Head shot
A head shot is a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a person's face. There are two general types of head shots.
For acting headshots the 8"x10" prints should have the actors name on the print or just below the print. Acting, not modeling, headshots will usually not be photographic prints but will be printed via a lithographic process or the laser process. These will be handed these out during a casting, to agencies and to photographers so the actor will print 200-500 at a time.
The 9"x12" model prints will be photographic "wet" prints (meaning they are from a chemical process) or ink jet prints and the model will put these into their portfolio. The portfolio will not be just headshots but headshots are very important. Better models will have several identical portfolios. One at their “mother” or main agency, one to show clients on castings and additional ones for any other agency they are signed with.
Comp cards are one of the cornerstones of a model’s “Marketing Materials”. They will be about 5.5” x 8” and printed on both sides. Almost all of the comp cards are in color but may have black and white images. A model can have 4-5 images on the comp card and at least one of these images will be a headshot. Models can also have folding comp cards.
Identification
As a form of identification, a head shot is a front-on (facing straight at the camera) photograph, with the face being the centre of the picture and containing minimal or no surroundings. The facial expression is usually neutral. These head shots are usually used as a form of identification. They are used as passport photos, mug shots and on other forms of photo identification.
Entertainment industry
Actors or models and other Entertainers often include a head shot, along with their resume, when applying for a job. These head shots are usually more artistic, intended to portray the subject in the best possible light. They often have the subject facing off-centre. A performer will often have head shots expressing different poses and expressions to give the potential employer an idea of the subject's range of appearances. The headshots that include a person’s shoulders are called ‘three quarter’ shots.
Actors headshots are normally printed in an 8X10" format, whereas models headshot and portfolio image are printed in a 9X12" format. Other promotional images i.e press shots and lobby prints, may be in many different aspect ratios. Also becoming popular in the industry are comp cards and Z-Cards a single print consisting of several different images.
The main purpose of an actor's head shot is identification. Therefore the most important feature of an actor's headshot is that it looks like the subject. Actor's head shots should be clear, with very balanced lighting against a fairly neutral background. Theatrical or commercial headshots are usually very neutral looking shots of the actor clearly showing their facial features. Actors should ideally have new headshots done whenever their everyday look changes significantly.
Commercial – typically (not always) has the person smiling and projects warmth and friendliness.
Theatrical – usually serious, focused and actors are NOT smiling.
The best headshot should show a person as they are (age, look, style, etc.) and reflect their best qualities. It should be natural and reflect person’s current look. Therefore, for example, if an actor/actress has cut and coloured their hair, he/she would then require a new headshot… that includes scars ageing.
It is also important that an actor/actress wears simple neutral coloured (usually black or white) clothing that does not contain prints. The focus and attention should be emphasised on the face and not the t-shirt with imprinted flowers or palm trees or logos!
Headshot should invite the viewer in and make them want to know a person better. It should also provide a glimpse into the person’s character or present their potential for the role a casting director is looking to fill. It is the only thing casting director is judging you by and there is no a second chance.
The industry standard for head shots has been black and white for many years, However more actors appear to be getting color shots. Actor's head shots are typically done with digital cameras. A digital copy is often kept by the actor in order to make online submissions and transmissions of the image.
In the UK actors headshots are traditionally black and white, whereas in USA they are often in colour. Therefore it is important to make sure that your photographer knows what market the actor intends to present their headshots to.
Corporate and Business industry
Many business professionals and business companies use photographic services to produce Corporate Headshots for:
- Annual reports
- Corporate catalogues and advertising
- Company publications and websites
- Corporate PR
- Press Releases
- Online catalogue / shop / website
- Corporate brochures
- Mail Order Catalogues
- Marketing Literature and advertisements
- Product Packaging
- And more
To achieve good publicity, businesses often hire photographers to take Corporate Headshots of either 'serious business in action' or a more approachable style of ‘friendly business working for you' kind of look. These can be either environmental shoots or more formal less lifestyle looking, office based shots.
See also
External links
Headshot Photography Information
What is a Headshot and How Much Does it Cost?
Useful information about Headshots