We received a question via e-mail from Lori of Indianapolis, Indiana (fantastic Navy Memorial and American Legion Headquarters, but otherwise, politically scary for a left leaning loonie like me). Lori's question is:
Q. Where can I get a photo shoot taken?
A. Ahhh, Lori - you are a wise Young Jedi Master! Because Lori knows that not all headshots are created equal and not all photographers can create a good headshot to represent you in the entertainment industry! So to answer this question, first, we need to back up and talk about WHY you need a good headshot and what the are differences between headshots, comp cards and portfolios.
A Headshot - is an absolute necessity for all actors and general entertainers in the industry. A headshot is the 8x10 photo representation of what you or your child looks like that you (or your agent/manager) sends to casting directors. Headshots should absolutely, positively, without exception, LOOK LIKE YOU! If the headshot is of your child DO NOT, under any circumstances, use a pageant photo. Even a "natural" pageant photo, meaning light retouches and light make up with colored background, accessories and colorful wardrobe IS TOO MUCH! A casting director wants to see what you (or your child) is going to look like should they come into an audition or should they land a role for whatever they are casting. Even though a great number of jobs can now be submitted electronically with digital images, you STILL NEED hard copy, physical 8x10 headshots to take with you to casting calls and to submit for jobs with bigger production companies who do not accept digital submissions. If you are purchasing headshots for a child, YOU DO NOT NEED Hundreds or thousands of hard copy headshots. Since the photo needs to look like the child as they are right now, at this moment, you will need to update them often - so do not buy more than 50-100 reproductions at any given time - unless your child is a superstar and is using her headshots to autograph for fans - which is something entirely different. A Composite Card (comp card) - is generally used for models. Comp cards will be a composite of 3-6 photos of the same model in different outfits and with different looks squished down to a 5x7 card stock hard copy with your (or your child's) statistics printed on it. I personally do not work in a lot of comp cards as I do not do a ton of work with clients who only wish to do commercial modeling jobs. If you plan to SOLELY do modeling jobs, these are your best bet, but you should probably also move to New York and secure a job as a waitress part time to help sustain you while you pursue a career in just the modeling industry. Which leads us to the next point ...
A Portfolio - is also specifically for models. You can see some amazing examples of portfolios and the different photos and tear sheets that fill their pages by watching the show, "America's Next Top Model". When building your portfolio, you will want to have many looks shot by many photographers to show your diversity and ability to morph into whatever the photographer's vision may be that particular day. Again, should you desire to pursue JUST a modeling career, you should start building your portfolio with TFP shoots (you don't charge the photographer to be their model and they don't charge you to take your picture) to see if this is your cup of tea. You will take your portfolio with you to all your "Go-See" appointments - where you literally GO, SEE the client who needs models.
So where do you get a good headshot and what do they cost? Seek out a photographer who can take a clean, clear photo of just YOUR HEAD (hence the name, headshot). Big accessories, colored backgrounds, loud clothing and heavy retouches should be avoided at all costs. If you are in Tiny Town, USA, you may be served just fine by a photographer who takes traditional Senior Portraits or Wedding Photography - but if you have a choice - ALWAYS go with an experienced photographer! Remember, your headshot is a representation of YOU to people who are hiring for jobs in the entertainment industry. If your headshot looks cheap, like you shot it with your iPhone and had it blown up to 8x10, you will look like a cheap newbie to the casting director and you will NOT book the gig! If you have an agent or manager, they will be able to point you in the right direction for good photography - and some may even have a photographer on staff to help get you started.
The NUMBER ONE, BIGGEST FALSITY that I hear regarding headshots from people who are brand new to the industry is - "My Agent Should Pay for Headshots (comp cards/portfolios) for ME, not the other way around". THIS IS A COMPLETE MYTH! There aren't many agents or managers in the world who will spring for headshots for their clients - for several reasons. First, Who in the world has that as a line item in their company's budget? It is very cost prohibitive for smaller agencies to invest in headshots FOR their clients and the larger agencies are large for a reason - because they are smart with their money. On occasion they may offer a "test shoot" but don't expect to get away with paying absolutely nothing for items necessary for YOUR career. Which leads to the next reason why this is a MYTH. If YOU are invested in YOUR career, you are more likely to pursue your career with fervor. You will go to casting calls, go-sees, auditions, jobs, etc. if you are on the dangle for a few hundred bucks for photography and reproductions. If your agent pays for your headshots, they are the ones who are on the hook for the expense with absolutely no guarantee that you will ever do anything in the entertainment industry - hence no guarantee they will even recoup their costs. So, long story short - Don't Hold Your Breath that your agent will ever pay for anything FOR you - it is not their job or their responsibility! If a stage mom tells you something different than what you just read - THEY ARE EITHER LYING OR THEY ARE IGNORANT TO THE REAL WORLD!
So I hope that helped, at least a little, answer Lori's question. Just remember that if you have the choice, go with a photographer who specializes in headshots and try to secure the copyright so you may reproduce the photo with a headshot reproduction company. A good photo shoot could cost as anywhere from $100-$300 but it will be well worth the expense if YOU book the job and the kid with the iPhone photo was laughed out of the audition!
Until Next Time,
Heather Ryan
The Ultimate Talent Mentor
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