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Seven Secrets to Getting That Perfect Headshot
KNOW WHO YOU ARE No matter what the role, YOU are the person being hired for the job.
Who YOU are, permeates each role you book, so you've got to know yourself, know how others perceive you, and strike the perfect balance.
2.
WORK WITH THE STEREOTYPES We've all seen the stereotypes: best friend, lawyer, cop, mom, and on, and on.
Think about the types of roles you are likely to book and then define your own personal version of that character.
IE: If you book lawyer roles: Are you climbing the ladder at a high-priced law firm, or do you work pro bono for abuse victims? Both characters are lawyers, but the similarities stop there.
3.
FIRM FOUNDATION Now that you've outlined the types of roles you are likely to book, it's time to develop the character.
Create some phrases this character would say.
How does this character feel about having his/her picture taken? Dress from the ground up.
The shoes you wear, whether you are sitting or standing affect the energy in your face during the shoot.
4.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY Most actors show up to a photo shoot with just a pile of clothes and a dream.
Communication with your photographer is imperative.
If you can articulate the types of roles you are going for in a way they can understand, the pressure is off.
Now you can do your thing feeling confident that your photographer will work his/her magic.
Speak in terms of money...
a universal language.
Illustrate your character by drawing parallels to other people.
5.
LESS IS MORE Don't get too hung up on wardrobe.
The perfect wardrobe is one that we don't notice.
That said, make purposeful, thoughtful choices about what you wear in your shoot.
Subtle hints can help illustrate who you are without slapping someone in the face with a gimmick.
6.
MAKE THE CONNECTION We've heard it all before, "It's in the eyes.
" So, what's the trick to connecting with your eyes? Visualize the face of someone (the love of your life, your loud neighbor, your 3rd grade teacher) smack-dab in the middle of the camera's lens.
When choosing your headshot, make sure you can make direct eye contact with the person on the page.
7.
MAKE YOURSELF AT-HOME Get comfortable.
Stop telling yourself how much you hate having still photos taken.
Let go of the financial and emotional pressure behind this shoot.
Have a glass of wine, bring a friend, take your time.
Stand in the place of joy you feel as an actor.
And remember...
stop taking yourself so seriously.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Creative Career Coach & Author, Dallas Travers wrote the groundbreaking book, The Tao of Show Business: How to Pursue Your Dream Without Losing Your Mind.
She coaches artists & actors around the globe to creatively master their business.
If you're ready to jump-start your artistic career, get your FREE Thriving Artist Starter kit now at http://www.
thrivingartistcircle.
com
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