Taking Model Headshots Yourself vs. Professional Headshots

This is something people really need to think about. Because, at the end of the day, if you’re not a professional photographer, it will never be the same. It’s not that you don’t know how to take pictures. It’s just that a professional has taken model headshots, actor headshots, corporate headshots, and others thousands of times, and maybe you have taken pictures of landscapes and selfies. The experience factor, and the difference in equipment used, is always something to keep in mind.

When talking about models, they, as much as actors, need to show all of their best angles and facets. Here at Headshots by The Light Committee, I have worked with many models and actors. I have learned what agents, casting directors, etc. like and what they don’t. Put your trust in an award-winning photographer to give you the image you need to get wherever you want.

How Do You Prepare for a Headshot

October 14, 2019
By The Light Committee
In Actor Headshots, Business Headshots, Corporate Headshots, Executive Headshots, Headshots Los Angeles, Model Headshots, Photography Studio
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Headshots are an investment you make for your career. For actors, models and others in entertainment, they are vital. But, even in the corporate world headshots are more important than most people think. So, what can you do to be sure you get headshots that will help advance your career?

First, be sure your headshots are being done with a commercial-grade camera, not a smartphone or other point-and-shoot camera. If you settle for a smartphone selfie, it will not only look unprofessional, you might give an impression about how much you care about quality that you don’t want to give. So, it should also go without saying that you should work with a photographer that knows very well how to use a commercial-grade camera.

Lighting Factors

You will usually want to opt for studio headshots as they are more polished. In a studio setting, the photographer has complete control of lighting via the use of strobe lights. In natural light, lighting dynamics can vary. The sun, clouds, temperature and other ambient factors cannot be fully controlled. As a result, in almost all cases, studio lighting appears more polished.

Studio Headshots Affords Full Control of the Environment for the Photographer

What Do You Wear for Headshots?

October 1, 2019
By The Light Committee
In Actor Headshots, Corporate Headshots, Headshot Tips, Headshots Los Angeles, Marketing, Model Headshots
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So, what do you wear for headshots? This is a common question that can have both a simple and involved answer. First, it depends on who the headshot is for and how the headshot will be used. It also depends on the crop factor of the headshot.

What Should Women Wear During Headshots

So, ladies first. To get even more granular, what should a woman wear for actor headshots? It should be noted answering this question is highly applicable to headshots for other purposes – corporate, models, etc. So, keep reading and don’t skip ahead. Again, keep in mind the crop factor. For acting, most headshots are tight, around from the chest up. So, there is often no consideration required for bottoms or shoes.

Color-Coordinating a Headshot Can Make it Pop

What Size Are Headshot Photos?

September 5, 2019
By The Light Committee
In Actor Headshots, Applications, Corporate Headshots, Headshot Tips, Headshots Los Angeles, Marketing, Model Headshots
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If you’re looking to get headshots in Los Angeles – or any other market – you might be wondering what size your headshot should be. There is no standard size and the answer to this question is both very simple and can be technically difficult too. It all depends on the application – how will it be used?

Actor Headshot Photo Size

Actor headshots are commonly 8” x 10” (W x H), though some actors opt for 10” x 8” too. But, while these are the preferred sizes for casting submissions, there is no law set requiring this. If you’re looking to ensure your actor headshots are print quality, you also need to make sure the digital file has a resolution of at least 300 dpi.

A Common Size for an Actor Headshot – Such as This Theatrical Headshot – is 8×10” in size

What Are Headshot Photos?

August 20, 2019
By The Light Committee
In Actor Headshots, Corporate Headshots, Headshots Los Angeles, Lifestyle Headshots, Model Headshots, Musician Headshots
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So, what exactly is a headshot photo? It can mean very different things to a lot of different people. And, what is the difference between a headshot and a portrait? Generally speaking, a headshot is a close-up of someone’s face, usually from around the shoulders up. And, also generally speaking, the difference between a headshot and portrait is that a headshot is commonly used for marketing purposes. Are there other differences that should be known? Yes.

Actor Headshots

Actors need headshots for their careers. Headshots are essentially the core of their resume. Sure, they need to list relevant experience on their resume like everyone else but, their look is essential. A good headshot for an actor is everything.

Typically, most actors will need at least a commercial headshot and a theatrical headshot. The difference between these two shots should be clear. The commercial headshot is commonly well and evenly lit with a bright cheery background. A theatrical headshot goes for dramatic looks. Often, part of the face is in shadow and the background might also be darker. The two photos are used for submitting to casting directors for two very different roles.

The Difference Between a Commercial Headshot and Theatrical Headshot Are Ideally Used by Actors to Be Cast for Different Types of Roles

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