The Complete Guide to Headshot Prints
Though the need for headshot prints have diminished in a digital age, they’re still recommended and often required by many casting directors, hiring managers, agencies, etc. With that being said, the first thing you’ll actually need are headshots. I shoot headshots in Las Vegas, and the first thing you need to know when looking for a photographer is if you have the license for prints. You see, any artist always owns the work he creates, even if someone pays for it. The artist, in turn, grants a license to the client. Me personally, I basically offer a license where you’re free to do what you want, all I ask is that I can use the photos for marketing on my website, portfolio, social media, etc. Unfortunately, most photographers don’t do that, because they want to make more money with an extended license or offering their printing services.
You might be wondering, “I already have the pictures… How is he going to know if I have them printed?” Typically, the photos will be delivered in a lower resolution meant for the web, because all you need is about 2MP because that’s what a 1080p screen can output, and/or they’ll be delivered at lower DPI (a metric for printing). So the most important part is finding a good photographer, one who can capture a great headshot and that offers a license for prints.
Commercial Free Las Vegas Stock Photos
I am providing the following images under a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution License, which allows you to use any of the following images (even commercially) so as long provide a link to the photographer (JaySoriano.com).
Red Rock 4th of July Fireworks – Las Vegas, NV
7 Celebrity Headshot Photographers to Draw Inspiration From
Whether you’re a photographer, or perhaps an actor looking for inspiration, I’m going to go through a list of my favorite celebrity headshot photographers. We’ve seen the science behind what makes a good headshot, now let’s talk about who are some of the best at shooting them.
Now, I won’t be sharing any of their copyrighted photos, thus I do encourage that you click over to their website and check out there portfolio. Without further ado, let’s jump into the list (in no particular order):
#1 – Michael Jordan Smith: Los Angeles Celebrity, Beauty and Headshot Photographer
As a portrait and headshot photographer, I draw inspiration from a lot photographers that have come before me. And I’ll start with Matthew Jordan Smith who I happened to catch on an episode of The Grid: