Headshot mistakes are easy to avoid if you know them all. Your headshot is your business card. It is the impression that you make before being considered for an audition and getting the part. This is why you need to treat it seriously. Here are some common headshot mistakes I would like to talk about today.

1.You don’t look like you.

Makeup is great. It saves the photographer a lot of time. However, don’t overdo with it. It might sound a little bit rude but if you have a bad skin, take your time before the headshot session and cure your skin instead of putting on tons of foundation. I mean, a professional headshot photographer can fix anything on Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, but why not to look your best. It will also give you more confidence.

2. Retouching Wrinkles.

Another headshot mistake is retouching the wrinkles. If you have wrinkles it does not make sense to ask the photographer to get rid of them as the casting director would not be happy to be tricked by a retouched picture. If you are 60, don’t try to look 20. As the Italian actress Anna Magnani, an Academy Award Winner, once said “Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them”.

“Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them”.

Anna Magnani

3. Distracting Jewelry.

Are you trying to get a part in a jewelry ad? Are they shooting a movie about a jewelry queen? No? So, keep it to minimum. The most shiny part on your headshot have to be your eyes. This is another headshot mistake. Nothing should distract the agents’ and casting directors’ attention. Still wanna wear your jewelry? No problem. Wear earrings. Not too big. Not too heavy as you don’t want your ears to be pulled down.

4. Distracting Background.

Again, the focus has to be on your face. Does the background matter for a headshot? Nope. I mean, yes. It has to be as neutral as possible. You can get a headshot in your backyard as long as it is blurred. If your photographer doesn’t agree to come to your Los Angeles based fancy backyard, listen to your him/her as he/she will choose the most suitable location for your purposes. Another important thing is not to choose a background that has the same color as your hair and/or your shirt. Or, just change your shirt.

5. Selfies.

Yes, I know, these days you can make a movie on your iphone. You can make a headshot. You can do anything on iphone. Does it look professional? Not really. Sorry.  This is another common headshot mistake. I don’t believe people who say they do not have money for a headshot. If you had money to pay for your iphone, you could save some for a great headshot. I hope it does not sound too rude. Any business needs investments. Just invest in headshots as they are the key that will open doors to Hollywood film production. Read more on how to build your brand as an actor.

Inspiration for Actors!

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Thomas A. Edison