Head shot
A headshot is a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a person's face. Headshot is essentially the same as portrait. However, headshot is an image that portrays people as they are and is more of a 'mug shot', however simple or stylised it might be. Whereas, a portrait will often 'portray' the person with elements of their life, such as their work, interest, etc. (please refer to portrait page for more information)
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.
Modelling industry
Modelling headshots are more like a beauty shots designed purely to be either artistic or flattering and are often used on comp cards for marketing purposes.
The 9×12" 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 5½×8” 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 to 5 images on the comp card and at least one of these images will be a headshot. Models can also have folding comp cards.
Entertainment industry
 | This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. (June 2008) |
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 a 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 8×10" format, whereas models headshot and portfolio image are printed in a 9×12" format. Some headshots also have another smaller picture in the lower corner to illustrate another "look" the actor has. Other promotional images e.g. 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.
For acting headshots the 8×10" prints should have the actor's 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 out during a casting, to agencies and to photographers.
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. Actors 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.
Types of Headshots:
- 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 the person’s current look. Therefore, for example, if an actor's hair is cut or coloured, he or she would then need a new headshot.
It is also important that an actor wears simple, neutral-coloured clothing.
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 color. Therefore it is important to make sure that your photographer knows what market the actor intends to present their headshots to.
Headshot printing can vary depending on the amount of prints being made as well as the quality. Be careful about re-touching and cropping as this may result in additonal fees from the photographer or printer. In the USA, the average price on good paper stock seems to be $79 for 100 quanity in color.
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
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.