If you’re reading this you’ve come to the point where you know you need a headshot. You know the value of a headshot and have an idea of what makes a headshot great, now you just need a few tips from the professionals. We all look at things differently. Photographers tend to be critical of the technical aspects of a photo. A makeup artist wants to see her work shine in a photo the way it does in real life. A casting director wants to see a compelling headshot that stands out from the pack. Today, we’re rounding up headshot tips from the pros including headshot photographers, hair and makeup artists, acting coaches and casting directors.

Photographer Headshot Tips – Evaluating a Photographer for Headshots

1. 1. Find a Headshot Specialist – Yes, I am a headshot photographer, but this isn’t a veiled pitch because unless you’re in Las Vegas, I can’t really do anything for you. So I’m not here to sell you anything. My advice might be a little biased but I truly would advise you to find someone who specializes in headshots. There’s a lot of different areas of photography, but you want someone who lives and breathes headshots and portraiture. Can any photographer, or any person with a DSLR for that matter, take an okay headshot? Maybe. But you want someone who can shoot with consistency, who stands by his work and will work with you to get the perfect headshot. Headshot photographers know how to bring out expression, even for the people who think they’re not photogenic. They’ll coach you on how to pose, they know the right angles to shoot from, they’re well versed with studio lighting, a good headshot photographer will bring the best out of you. Some of the best like David Noles or Peter Hurley charge over $1000 which might seem steep – but I consider it an investment for your personal or professional career. And a great headshot can be your profile photo across social media for the next few years! Headshot photography is an art in an of itself, it takes a day to learn and a lifetime to master.
   2. Don’t be afraid to tell the photographer what you like – There’s a difference between professional headshots and actor’s headshots. If you’re going for a particular look, as you’re going through a photographers portfolio and you see a few headshots you love, ask him/her how a particular headshot was lit and he can replicate that lighting for your session. You can also take a look through Google, Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration for a good headshot.

What to Wear for your Headshot Session

1. 3. Stand the test of time – You’re going for timeless, so follow the old adage of KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly). So no Ed Hardy T-Shirt or anything with a logo for that matter. And make sure to come with your clothes clean and pressed (and it’s always good to bring additional outfits). Though be aware of how long your session is, for short (<30 minute sessions), I would only recommend a top change. For my Mini packages (30 mins), I usually shoot on two different backgrounds, which just leaves a few minutes per background per outfit.
   4. What colors work best for headshots? – I’d say it depends on the background so bring a few options. Personally, I love darker colors, even on a dark background, because it allows people to focus on your face. If you’re feeling bold, you can try rich colors. Think neutral jewel colors, such as chocolate, emerald green, sapphire blue, etc. If you’re feeling a little more bold, you can try a ruby red or a citrine yellow. If you’re also going to be doing full body, black is a safe option – and it’s well known to be slimming. Here are some examples from my clients:

1. 

   Actress/Modeling Headshot

   

   Actor’s Headshot

   

   Gina McClain’s Headshot Photo

   5. What outfits should I bring for headshots? Again, Keep It Simple, Silly. Actors you don’t want any crazy patterns, but a nice knit sweater can bring textural interest to your headshot. For actors, I would avoid a suit. But for a editorial or business headshot, I’d highly recommend it, here are a few examples of mine:

A headshot doesn’t have to be head and shoulders, there are many different types of headshots.

6. A modest neckline brings attention to your face – See from the above photos of the women that a modest neckline works really well, it lengthens the neck and shows off your décolleté. For women, like with the above photo of Gina McClain, a jacket paired with a collarless shirt looks really good. And notice the violet in her shirt matches the subtle violet speckles in the background.

Makeup Tips for Headshots

7. What look do you want to bring to the table? Headshots are traditionally used for actors, but with the advent of social media everyone needs a good headshot. For actors, you’ll want more of a natural look with makeup because casting directors want an accurate depiction of what you look like. For an artist’s headshot, fashion and beauty portraits (and everything else for that matter), you can be a little more aggressive creating different looks.

Regardless of your profession, Caitlin Callahan, a Senior Makeup Artist at Mac Cosmetics offers the following advice on how to do makeup for headshots:

8. Use natural shades
9. Avoid powder which can create a cakey look, instead opt for a liquid base.
10. Prep your skin a week in advance. Exfoliate, get a facial, etc. Photographers do have a powerful tool in Photoshop, but you shouldn’t rely on it.
11. Less is more. For me, I find that less is more and that’s why I prefer to work with my makeup artist. And that isn’t atypical, many renowned headshot photographers require that you shoot with their makeup artist that they’ve often worked with for years. For a photographer, consistency is important and a talented makeup artist plays a huge role in that.

Hair Tips for Headshots

12. Control the Frizz – Hair and makeup artist Andrea Marie Ortega recommends that the most important thing for your hair is controlling frizz and fly aways. As a photographer I know that’s some of the toughest stuff to edit on a headshot – and very time consuming to get perfect. Whether you’re a guy or gal, there’s a lot of products that can help with that. For straight or wavy hair, a smooth blowout with moderate volume is “the woman’s version of the man’s red power tie,” according to New York City hairstylist Gregory Patterson.
13. Low shine – For men, we all know when our hair looks best so time your haircut accordingly. And stay away from gels, instead opting for a low shine fiber, pomade, or wax.

Headshot Tips from a Casting Director

14. Many casting directors have moved to the digital age – Kim Williams, a popular casting director whom has helped stars like Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan and Amanda Bynes launch their career, says that, “much of the casting process has moved online, casting directors who once examined 8″ x 10″ printed headshots now scroll through tiny thumbnails instead.” This is why I prefer to shoot super tight, because even with a 8×10 you’ll want to maximize your real estate on that page… even more so with a thumbnail. With a half-length portrait, no one would even see your face on their mobile device. Read more tips from casting director Kim Williams here.
15. Another casting director provided an additional 14 tips here, one that I thought was particularly important:

KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF AND AWAY FROM YOUR FACE

This is really popular with modeling, but it’s a really tough look to pull off in any portrait, much less a headshot. If you’re not an actor and can’t help yourself, take a look through Lindsay Adler’s work, she’s a person that can shoot the look well.

Headshot Tips from an Acting Coach

Matt Newton is a well known acting coach in NYC, and kindly provided his thoughts on tips for better headshots. Most of which we’ve already covered including:

• Don’t go crazy with the makeup
• Keep it simple with the clothing and props, he adds “a simple solid colored shirt with some texture that matches your eyes should do the trick.”
• And of course, finding a professional photographer and how a good one should be able to draw out personality and expression.

16. One tip important to acting was his thoughts on studio vs outdoor lighting:

Natural light vs studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a good well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you. If you want to look like you are on “True Detective,” then go for the outdoor look.

Personally, I would disagree a tad and say that you can get a dramatic look indoors, it’s all about lighting. I do prefer studio light because you have much more control. You can’t control the weather. Though if you do prefer natural light, the best time to shoot is around the “golden hour,” that is the hour after sunrise, or the hour before sunset.

17. It pays to get it done right the first time – I’ve had many people come to me after a poor experience with another photographer, so if there’s a photographer in your area and he/she does really great work, but he’s slightly out of budget – just consider that.

Any other headshot tips? Feel free to chime in on the comments!