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Category: Headshot Tips

Seda Stepanyan
February 19, 2019
5 Headshot Mistakes

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
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Seda Stepanyan
February 5, 2019
Headshot Wardrobe: Dos and Don'ts

How to break into the Hollywood movie industry? Take acting classes, move to Los Angeles, get an agent, etc. But most importantly get a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles! Firstly, you need to know the dos and don’ts of headshot wardrobe to look as professional as possible. Not everyone knows what agents and casting directors want to see, or what kind of headshot looks can capture casting directors’ attention.

Here are some dos and don’ts I have written down to help my clients, especially the emerging actors to look their best for the headshot.

Dos.

  • Wear comfortable clothes that make you feel awesome.
  • Press your clothes to give them a new look.
  • Bring specific clothing to create various characters.
  • Bring glasses.
  • Black is often a good option.
  • Wear darker clothes to attract more attention to your face and eyes.
  • Solid colors are perfect.
  • Wear blue to accentuate your blue eyes, green for green, turquoise for hazel.
  • A suit or jacket is an excellent choice for men wishing to look more professional.
  • Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts are the inseparable part of the headshot wardrobe.
  • Bring a variety of shirts or blouses with various necklines to see what works for the shape of your face. Trust your photographer with this.
  • Have a few extra outfits so the photographer can choose what looks right on you at the shoot.
  • Create a unique personality but don’t be too eccentric. Too much uniqueness might be impressive however the agents and casting directors may not know what to do with you.

Note: Headshot wardrobe change is not just a different shirt of a different color. It should create a new character.

headshot wardrobe

Don’ts

  • Don’t overdress.
  • Large logos are a big “No”.
  • No glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, sequins.
  • No white shirts unless you wear them underneath something.
  • Avoid red as a dominant color.
  • Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes. They are distracting in a headshot.
  • Don’t wear turtlenecks as they crowd the face.

My valuable advice that will help you save money.

Finances should not stand on your way to look your best for the session. Faded, wrinkled clothing with stains and holes can indicate that you do not take yourself, your headshots, your photographer or your career seriously. So, what to do? Buy and return. Most stores have a 30-day return policy.

If you want more information on how to get ready for the headshot session, and for a photoshoot in general, click here. Besides, search for useful videos in headshot wardrobe on youtube. Read more about 2020 Photography Trends in our blog.

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Seda Stepanyan
January 29, 2019
5 Headshot Tips by LA Headshot Photographer

Tip 1: Headshots should show your personality

How would you show up for an audition? If you know the answer then you should look exactly like that. Your photo has to show your personality. Here are some headshot tips by a Los Angeles headshot photographer. Don’t wear too much makeup and don’t overdo your hair. Actually, listen to the photographer advice on hair and makeup artist. Headshot photographers usually have the HMUA who they trust and prefer to work with. Tell your intentions and expectations to the photographer. It is important to discuss what kind of look you want beforehand.

Tip 2: Flawless skin

The second headshot tip is to try to show up with flawless skin. Try at least, please. Get ready for the headshot a week before. Drink plenty of water, take your vitamins, skip alcohol, cigarettes, drugs. Protect your skin from sunlight. Use sunscreen or just avoid direct sunlight. If it’s cold or cloudy outside, though it does not often happen in Los Angeles, sunlight still damages your skin. Remember to moisturize your skin. Read more on how to get your skin ready for the headshot session.

Tip 3: Healthy diet

Sweet, salty and fried food are not recommended. In two words maintain a healthy diet that includes: antioxidants (wild blueberries, strawberry, plums, dark green veggies), vitamin C (citrus fruits and berries), healthy fats (like olive oil), omega-3s (walnuts, chia seed, spinach and salmon). After you are done with this article follow this link for more information on 22 dermatologist-approved foods for better skin.

Tip 4: Sleep well

Get at least an 8-hour sleep. It’s free. Just get enough sleep and you will need less makeup, and your skin will look perfect. This tip is not only for just this headshot session. Try to get into habit of getting a good night sleep. Here are my tips to help actors survive long work days.

Tip 5: Avoid Stress!

Actors, agents, casting directors, photographers and everybody else know that auditions and acting itself are stressful. However, to look your best, try to avoid stress before the headshot session. Besides, it’s good for your health. Again, it’s a lifetime tip.

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