How to Make a Headshot for Theatre Samples
- 1). Avoid too much make-up. Typically a professional photographer will know what kind of make-up is appropriate for accentuating certain facial details without looking like make-up. The importance of this is to show a blank slate that could be transformed into a new character.
- 2). Keep your hair simple. Overworked hair is just as distracting as too much make-up, and can appear unprofessional. Either keep your hair down and simply styled or pull your hair back if you have unique facial features that you would like to showcase. Essentially you are accenting your best features, whatever they may be. Men, determine the impression you want to give before determining whether or not to shave.
- 3). Wear simple clothing. Black or white are the least offensive clothing colors, but also try to wear a shirt that is evergreen where style is concerned. Since a head shot is literally just a photograph of your face, possibly with your shoulders in view, keep your top simple so as not to distract from your face. Also give yourself professional and casual options for full body shots, but still keep it simple.
- 4). Leave the jewelry at home. Simple studs in the ears is not too big a problem, however avoid distracting necklaces or bold earrings. Again, nothing should draw the eye away from you.
- 5). Use simple facial expressions. No funny faces or emotions, just keep it a very simple portrait. Take advantage of angles, but give yourself options by photographing both sides of your face and doing a full frontal shot.
- 6). Use a blank background. The background should not be a distraction.
- 7). Print your image as an 8X10 with a white border in matte finish. This is the most professional look for a head shot. Also, have your name printed on the bottom, but use no unusual font types.
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