Taking Great Headshots
Headshots below shot by Nile Scott Studios
What makes up a good college audition headshot:
Taken in color (black and white is no longer acceptable).
Reveals your personality!
Depicts a relaxed, confident you.
Is a picture you are proud to show people.
Shows you at your best while smiling and/or giving a warm, inviting energy that makes faculty excited to work with you.
Is NOT a Glamour Shot. You should look like your headshot in real life - maybe on your best day, sure, but look like you.
Keep it simple - minimal things in the background. If shooting outside, shoot against a simple background. Don’t let a large tree overshadow you!
Focuses primarily on the main event - YOU! Avoid complicated backgrounds that pull focus away from you
Shot from chest up, approximately (no full body shots).
Dressing for your Headshot:
Wear solid colors, and jewel and earth tones are always good. Heavy textures like wool, canvas, and linen are also great, as well as layers. Patterns can work if they are simple or chunky, and not overly busy/small/distracting.
Avoid solid black, bright whites, neon, big logos, and anything wrinkled, dirty, or ripped.
Wear a color that best brings out your features. Think about your skin tone, eye color, and hair shade as you choose colors!
Keep jewelry minimal. Small studs are fine - but big dangly earrings are not!
Other Tips for Your Headshot Shoot:
Keep make-up minimal - we do recommend utilizing a make-up artist for these if possible. Either way, hair and makeup should be simple, somewhat matte, and similar to what you would wear to any audition on a regular day. If you are not working with a make-up artist, be sure to arrive to your shoot with hair and make-up completely ready!
If possible, wear your hair like you will for live auditions (same general style/shape and color).
Make sure clothing fits you well and is ironed/steamed!
For thinner or more delicate/semi-sheer fabrics, be sure to consider undergarment strategy or bring a layering option.
Watch out for straps, necklines & hair choreography!
Senior pictures are typically not usable as actor headshots (though we totally want to see them and celebrate your senior year with you)! :)
We recommend taking your headshots with a professional photographer who specializes in actor headshots if possible.
Printing Headshots:
Headshots should be professionally printed on nice photo paper (8in x 10in). We recommend the following options for printing: