What are the basic requirements for acting headshots?

Question

I need to take one,fast,so I thought about doing my own.

Does anyone know what specific size etc. they need to be?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You should get a professional one done because when you have to sign with an agent they are going to ask you who took your picture and saying a friend did it doesn't make you sound like your serious. Also its easy to tell the difference between a amateur and professional head shot.

Answer 2

It's best that you get professional ones done but it' possible you can get very nice pics on your own. Make sure they're 8x10, like the size of regular paper almost. Black and white, the lowest you could show should be your collar bone. Forgive me if that's a little off. If you want you could do your own make-up and hair too. Make sure it shows YOURSELF, like the agents can picture you easily in a tv show or movie, show your whole face. Make it look as professional as you can, you could maybe get them printed off to have that finish. Hope that helped. ^_^

Answer 3

8x11

Just look natural and dont take it yourself have a friend or someone take it.

Answer 4

Yes, you can take one set of pictures with glasses if you normally wear them and it's your 'look', but definitely also do another headshot without glasses.  But you MUST remove the lenses so they don't cause camera flares! Just go to any eye glass shop and have it done before your session, if you can't pop the lenses out yourself (but it's pretty easy to do yourself).

Here is tons of good info on the whole headshot process for beginners:

http://melroseplaceheadshots.blogspot.co...

Don't shoot your own headshots though, or you will never stand a chance to compete with actors who have professional pictures.

Answer 5

8x10

black and white for east coast usually

color for west coast usually

looks like you

shows off your brand and personality

simple clothes and background (but it is ok to stand out sometimes just dont go overboard)

resume staple to the back or printed on the back

name on the bottom of the resume

hope i helped :)

-ABTS

Answer 6

Around 8 by 10. I don't think it's a big deal the EXACT size, although some people will say it matters.. as long as its around 8 by 10..

Have a white background - nothing busy in the back.

A shirt color that complements your skin.

No heavy makeup - look natural.

Don't hide any birthmarks on your face, braces, or do anything fancy schmancy to your hair.

Look normal. They want to see what you REALLY look like.

Don't wear a shirt with logos or stripes or polka dots -- pretty much just wear a plain shirt.

Don't c**k your head to the side or lift up your shoulders.

This is a headshot - so make sure its pretty much only your head [& shoulders] in the picture.

It's okay to take it yourself for the start, but always get professionals, and you should get recommendations from an agency - that way you know it's gonna be good enough for agents and what not.

Good luck :]

Answer 7

they should be 8x10, preferably in black and white, also, its best if u get them profesionaly done, if not u dont really have a chance of getting a role.