25 Jul Actor’s headshots in Oakland, CA
Gone are the days when professional headshots were used almost exclusively by company executives and actors. Almost everyone needs a professional headshot today. That said, there are few professions for which a professional headshot is more necessary than for an actor. It is essential for actors to engage the services of a professional photographer to promote their talents and career. Whether your headshot is used on a social media platform or in your acting portfolio, you have a vested interest in looking your best. The easiest way to look your best is through the lens of a professional headshot photographer. Every Oakland actor needs a professional headshot. Shellee Fisher Photography & Design is your best photographer choice for your professional actor headshot.
Contact Shellee Fisher View Gallery
Why Oakland actors need a professional headshot
Investing in a high-quality, professionally taken headshot is an investment in you and your profession. It shows you at your best, which is how you want casting directors to see you. To make sure your headshot captures a high quality image that conveys a message about you and your talent, it is critically important to select a well-qualified photographer for your professional headshot. Amateur photography can produce a photograph that barely resembles what you look like in person and often does little to capture you at your best. A professional photographer that specializes in headshots for Oakland actors knows how to position you for the photograph, how to choose the best backdrop, how to use lighting to get the best shot possible, and how to edit the photograph to make you look your professional best.
In that social media has taken on such a significant role in how we promote ourselves, our business, or our brands, having a professional headshot for every Oakland actor is an absolute must. Since you have the ability to use a professional headshot as your profile image on most social media platforms, you have a genuine opportunity to market yourself to a broad audience. Your internet presence, coupled with the more traditional uses of headshots (acting portfolio), means that a lot of people are going to see your photograph. You have every reason to look your best.
Make your first impression count with a professional headshot. As an actor or model, having a polished professional image speaks volumes about both you and your talents. Look to Shellee Fisher Photography & Design as your actor headshot photographer of choice in Oakland.
Professional headshots are important for Oakland actors
Acting headshots are one of the key marketing tools for aspiring thespians. It’s important to have a set of professional headshots done the minute you decide to pursue acting and start applying on casting websites. Your acting headshot will be the first thing a casting director will look at when going through submissions. If the headshot catches the casting director’s attention, you’ve already passed the first test. Choosing the right photographer for your acting headshot is critical for every Oakland actor.
An acting headshot, or simply “headshot”, is a photograph of a person/actor from the chest up, with the focus on their head. In the acting business, a headshot is usually a high quality photograph taken by a professional photographer, which is not the same as your usual snapshot.
So why are professional headshots so important for actors
A headshot is essentially an actor’s brand. Therefore, the actor is responsible for promoting the image behind the brand. That’s why choosing the right photographer makes all the difference in the world for every Oakland actor. Your photographer is an expert at their craft – they have the right equipment, understand composition and lighting, know how to “shoot” the subject and are skilled at post-production editing. It is your photographer’s job to make you look great.
An actor requires a professional headshot
Your success as an actor in Oakland depends upon your image as much as it does your acting experience. As with any professional, competition between actors for roles is fierce. Oakland actors need to give themselves a competitive advantage by selecting the best photographer for their acting headshot. If you want a chance to land your dream role, you want to make sure your image is polished by utilizing the services of a professional photographer for your acting headshot.
It’s the age of social media and networking
It’s no surprise that, in today’s world, social media is the go-to source for connecting with others for personal and business purposes. You certainly need to look your professional best for your LinkedIn profile as well as for your acting portfolio if you are sincere about marketing your talents. A professional headshot lets people know you are committed to your craft and the work you do.
Oakland actors use professional headshots to advance their careers
One of the first steps an actor takes before going on auditions is getting headshots. When you get professional actor headshots in Oakland, you will be able to leave those headshots with casting directors for every audition you attend. There are many reasons, of course, why actors need professional headshots.
A professional headshot is part of an actor’s resume
No matter the type of job you are interested in, it is necessary to have an updated resume. If you are interested in acting, then your resume should include a professional actor headshot. Appearance plays such a critical role in the casting process, and directors must be able to see what each candidate looks like in order to find the best fit for each role. Actors typically attach their resumes and contact information back-to-back on their headshots
A professional headshot leaves a first and lasting impression
Casting directors see a lot of faces when they are trying to find actors for specific roles. Even if you do a great job during an audition, it can be difficult for a casting director to remember you at the end of the day. Luckily, actor headshots help casting directors remember their favorite actors, allowing them to cast each role perfectly.
Actors are pros at taking headshots which helps them become camera-ready
Actors need to feel comfortable in front of the camera if they want to succeed in the industry. If you want to enter this industry, it is a good idea to get as much time in front of cameras as possible. When you schedule an appointment with a professional headshot photographer, you will be able to gain more experience while working with someone who is expert at their craft.
Headshots serves as an actor’s canvas
When you are acting, you are portraying a totally different person. When you take professional headshots, you are only portraying yourself. Actor headshots should show off your looks in the most flattering way possible. By providing casting directors with these pictures, you make it easier for them to see you and determine whether or not you are a good fit for a certain role.
How to prepare for your professional headshot
There are many things to consider when preparing for your professional headshot. You will want to give some thought to everything from hair and makeup to posture and pose in advance of meeting with your photographer for your professional headshot. The most important tip is to relax and have fun with your photographer.
Think about what you are going to wear
After someone has booked their headshot session, one of the first things they ask about is wardrobe. So what is the right way for an actor to approach clothing for their Oakland headshots?
- Consider your character type
This is the most important consideration. You really want to be certain your wardrobe choices complement your character type. Knowing your market is key to getting a successful headshot. For example, what is the age range of the characters you intend to play? Will you be auditioning for roles with blue-collar or upper-class characters? Are you playing sexy roles or are you more of the girl/boy next door? Watch the characters you would play on TV or film and take note of their wardrobe as inspiration. - Do not wear costumes
Getting too specific with wardrobe can be limiting. For instance, you can imply doctor without wearing a white coat and a stethoscope in your headshot. Selecting a sports jacket and a nice shirt without a tie, for example, could be just as effective. Keeping your wardrobe choices simple enhances the versatility of the outfit. There are, of course, exceptions based on the specificity of the a particular role. Unless your headshot will be used in your pursuit of one specific role, it’s best to make wardrobe decisions that are versatile. - Your headshot is not a stroll down the runway
Of course you want to look your best, but you needn’t wear a trendy couture gown that makes you look like you belong on the runway. Instead, look for clothing that compliments your body type. For the most part, avoid ruffles, logos, and busy patterns; they are all distracting for a headshot. It’s okay to use subtle patterns to add some quirkiness or character to your headshot. Your wardrobe should highlight your personality, not scream over it. - Capture your personality but don’t be too eccentric
Again, you don’t want to be limiting. In commercials, film and on television, you will find relatable characters. You don’t want to make outfit selections that are so unique it renders your look completely unrelatable. Your agents and casting directors may love your spirit and energy but not know what to do with your look. There are always ways to show your unique personality, without your wardrobe screaming, “Look at me and how different I am!” - Bring options
Don’t just bring multiple color variations of the same shirt to your headshot session. For each wardrobe change that you do, bring two or three options. Each wardrobe change should tell a different story, otherwise, you have wasted your money on multiple shots that look the same except for the color of your shirt. Your photographer will collaborate with you to make selections that advance your marketing objectives.
Shiny skin
A professional photographer will likely be using artificial lighting for your headshot. One of the downsides of studio lighting is that it will often make your skin look shiny or greasy. While some of that can be addressed through editing, you will want to take some steps to minimize how shiny your skin appears. Whether it is using a little concealer or foundation or simply patting your face dry, do what you can to make sure your face is looking its best. And be well rested!
Your hair
Photoshopping hair can be difficult, so you will want to show up for your headshot looking like you just stepped out of the salon.
Makeup
As with all decisions for your headshot, less tends to be more. You want the image to be a high quality representation of your professional self.
Glasses
It is up to you whether or not you wear glasses for your headshot. While wearing glasses can create a glare, it’s probably wise to wear them if most people see you in glasses. If you wear your glasses sparingly, you may want to consider not wearing them. You should do what most accurately reflects you professionally.
If you decide to wear your glasses, there are a couple of things that are really worth doing. First, make sure your glasses are good and clean and free of any smudges. Make sure your glasses have a good fit snug for your shot; you don’t want the glasses sliding down the bridge of your nose and covering, at least in part, your eyes from a clear view.
Your best side
It is important to share information with your photographer. If you have a “best side”, let your photographer know. If there is a particular feature you would not like emphasized in the shot, it’s best to communicate that to your photographer as well.
Relax
Have faith in your photographer and trust in their expertise for your headshot. Many clients come in nervously and need a little time to relax. Practice your best relaxation techniques so that you appear natural in your headshot.
Smile
Smiling can be a tricky proposition for some people. Trust me, it is easier than you think. The most important thing is for your smile not to look fake which is why it is best to relax. It helps to think of something funny that will bring out your genuine and natural smile. There are, however, decisions to be made: do you smile with your lips open or closed? Or do you avoid smiling altogether. Ask your photographer what they think suits you best. You can always select your headshot from a few options after reviewing with family and friends.
Don’t forget to look in the mirror
Lastly, don’t forget to look at yourself in the mirror before meeting with Shellee. So just give yourself the once over to make sure that you’re happy with the way you look – your hair looks good, your jewelry is properly positioned, your tie is straight, your lipstick is smudge-free, and, of course, there is no food in between your teeth. Then it’s time to turn everything over to the trusted hands of your photographer.