How do I get my Perfect Headshot?? Part 2

Ok ready for step 1.

1). 2 weeks prior to getting your headshot taken - Get your Haircut/Trimmed. DO NOT get a Haircut/Trim (Or ladies a facial)
within 7-10 days of the photo shoot.

2). The week of the photo shoot - Drink Plenty of water every day.

3). Interview 3-5 Photographers. (YES USE THIS AS A CHECKLIST)
A). Look at samples of their work
A1). Make Sure The Actors face stands out/jumps out at you
A2). The Actor's face is well lit, in focus
A3). The Headshot clearly shows the actor's personality
A4). Does the Actor look real, relaxed and natural.
B). Make sure you understand EXACTLY what you are buying Including if and what rights you have to reprint the photos, Post on Websites.
C). How many photos will be taken (Estimate)
D). How many of the photos do you have the rights to use
E). How much time you have with the Photographer
F). How many Clothing Changes you are allowed to do
G). How Much time is allowed to Shave, Change hairstyle Etc
H). Does the cost include a Hair/Makeup Artist
H1). Is there an optional additional Charge for a Hair/Makeup Artist
H2). Is there a Mandatory Additional charge for a Hair/Makeup Artist
H3). Is it Mandatory to use the Photographers Hair/Makeup Artist
H4). Is there a Photographer Recommended list of a Hair/Makeup
Artists
H5). Do You need to find/bring your own a Hair/Makeup Artist,
H6). Can you bring your own Hair/Makeup Artist if you want.
I). What is the TOTAL cost (Including any mandatory additional fees/charges not included in the published price) of your session.
J). What optional Fees there are, Exactly they are for and a CLEAR
UNDERSTANDING OF whether or not you are better off with them or without
K). How are you going to receive your Photos (email, CD/DVD, Printed
8 X 10, Proof sets Etc)
L). What happens if you are unhappy with your photos (Full Refund, Partial Refund, Reshoot, SOL {s_ _ t out of Luck})
M). When is the final payment due (It is to the photographers benefit to be paid before the photo shoot starts, Your benefit to pay after you see and are satisfied with the photos)
N). On set or at a networking meeting - FIND 5 other actors that have used this PHOTOGRAPHER - What did they tell you (Most important thing you can do)
O). Check all Scam Reporting sites, Better Business Bureau, Do a Google search on the Photographer (Photographers name and Company name)




4). Choose your clothes carefully
A). Have your clothes cleaned and pressed the week before the shoot
B). Bring your clothes to the Photoshoot in a garment bag that will keep them pressed and not wrinkle them
C). Wear Plain but well fitting Clothing, nice solid neutral colors. Avoid the “Shadow Photos” -- The Red hair in the Red clothing against the Red Background, The Blonde Hair in the tan Clothing against an off-white Background, The Brunette Hair (or darker Skinned - Indian, African American) people in dark clothing against a dark background.
These photos where everything blends together and look like shades or shadows of the same color defeat the entire purpose of your headshot.

You need to stand out from your clothing, you and your clothing need to stand out from the background and be clearly seen at a glance.

D). Avoid loud flashy Patterns, Stripes, Logos, Messages, appliqués, baubles, glitter, sequins, or rhinestones.

E). Casual clothing is best for almost everyone but bring at least 2 other options. Choose from Business, Business Casual, Formal, or Athletic wear. These will vary in Importance depending on your type
and the Projects that are filmed in your area.

5). Do Not drink Alcohol or take Recreational Drugs within 48 hours of your photo shot

6). Bring the least amount of jewelry that you can, Keep what you bring small

7). Wear the least makeup that you can (Especially if you have a hair/makeup person) bring your own makeup so you are sure your best shades are there for use. If you are not using a hair/makeup person arrive Camera ready but still Wear the least makeup that you can.

8). Men if you want rougher shots Beard, Mustache, goatee, 3 day beard ETc make sure the photographer knows this and allows time for you to shave. Do not forget your shaving kit. Be careful - you do not want nicks or cuts in the rest of your photo’s.

Sorry Ladies - you need to take care of any Mustaches as well - it is not a “look” you want on Film.

9). Try not to wear Sunglasses the day of the shoot - they leave marks on your face and today’s cameras catch everything

10) Get plenty of sleep the night before the Photoshoot
11). Eat your normal meals the day of the photoshoot

12) Smile with our eyes during the Photoshoot

How do I get my Perfect Headshot?? Part 1 http://www.dragonukconnects.com/forum_topic.php?forum_id=51&topic_id=530

How to Get a Great Headshot – Joe Henson
http://www.dragonukconnects.com/forum_topic.php?forum_id=21&topic_id=114
http://www.joehenson.com

How to Get the Best Kid Headshots Ever! Bonnie Johnson Photography
http://www.dragonukconnects.com/forum_topic.php?forum_id=21&topic_id=527

What to Wear Bonnie Johnson Photography
http://bonniejohnsonphotography.com/?pageID=875999

The Importance of Choosing the Right Promo Picture Sean Pratt
http://www.dragonukconnects.com/forum_topic.php?forum_id=21&topic_id=284
http://acting.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-importance-of-choosing-the-right-promo-picture