International Cinema Festival of India

The headshot is one of the most important marketing tools for every actor in the movie, TV or theater industry. The headshot is a black and white photo of your face in a 8″ x 10″ dimension and it is often backed with a printed resume. The headshot is primarily the first thing agents and casting directors will look at in determining if you are suited for the role. If you have a great photo, you can establish a good first impression with the people wishing to hire you even if you are inexperienced.

Even if you have the looks, you would need an equally good photographer to get the perfect headshot. With the advancement of digital imaging, there are now a lot of photographers in the business. You should also know that scam artists are on the prowl for unwary greenhorns. Even if you are new to the field, there’s no reason for you to fall prey to headshot scams.

There’s no need to put yourself into so much trouble. All you need to do is to get a reliable photographer. You can also ask your acting teachers and other actors for those good ones they know. Licensed talent agencies have in-house or referral photographers whom know what the agency is looking for in your composite.

The photographer should aid the actor in delivering the personality and charm with only just the headshot. You wouldn’t want one that will berate you. You’d need a photograph that you can collaborate with and not argue with the entire photo shoot. Some test shots should be taken in the beginning and a good photographer marks those strong ones. He or she should never insist on choosing the headshot for you. He can make some suggestions or encourage you to have the photo reviewed by an agent or a teacher.

Remember that you paid for the photo as a marketing tool and therefore, not the photographer. He or she shouldn’t mark the front of your headshot with his or her name. The photographer should also never over-glamorize the photo. Natural is always preferable.

If the photographer charges for an unbelievably small fee, it may be too good to be true. The cheap ones aren’t always the best ones to have. You might end up with a mediocre photo or no photo at all. Meet with the photographer personally in the studio or office. Don’t ever meet in a coffee shop or at your place.

When going to the shoot, make sure you have a few friends with you as there is safety in numbers. You wouldn’t want to go to a place that you are unfamiliar with and completely alone. You might end up being harassed and ripped off. Take some people with you to back you up and protect you. This is especially important for under-aged actors.

Making it big in the industry has no short-cuts. There are also a lot of scam artists on the prowl. All you need to do is to be smart and give an extra effort to have a successful start in your career.

Understanding a career in acting and what to look for in a scam. Check out Ave Models scam avoidance tips.