You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pulse of New York City, the heartbeat of the film, theater, and TV world that thrums beneath your feet. It’s electric, it’s exhilarating… and, if you’re an actor, it’s where you need to be seen and recognized. But before you step onto the stage or in front of a camera, there’s a smaller frame you must conquer first – the headshot.
But not just any headshot. As an actor, what you really need is a headshot that showcases your versatility, your character range, and, let’s face it, your unique charisma. This is where the age-old question arises: how many looks do you need to capture the essence of your artistry? Let’s dive in, as I – a seasoned actor and a leading headshot photographer in New York – guide you through the clicks and contrasts of crafting your visual resume.
The 5 Looks and maybe a 6th.
As you know, I also read at Actor’s Connection where I am in front of Casting Directors, Agents and Managers each and every week. And one Casting Director said today’s actor needs 5 looks…and maybe a 6th.
Now as you read these, some of these can be combined. Some can be reached with the same outfit but different essence you give to the camera. So, yes, there is a gray line.
Theatrical Look
This is your standard headshot that is toned down, neutral tones, no jewelry, no added details. These are the shots you would see back in the 90s and before color photos as well as digital photos. It’s almost like you dressed down, a solid color t-shirt, no frills, just you! This can be smiling or not.
Procedural Look
Living in NYC where procedurals are booming, it would be a mistake to leave your headshot session without a procedural shot. Shows like Law and Order are always in need of new actors and you’re the next one on their show with your new headshot.
Think of who you would be on these shows. The cop? Nurse? Lawyer? The suspect? There’s endless characters on these shows but this shot is toned down, netural, and more raw.
You have to go beyond that though. Are you the good cop? A corrupt cop? A chip on their shoulder lawyer? The needy friend? See where I’m going? You answer these questions, and your shots will shine even more. Plus it allows the photographer to know how to shoot you and that goes for all looks.
Most likely you’re not smiling in this shot.
Commercial Look
Hey! Show your pearly white teeth and give your stereotypical self to the shot. And if you don’t have teeth, don’t worry! Commercial land needs you too! You have to give an essence of charm and warmth.
As you watch commercials take note, how many are in a bad mood? Yelling? Not nice? …not smiling? Not many. That’s because advertisers want happiness and warmth with their products.
Yes, there are few you can pick out that are the opposite. But that was done to break the rule to get the consumer to remember the product.
In commercial land, you have a split second to establish who you are. There’s no arc to the character which is why you’re selling your stereotypical self. If you give off the girl next door but your personality is the opposite of that, don’t fight it. People watching you on tv don’t know you and all you have to do is sell a burger for a :30 spot while acting as the girl next door and make good money in the meantime.
This shot is vibrant, colorful and happy. It can also be combined with a musical shot or comedy shot.
Suburban Look
This is a lower tier shot for me, because most of the time we can capture this in one on the previous looks. However, not always.
For instance, a gentleman that is the strict upper class lawyer in a procedural shot and perhaps gives that off in the theatrical shot, here is his chance to show a lighter side, that’s not in commercial land!, perhaps the dad with the white picket fence, or the high school coach who never made it as an athlete.
This can be a versatile shot so it could be neutral or vibrant; it just depends on what you’re going for.
The NY Look
Remember when I said an actress could give off being the girl next door and she’s like “damnit! That’s not me!” This is your chance to show who you really are. I mean, on a Tuesday if I’m walking down the street in NYC and you pass me, what would you be wearing? How would I see you going out with friends? That’s the you we want. That is the you that is unique.
Again this could be shot neutral or vibrant it all depends.
Optional 6th Look: The High School Look
For those who are young enough or could look young enough, make sure you have a shot that captures your youth. Many actors are always trying to go for older!
This shot is more playful. And again, you might already have this look in the previous shots.
Don’t Get Too Specific!
Yes, I know I’m saying to get specific with your work and your looks, but get yourself into a ballpark of a character. Not a specific section of a ballpark and definitely not a specific seat of a section of a ballpark.
In other words, if you’re coming to shoot a look of you as a cop. Don’t wear a cop outfit. Don’t have a badge. No need for any frills. Because yes, you can play the detective, bu that look will probably say you can play the doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.
Get Specific!
Now that I said don’t get too specific, make sure you still are specific, so if you are the detective, are you the good detective? Are you good at your job? Have you seen it all, veteran detective? Been through it? The young, naive, excited detective? The one with a chip on their shoulder? Can you see how all these detectives are detectives but are different?
Then ask yourself, what show am I on? There’s a difference between a detective on The Sopranos to …let’s say Modern Family…to Game of Thrones…or The Bear. Can you see the work you have to do? Really it comes down to: is it a drama? How dark? Is it a comedy? How broad?
Why SoVane Photography is Your Go-To for the Best Headshots
Now that you know the ‘what’, let’s talk about the ‘who’. Why choose me as your headshot photographer in New York? As an actor myself, I’ve been on both sides of the lens. I know the subtle nuances that can make or break a headshot. At SoVane Photography, we craft headshots that don’t just capture looks – they capture potential. Potential for the role, potential for the character, and potential for your career.
The best actor headshot photographer isn’t just about snapping a good picture. It’s understanding the role, the industry, and most of all, understanding you. That’s my promise to you – headshots that are as dynamic and multifaceted as your talent.
Book Your Headshot Session Now
It’s time to make your mark in the city that never sleeps. It’s time to be seen. So, if you’re ready to take your acting career to the next level with high-quality headshots at reasonable prices, let’s get those looks locked down. Book a session with me at SoVane Photography today, and let’s create the headshots that will open doors and spotlight your talent on New York’s grand stage.
Conclusion
Whether you’re fresh off the bus aiming for Broadway or a seasoned actor eyeing the next big TV series, your headshots are your heralds. With SoVane Photography, you’ll get the best headshot photographer for actors in New York, and you’ll leave with a portfolio of looks that not only reveal your range but also your readiness to take on the acting world. Remember, your talent deserves the spotlight; let’s capture it, one look at a time.