Cris opted for getting 3 different looks, to ensure he had a variety to pitch to prospective agencies and casting directors.  Even though he had a nice, albeit straightforward All-American look, we were able to showcase range with a few different looks for his headshots.  Each look was addressed both commercially and theatrically.  Check out how differences in outfits and expression and lighting give visual cues to different roles he might be suited for:

College drama heartthrob, or funny best friend?

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Hip downtown office worker, or shifty racketeer?

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Boy-next-door, or heroic lead?

 As you can see, with variations to clothing choices, facial expressions, and lighting scenarios, one person’s headshot session can incorporate a wide, dynamic range and open up possibilities for getting called for a variety of roles and gigs!

Meet Martina, a young burgeoning Public Relations woman starting her own company. She approached me for photos to help put a face to her services, to help market herself and build a clientele.

Though she had never gotten headshots in the past, she was a natural and brought lots of warm personality. She asked to have some fuller-bodied and 3/4 shots, and I was happy to accommodate that as well. I want to point out, too, that she had her hair and makeup professionally done. This made a huge impact on how her images came out, and she looks much more professional and put-together.

I’ve decided to addendum my earlier post on Getting Great Headshots to address further details pertaining to the types of headshots you should be going for.
Here I’m going to discuss differences between commercial and theatrical headshots, and the types of roles they’re geared toward.

First, you should have a clear idea about the markets in which you want to work, and strive for headshots that cater to those markets. Are you looking for TV commercial spots or print ads?  Then you need commercial headshots.  Are you the successful office worker? The all-American suburban mom?  Bobby Blue-collar?  One or more of these types should be suggestible in a commercial headshot.  Take a look at the lead-in photo above.  The model is flashing a gorgeous smile, sparkle in her eyes, and a pink sweater for that extra “pop.”  She could probably sell most anything from toothpaste to car insurance.

Bear in mind commercial headshots should have a generally broad, national appeal.  They shouldn’t be too edgy, sexy, or in-your-face.  It has to appeal to a wide spectrum of roles and markets, to ensure your accessibility to all of them.

But how about film, TV shows, and theater roles?  Those call for a theatrical headshot.  A theatrical headshot — also sometimes referred to as a “legit” shot — defines the character and qualities that a person projects.  Are you portraying a flirty seductress love-interest?  Or the trustworthy best friend?  Do you work best as a specific type, like the edgy bad boy, or something more general, like the next-door romantic lead?  Are you a complex jazz musician?  A quirky comic??  The theatrical headshot is mainly to convey nuances that show you’re the best fit for a specific role.  You’re more likely to land gigs when casting directors or potential clients don’t have to stretch their imaginations that you’ll fit the part.

Theatrical (Legit) Headshot

Take a look at the above theatrical headshot.  The expression, location, lighting, angle, colors, and wardrobe all combine cohesively to suggest a cool, edgy, urban role.  Something you might expect from the CSI franchise, college drama series, or similar.

As a general rule, it is best to showcase both with every look, but of course certain looks can lend themselves to being one or the other.  But most importantly, make sure you find a photographer that is able to successfully get you the shots that cater to the specific markets you are after.

Feel free to take a look at my headshot gallery to see the range of commercial and theatrical headshots I can provide!

As I’ve been getting an influx of people emailing me in regards to having their headshots taken, I thought I’d post this as a sort or catch-all to field questions and clear up any ambiguity of what makes for a great headshot, and how to get them.

Q: What makes a headshot exactly?

There are all kinds of opinions on what defines a headshot, and indeed there are several different categories of headshots, but it’s important to know that there are industry requirements detailing what comprises an acceptable headshot.

First, a headshot is more than just a head-and-shoulders shot. There are certain characteristics of style that are accepted by the professional community, and you should hire a photographer that knows what that style is, and shoots accordingly. Most importantly, a headshot is in many ways your calling card.  It’s what conveys your first impression.  It needs to accurately portray what you look like, while painting you in your best light — without being overly glamorous or stylized.

An important description for an effective headshot would be “engaging.” Your headshot needs to engage the viewer, and shed light onto your personality and charisma. It needs to say a lot about who you are in addition to what you look like — or at the very least, entice the viewer into learning more about you — because in essence this is the photo with which you are marketing yourself.

Q: What kinds of headshots are there?

There are subtle variations of headshots, depending on their intended market. But they all involve similar rules and characteristics.

The two main categories are “commercial” and “theatrical.” Commercial headshots are precisely that: headshots for commercial purposes. These are for people looking to be cast in dish detergent ads, cell phone television spots, and even comedic roles.  Commercial headshots are geared for both print and television. Theatrical shots, on the other hand, are geared more for film and, well, theatrical jobs.  These shots need to look a little more clean, professional, and serious.  These are the shots that land you longer-term jobs, so it’s best to convey the notion that you’re smart, able, and most importantly, reliable!

The main differences between “commercial” and “theatrical” often involve clothing choices (warm, vibrant colors are best for commercial shots), as well as posing and expression.  A commercial shot will be upbeat, and more inviting with smiles, whereas a theatrical shot will show poise, seriousness, and capability.

*Edit* Since writing this post, I’ve gone into a little more detail discussing the differences between commercial vs theatrical headshots here.

There are also various styles of headshots, depending on their intended market:  Actor headshots, mostly to showcase what one might look like for a closeup or intended roles;  model headshots, which can showcase a little more of the body-type;  beauty or glamour headshots, which focus more on hair, makeup, lips and skin;  corporate headshots, which help sell a business or profession; etc etc

Q: Are headshots best done black and white, or color?

Ten years ago and earlier, having headshots printed in color cost several times as much as having them printed in black and white, so naturally b&w headshots were the norm. However, since the advent of digital reproduction, color prints are easy and cost-effective, and therefore have become standard.

Besides, it’s important to showcase how sapphire blue your eyes are or how copper-red your hair is!

Q: What should I wear?

Your wardrobe should supplement the feel and nuance of your character, but shouldn’t distract completely.  Patterns and flashy neon colors are often a big no-no, as they can easily draw attention from your face.  Solid jewel colors work best, as long as they complement your eye/hair color, as well as your complexion.  Sometimes layers are a nice way to add dimensionality.  I always suggest my clients bring a small duffel bag of their favorite wears.  If you feel good wearing it, you’ll probably look good wearing it, too.

Q: What about hair/makeup?

Hair and makeup are of course optional, but can potentially make or break a headshot.
As mentioned earlier, you don’t want to over-glamorize yourself, but you definitely want to look like you on a “good hair day.” Finding a stylist who knows how to give you a “clean” look can make you your best, but you’ll still look like you for auditions and meets with clients.  Beauty headshots, naturally, can be the exception to this rule.  But even still, restraint must be practiced.  Not all hair/makeup stylings are the same, so you must accurately showcase what you have to work with as a blank canvas.

For sessions with me, you can feel welcome to book your own stylist, but I have several on retainer that I can book for you, if needed.  As I mentioned, this is completely optional, but a very wise investment.

Feel free to take a look at my headshot gallery to see the quality and range of headshots I provide!
If you’d like to book me for your headshots, take a moment to Contact Me.

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