Headshots....?

Question

any advice on do-it-yourself headshots?

Answer 1

HI mandaonice,  My advice on do - it - yourself headshots,  is Don't do it yourself!!   If you are wanting a headshot,  you mostly likely are wanting it for some purpose... a job? an interview? a go-see?  where other people may also be trying out.    A "done at home or by a friend"  headshot screams  "unprofessional"  therefore you will not be taken very seriously or as seriously as those who have spent the time and money for a headshot that reflects their best image.    For a professional looking headshot,  you need a good quality camera and lens, a nice background,  studio type lighting,  reflectors.   A trip to a photographer for one headshot will be tons less expensive than gathering up all you would need to do your own.   Should not run any higher than $50.00 but if that is still too expensive for you,  you might check on craigslist.org in your city for photographers who are trying to build up a portfolio of their work.   They might do it for free or very little depending on your agreement.  Hope that helps....

Answer 2

Depends on your budget. If you dont have the money to get a starter photography kit that comes with a mini light and tripod, then you can improvise....

You need a solid background, something light usually because black backgrounds can make you appear pale.

For the lights you can use normal lamps (not overhead ones because they tend to distribute light badly and make bad shadows. Desk lamps/end table lamps are neat to use and give good lighting in most cases. If you dont have a tripod you can practically rig anything up to hold your camera, set it on your chest of drawers, build up some boxes on your dresser until the right height...etc. Then just use the timer mode on it..most of them are 10-15 second timers where they go off on their own once you hit the shutter button.

Answer 3

tripod, camera, ligthing, blank background

Answer 4

simple background. nice look easy enough

Answer 5

i have been an actress, model, and singer since i was seven, so i know a bit of stuff.

makeup: natural, but beautiful, coverup and a mascara that compliments your skin tone and eye color. No clumps. a little light lipgloss and your ready.

outfit: something that makes you feel happy, and yourself. Don't pretend to be someone else. Compliment eye color and skin tone again.

camera: any camera and computer will work, but get the pictures turned out at a professional place. Personally, i go to my acting director, but one hour photo shops work too.

***don't forget, your headshot is your first impression in this business. A headshot should be memorable and reflect where you fit in the casting picture***

Answer 6

Form what I've read, the latest thing is horizontal ("landscape") format head shots. Why, I don't know. I'm old-school, and prefer a simple, clean B&W portrait aspect. None of that stupid cut-the-top-of-your-head-off, off-kilter c**p.

Answer 7

The best thing to do is contact a friend with a good digital slr camera (high pixels) and have them take the pics. Use a back drop like a dark sheet and focus lighting on you. Or you can search photographer-model gigs on craig's list. Lots of photographers want to build their portfolio and they will offer you a cd of your pics and sometimes printed pics too for your time. Just make sure that you meet them in a public place first with their portfolio to  make sure their legitimate and you feel comfortable with them. If they don't have a portfolio don't work with them. Good Luck!