Why exactly are headshots so important?

Question

I understand that when actors audition for things, a headshot is required. I was wondering why this is?

Answer 1

because looks are everything hun! But dont try to glam yorself up or change the way you look! Be yourself because lets say your sorta nerdy, and you act nerdy, have you seen high school musical? There are nerds in that! Look at Hairspray! She was overweight! Never change yourself, becasue theyre are plenty of characters out there and you just need to be the one! Good luck! Oh and check out my headshot question on my page.

EDIT- they odnt necesarily have a certain person in mind for the headshots, but they also help them remember. but if they realy like the person, they can change the character for them, get it?

Answer 2

Headshots are a waste of time and money. When you go to an agents office or an audition, they are supposed to automatically take a poloroid or digitial photo of you for their files.

Answer 3

because first off, in acting first impression is based on looks and secondly that's their record of who you are. seeing your picture can trigger their memories of your audition. it's too hard to remember everyone just off name.

Answer 4

That way the director has a clear -- high resolution pic of the actor so they can evaluate whether the person is right for the part. Often actors get them printed up with their stats and resume on the back. Also so that during auditions they can put headshots in YES MAYBE NO piles and when they go back through they do not have to try to remember -- which one was Mary Smith?  They can look at their notes they took during the audition -- get the headshot for Mary Smith -- and say ``Oh yeah! I liked her!`` and also avoid the embarrassment of telling their assistant ``call back the girl in the orange sweater -- or the girl from Michigan`` and having the wrong person get the callback.

They need to be clear photos with a high resolution camera so the director gets what you really look like rather than a soft focus or pixelated impression.  A solid headshot photographer often has the session include hair and makeup so there are not stray hairs or weird hairstyles to detract from your look and makeup so your skin is clear and your good features -- eyes and lips usually -- are brought out but not overwhelmingly.

Look at http://petersweyer.com/ to get an idea from his gallery of what good headshots look like.

Answer 5

While I might agree in part with answer # 1, keeping a resume and head shot together is a primary task of staff, for any genre.

   She does point out an obvious object, though I find it somewhat sad that anyone is judged on appearance or typed text alone. Obviously it's a standard, not only in the craft, but at least for a resume, it equates to ANY job search.

   With no offense at all, to someone having only one eye, or a large head, or being bald, wanting to explore the craft, we are JUDGED in first impressions, most often, and again, I find that a sad commentary on our species, but it exists.

   Certainly too, there may be a defined LOOK a casting official wants, IE: a young lady who looks like Pippi Long Stocking, or Annie. Obviously the effect might be created with makeup, wigs, clothing styles, but to be essentially that character, might benefit you in getting the part.

   That does NOT say one should have a head shot designed in a character sense, but if you have any characteristics a casting director is looking for, you may at least be noted to interview and audition.

Answer 6

Hey Moi,

That's a pretty interesting question, I'll star it. Anyway, headshots are one of your main acting tools. They give agents and casting directors the first impression of you and if you have the "look" for the part they are casting. They also help them remember your face. It is important to have a professional headshot if you are going to audition for a big, hollywood movie. Otherwise, a school picture will do! :):)

I really hope this helped you out! =)

-TQA (The Queen of Acting)

Answer 7

i know its shallow but looks is sooo important to these people...  They have to make sure you have the right look for the character you are playing or else it would not be believable..  They use a headshot to narrow down who they want to see at a casting.

Answer 8

They are important because a close up of your face reveals character, innocence age, flaws,etc. A casting director can tell a lot about an actor just from their head shot.

Answer 9

It is difficult to explain as the reasons have varied over the decades. It should be considered your calling card and your first impression to anyone whom you wish to capture the attention of. The elements you should concentrate on are your eyes first (they should show mystery and depth while demanding a meeting) the rest of photo should represent range and professionalism and talent. You should look like your photo when you walk in the door (hair color excetera and as little as possible retouching...you don't want to look like the photographer shot you through a bottle of Thousand Island Dressing!).

If your shots are s**y and alluring- whom do you think is going to call you in and for what????

So forget the why's and get one that represents you best!