HELP! HOW DO I HEADSHOT?!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably just starting (or maybe returning to) your journey as an actor- congrats! You’ve probably heard that headshots are pretty important, and you’ve made the right choice in considering this investment in your new endeavor. I sure hope you choose to shoot with me, but before you book your session, please read below. First,

  • A picture of your face, from waist, ideally chest up.

    Your primary marketing tool in this highly competitive industry and

    A significant, worthwhile investment in your career. It should be

    Accurate, compelling, authentic, versatile, (for theatre), super specific (for on-camera work), and if done well, it is

    Going to help you be taken seriously as an actor, look professional, and get you called in for more and better acting work.

  • Going to make you a better actor.

    A deception, trick, lie, or misrepresentation.

    A “glamour shot” or otherwise unrealistic version of yourself

    Something you should try and cut corners on, but also, not

    Something you should go deeply into debt to get.

  • Light and pose you in flattering and compelling ways,

    Coach and direct you to be relaxed and present on camera,

    Use visual and expressive tools to tell a story through the images we’ll create together,

    Provide loose guidance and advice regarding outfit choices, types, accessories, and hair and makeup

    Use my extensive knowledge of theatre and acting, particularly in New England, to advise and offer potential actionable steps towards auditioning and training locally, and

    Create a welcoming and comfortable environment in my studios so you can create your best work.

  • Make you a better/more successful actor,

    Decide every aspect of your shoot,

    Make definitive, completely correct choices about your types, looks, hair and makeup,

    Give you an acting career, or

    Produce photos which are misrepresentations of your authentic, realistic look.

A headshot is a laptop. A headshot is a hammer. A headshot is a tool for booking work as an actor, and should be approached with the same level of pragmatism and curiosity one would have when purchasing any other tool. It’s OK to get nervous and excited about having this shiny new gadget in your workbench, but ultimately, for a working actor, a headshot is as “everyday” a purchase as a good brush is to a painter.

I am not a magician (I wish!). I am not a career coach, acting teacher, or guru. I do not have all the answers, but I have some advice. I sometimes make magic with my camera, but I need your help to do it.

If you choose to book a session with me, please remember that this process is a collaboration. There are mountains of free information and content about how to take a great headshot, here, and elsewhere online. Please use them- I can do a LOT in our time together, but I can’t do everything.

When I hear a client say “I trust you”, I don’t actually find it flattering, I find it a little daunting. I’m so honored to have your trust, and am happy to be one of many sources of advice, but I should not be the only person making the decision of how you should be typed, what you should wear, and where you should be auditioning.

OK! BUT WHAT DO I DO…?

First, check out my FAQ.

Then, set up a free phone call with me. You won’t regret chatting before you book.

Then, ask about booking your session, we’ll go from there.

I REALLY AM NOT READY TO EMAIL OR CALL YOU, JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

Fine.

  • Please, use the money you would have spent on headshots to take acting classes, and come back when you’ve gotten some actionable feedback and advice from people in the industry who can cast you. I’m serious. You’ll do just fine starting off with a decent selfie, and when you’re ready to level up we’ll get you there. If you don't want to take classes, just start going to open casting calls, especially for background work. Once you have a few auditions and/or roles under your belt, you'll be ready to take the next step with some real headshots.

    (don’t go get really cheap headshots, though, save your pennies and use a well-lit selfie until you’re ready to shoot with a dedicated pro in a major market.)

  • Spend some of that money on acting classes/workshops ASAP!

    If you’re camera-shy and/or like the idea of a more relaxed session, ask me about our longer session option.

    If you love being photographed or really just want to get this over with, ask about our shorter session.

    I also highly recommend adding the pre and/or post-shoot consultation!

  • Please reach out to me and I'll send you some options. It depends on the person and their needs- I'll be happy to help!

Thank you for reading this far, and for your interest in working together. I really, really want you to book with me, but I would far rather you choose the right session and shoot at the right time with the right person than pin all of your hopes and dreams on an expensive tool before you’re ready. No matter what, I can’t wait to see you in the studio when the time comes!