What Is A Headshot?

By Darryl Green

  • What Is A Headshot?

     

    headshot is an 8 X 10 (usually black and white, but sometimes color) close-up photograph of a model or actor. The photograph usually covers the actor from his or her head to their shoulders. On the back of the headshot, actors attach their acting resume (similar to a traditional business resume) that contains details about the actors training and experience. Actors use the headshots and resume to obtain acting jobs by submitting it to casting directors and talent agencies.

     

     

    A good headshot should:

    • Closely resemble what the actor looks like in real life. The headshot should accurately depict the actors current weight and hairstyle, for example. That way, there are no surprises. When a casting director sees the actor’s headshot, they know that that is what the actor will look like if called upon.
    • Depict the actor as warm, friendly and interesting.
    • Fit the actor’s type. For example, if an actor is the stereotypical, All-American woman, the actor’s headshot should accentuate that look. This is important for casting purposes, because an actor can get more roles and auditions fit they “type” or category they fall into.
    • Depict the actor in a basic appearance. The actor should not wear excessive makeup or jewelry, or dress in a costume of any sort.

    What Are the Different Options For Headshots?

    After an actor has completed a photo session, they can complete the important task of reproducing the headshots. These headshots can be produced with different finishes: glossy, semi-gloss or matte. They also come with various styles and looks, such as color, black-and-white, with borders and without borders.

    Glossy Finish Headshot

    A glossy finish headshot is one where the front surface of the photograph is shiny. The headshot appears polished and clean and has a modest glow to it.

    Matte Finish Headshot

    A matte finish is a type of finish on a headshot photograph that is not sharp and shiny like that of a glossy finish. Whereas a glossy finish may stand out more, a matte finish is more subdued and flatter. A matte finish may also cost less than a glossy finish.

    Semi-Gloss Finish

    While a glossy finish is shiny and stands out and a matte finish is flat, a semi-gloss finish is one that is moderately flat and glossy. A semi-gloss finish is a cross between a glossy finish and a matte finish headshot.

    Borders

    Actors may want to have their headshots reprinted with white borders on them. That is, their headshots will be in the center of an 8×10 photograph, surrounded by white borders. This style of headshot is usually the more popular version.

    A Bleed

    Often times, actors may want to have no borders around the photograph, allowing the actor’s face to cover the entire 8×10 space. When the image covers the entire space, it is said to “bleed” across the page.

    Color

    Most actors choose to have their headshots done in black-and-white. This is the standard way headshots are done. It is also economical, saving the actor more money than color prints. However, many actors choose to have their headshots done in color, believing that color may help the actor stand out from the crowd and give a more accurate representation of the actor’s appearance.

    Because headshots are essential to an actor’s success, actors should make every effort to have their headshots done well. That’s why, it’s always best to seek advice from a talent agent before investing any money into a headshot.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • How Mark Hamill Got Into Acting

    How Mark Hamill Got Into Acting The journey of a small-town actor who became a pop culture icon. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Mark Hamill in Star Wars) Early Life and the Spark of Acting…

    What is the Senior Age for Cinema?

    What is the Senior Age for Cinema? Exploring the opportunities and challenges for older actors in the world of cinema. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) The Evolving Landscape of Cinema…

    What is the Highest Position in Filmmaking?

    What is the Highest Position in Filmmaking? An exploration of the top roles in the filmmaking industry and the responsibilities that come with them. (By Carmichael Phillip) Understanding the Filmmaking Hierarchy Filmmaking is…

    How Long Do Actors Get Royalties?

    How Long Do Actors Get Royalties? Exploring the timelines and conditions behind royalty payments for actors in the entertainment industry. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Monstera | Pexels) Understanding Royalties in the Entertainment Industry…

    Why Doesn’t Netflix Pay Residuals?

    Why Doesn’t Netflix Pay Residuals? Exploring the controversy behind Netflix’s approach to compensation and residuals for creators. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) The Rise of Streaming Services and the Shift…

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Mark Hamill

    Actor Profile: Mark Hamill Exploring the Life and Legacy of the Legendary Luke Skywalker (By Carmichael Phillip) (Mark Hamill in Star Wars) Mark Hamill is an actor who became a household name due…

    How Long Do Previews Last Before a Movie?

    How Long Do Previews Last Before a Movie? An Exploration of Pre-Movie Previews and Their Impact on the Theater Experience (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Tima Miroshnickenko | Pexels) Previews, or trailers, have become…

    How Much Does Netflix Pay for Each Show?

    How Much Does Netflix Pay for Each Show? An Inside Look at the Financials Behind Netflix’s Original Programming (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash) Netflix is renowned for its vast library of original content,…

  • Ad

  • Who is the Highest Paid Actor on Netflix?

    Who is the Highest Paid Actor on Netflix? Exploring the Top Earning Stars and Their Netflix Deals (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Netflix has transformed the entertainment landscape, providing actors…

    Do Suits Actors Get Royalties on Netflix?

    Do Suits Actors Get Royalties on Netflix? Exploring the Financial Structure of Streaming Rights and Actor Royalties (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash) Streaming platforms like Netflix have revolutionized how we consume television shows….

    What is a Typical Day for a Broadway Actor?

    What is a Typical Day for a Broadway Actor? An inside look into the demanding schedule and vibrant life on Broadway (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Morning Preparations: Early Wake-Up and…

    How do Broadway actors do 8 shows a week?

    How do Broadway actors do 8 shows a week? The physical and mental endurance behind the curtain (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Pitt Rom | Pexels) A Demanding Schedule Like No Other Broadway actors…

    How Macaulay Culkin Got Into Acting

    How Macaulay Culkin Got Into Acting From church plays to global stardom: The unexpected rise of Hollywood’s most iconic child actor (By Carmichael Phillip)   A Child of the Stage and City Long…

  • Ad

  • How much does Macaulay Culkin make from Home Alone royalties?

    How much does Macaulay Culkin make from Home Alone royalties? A closer look at residual income, Christmas traditions, and one actor’s holiday legacy (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash) The Holiday Classic That…

    What is a green room?

    What is a green room? The backstage haven that performers, politicians, and guests all rely on (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Kampus Production | Pexels) The Origins of the Green Room The term “green…

    Do Broadway actors work 7 days a week?

    Do Broadway actors work 7 days a week? A deep dive into the demanding, exhilarating, and grueling schedule of life on the Broadway stage (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Broadway’s Demanding…

  • Ad

  • Do actors smell on set?

    Do actors smell on set? Behind the scenes, do stars always smell like roses—or is the truth a little funkier? (By Carmichael Phillip) The Unspoken Question: Do Celebrities Smell Bad on Set? It’s…

    Actor Profile: Macaulay Culkin

    Actor Profile: Macaulay Culkin From Child Star to Cult Icon: The Life and Legacy of Macaulay Culkin (By Carmichael Phillip) Early Life and Rise to Stardom Macaulay Carson Culkin was born on August…

    Do actors need to be able to sing?

    Do actors need to be able to sing? Exploring the importance of vocal talent in modern acting careers (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko | Pexels) The Evolution of the Actor’s Skill Set…

    Do Actors’ Trailers Have Showers?

    Do Actors’ Trailers Have Showers?Exploring the luxury and practicality of actor trailers on set (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) When you think of an actor’s trailer, you might imagine a…

    Do Actors Collect Royalties?

    Do Actors Collect Royalties?Exploring how actors earn beyond their initial paycheck(By Ray Reese) (Photo: Maitree Rimthong | Pexels) Introduction to Royalties and Actors Royalties are a form of ongoing payment made to individuals…

  • Ad