The actor headshot is the first thing that a casting director will look at. It presents the best opportunity to make a lasting first impression that will either qualify or let you down as an actor. Even with the least of credits on your resume, a headshot can earn someone the life changing call if indeed you fit the role.

To come up with the best headshots on your own, there are several tools that you require. Ranging from cameras to tripod stands and wireless flash controllers, some of these are too expensive and therefore be found in a studio where you will also be treated to a range of sophisticated equipment such as color calibration hardware, computers, and light stands.

With these tools at your disposal, consider the following tips on how to take your own actor headshots (if you are in Toronto)

Concentrate on the eyes

An eye is the window of your soul, therefore aim at sharp and crisp eyes in your headshot. Capture the eyes in a very powerful manner so that the viewer is drawn to the photo with the aim of establishing a very strong connection that will earn you the job as an actor.

Make use of diffused light

If you are taking close-up shots, your skin will be the most central feature. This implies, therefore, that you should capture the skin without showing any blemishes. This is where diffused light comes in because it is used to gently wrap around the skin. This further gives a characteristic definition around the lines of your face without highlighting the blemishes.

Watch the angles

In any close-up shot, the angle has much to do with the final outcome and feel of the headshot. If you are a lady, for instance, the eyes should be made to look bigger and the face more delicate. This is achieved through elevating the camera in such a manner that you are shot down upon. For men, on the other hand, emphasis should be put on strength, therefore ensure you shoot slightly upwards which is the direct opposite of what women should do.

Make good use of the lens

It is a total failure to produce a near-dynamic headshot which has the simple shortcoming of lens distortion. For a close-up shot, try as much as possible to avoid mid and wide-angle lenses. Use a lens which is capable of compressing your image and slimming your face.

Guide expression

For a headshot to be professional and appropriate for an actor, it should meet the purpose for which it is meant. Ensure you pull out the most natural looks no matter what it takes because you are the photographer here, carrying all the permission to manipulate anything. Crack a nice joke in order to give the nice natural smile or converse with someone else in order to pull one of the most thoughtful gazes.

In general, you must be a visionary artist in order to take the best headshots of yourself that will earn you a reputation and finally a job as an actor. Just as you would love a photographer to please you, ensure you know how to take your own actor headshots.

For more information about professional headshot photography, you can check Houmaan Photography that offers exclusive and high-quality headshot photography in Greater Toronto Area.

Taking head shots is normally a special time for people so they want to make sure that they are done correctly and they look their best. Even though the photographer has the responsibility of making sure the shots look great and professional, the individual that takes these shots have a role in this process too. One of which is to make sure that they are prepared to take the shots when they arrive at the studio. Therefore, it is important for the individual to know what to wear for headshots session.

The type of wear that the person needs will depend on the type of picture that they are taking. For instance, when a person takes head shots, the shot may be one of three types, which includes casual and informal, elegant and slightly formal, or unusual clothing. Whatever the case, it is important for the person to do a little research before they arrive.

Casual and informal clothes

Casual and informal clothing is normally not difficult to acquire since these are normally clothing items that people wear every day. For instance, the person may choose to wear a simple shirt or a sweater that they like and believe they would look great in when the picture is taken. It is important, however, to note that people should steer away from wearing tops that have logos and brand names on them, as they are known for drawing the attention away from the head shot. In fact, many professional photographers can attest to this fact because it is the last thing that the individual will want to do. Workout clothing and sweats are normally taken off the list of viable options as well. Following these suggestions can help with making sure the photos look great.

Elegant and slightly formal clothes

Another type of headshot that people will need to prepare for are the shots that classed as elegant and slightly formal. To get ready for this shot, the person should look for a well-tailored shirt to a tailored jacket. These choices are great for head shots that are taken by men. On the other hand, women will need a top that will flatter their figure. This means that women should look in their closets or in a local store for a dressy sweater or a cocktail style top so that they will know what to wear for headshots session.

Unusual Clothing

Sometimes people should carry special types of clothing for specialty shots. This type of clothing depends on what the person is expecting to portray. For instance, if the person is a guitarist, they may select a shirt that makes this kind of statement. Or, they may be taking a picture that shows a specific ethnic group or culture. Which means, the person may need to carry a kimono or sarong with them. Regardless to the situation, it is important for the person to take this into consideration.

Taking special head shots is not something people do every day. However, professional photos are ideal for people who want to preserve certain memories that will last for years to come. Since people like to look their best, they will need to prepare for each type of headshot by researching topics that explain what to wear for headshots session.