensional 8x10 glossy piece of paper. Your image must evoke a personal feeling in the viewer. This feeling must ultimately lead to the decision that your image can be used to their benefit and sell their idea or product.

How do you prepare for your headshot? Take a look at the magazines and published material that represents the area that you plan to work in. In particular those that are a close-up of the face and upper extremities. Also visit websites that feature talent that are working in the field that you are aspiring to work in. As a side note, you will find that the fashion orientated material will tend to be exotic and somewhat seductive as a rule. Decide on what extreme of exotic and seductive that you fit into, and set limits at the onset of what you may be willing to portray. Keep in mind that your portfolio should "show what you intend to sell." You should be comfortable with the type of work you intend to pursue and your portfolio should reflect the comfort level that you have set. The truth is "sexy sells", but you can be sexy and seductive in a lot of different ways. While you are doing all of this, collect samples to show the photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, etc. Notice the expressions, clothing, makeup, accessories that are used in the photographs. Find the images that draw you into looking at them and analyze why you are attracted to them. Ponder why you like the headshot, what interests you, how do the parts of the image work together and is there an emotion that you feel when looking at the headshot. Also look at what the expression of the subject is telling you, are they happy, sad mischievous, sexy, etc., etc.

Once you have some solid concept, in your mind, of what makes a good headshot, pull up a mirror and study your image and what it is telling you. What type of work are you wanting to get? What do you need to do to portray that image? What feeling do you want your headshot to provoke? What style of clothing, makeup, hair, accessories will you need and where will you get them? Keep in mind that the headshot is about you and your appeal, not the clothing or accessories. Use the other elements of the image to enhance your appeal, in a subtle way. What kind of image can you prepare that is not the normal? What elements of your unique qualities can you exploit? While you are in front of the mirror, explore the emotions, and appeal that you can produce in order entice the person to want you for their projects. Practice these until you can bring them forth as second nature. Practice your other talents (singing, dancing, musical aspirations) while you are watching yourself. Better yet, video tape all of this and play the tape back in slow motion in order to find those unique little quirky expressions that make you unique and appealing. Once you have found several, run back to the mirror and practice them on command (a hard thing to do). When you have that accomplished, start putting together what you need for the photo session.

If you are going to use someone else to do makeup, hair, etc., make sure they can accomplish the look(s) that you are going for. Look at photos of previous clients to see the style that they have been able to accomplish in the past. Ask them if they can (and how much it will cost) to do a test run of the look that you are attempting to achieve. The day of your photo session is not the right time to find out that they can not accomplish your goals.

The photographer that you use must also be able to achieve the look that you want. A normal school photographer or wedding photographer will not be able to accomplish what you want. Take time to look at portfolios, all the while, expanding on the talents that both of you can combine to give you that unique look. Decide on color or Black and White pictures. Be able to express what you want, using the examples that you have accumulated. You will also need to have the time during the session to cultivate the look that you are going for. If the photographer is talking about a 15 minute session with 10 photos taken of you, you are in the wrong place. When a customer asks me how long the session will take, the ultimate answer is "As long as it takes to get the image that we are looking for."

When the time for the session gets there, relax and do not worry about anything except the images that you have practiced in front of the mirror. Do anything you need to be comfortable and perform. If you need to act, then act! If you need to sing, then sing! If you need to dance, dance! (within the confines that the photographer gives you for the image). Listen for cues and advice and work on them with the photographer. In any case, feel free to "act out." That is what you do for a living and the best way to get that across in the photo, is to do it. The other thing to remember about this process, is the more you do it the better you get. A great way to work at getting the perfect image is to see if the photographer is willing to "test" with you. Meaning that the photographer will work with you on test sessions at a no cost, or reduced cost basis. If you are enthusiastic and creative, this may be a possibility and will give you both experience and images worth showing.

Once the session is done, you will be given a proof sheet, CD, or other method to view your images. Take time to go over this sheet to find the best image for your purpose. Once you have settled on what you like, get about five other opinions (without telling them which is your preference). Make sure that several of these opinions are professional in the area of your endeavors. Consider all of the input that you get in making your final decision.When you get your final prints made, make sure they are perfect. Black items in the image should be black, white items should white and the greys should fall where they belong. No dust spots, scratches, blotches or blemishes. If you have and overlay (your name, agency, etc.), make sure of proper placement and professional print quality.

Once you have your headshots in your hands, get ready to start this process all over again, always building on the perfect image that you are striving to achieve. You will need to update your headshot periodically, and whenever your looks have changed. Children should have new headshots done every three to six months. Always look forward to the next session as rewarding and a growth experience.

Always be memorable or you will be forgotten!

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