Headshots encompass an actor or models’ facial features and are 8” x 10” in size. Headshots are easily distributed around in Toronto at open calls, auditions, mailed out to casting directors for example. Although some trends go in and out, headshots tend to show the top of the shoulders, face, and neck. The biggest point is that the headshot should clearly show the actors face and include their name in the bottom corner of the photo. Color headshots are the preferred thing in the industry so avoid black and white prints. It is suggested that actors and models wear solid, rich, and dark colors for the headshot and to certainly avoid pastels, patterns, jewelry, and logos.
Women are recommended to have their hair cut and color done at least a week before having headshots done and to wear their hair with a simple style and down to be more natural. If they straighten their hair and have naturally wavy or curly hair it is advised that they have a photographer that they would like to have shots taken with both of these looks. Men are typically advised to be clean shaven however if they have a beard or goatee, they can have shots taken that are of that and clean shaven, to capture both looks if they like. Models and actors are responsible for their own makeup though they can use make-up artists to help make sure there are no lines showing for eye shadow or blush and that all the minor flaws in the actor or models’ skin are covered. Make up should look clean, natural and be kept simple for a headshot.
You want to avoid distracting your “true appearance”, so avoid sending the casting director character headshots. The two main types of headshots are commercial and theatrical. It is highly recommended that an actor has both types of headshots ready. They can also have casting-specific headshots and primary ones. Casting-specific headshots are meant to highlight the ability of the actor to show subtle characteristics embodying the role that is being casted for.
Commercial casting directors are looking for headshots that are warm, light, and friendly with the subject smiling with soft, bright colors in their makeup or even bring out the best brightness out of the eyes and smile. They favor light colored clothing and backdrop. Comedians’ headshots are always a bit more amusing; they will take a headshot with their smile wider, and eyes opened wider, almost like they are about to laugh and try to bring out a certain mood if these are used in their comedy. Theatrical headshots tend to try and display the actor’s confidence and certainty on a more dramatic and serious tone without showing too much arrogance. It is normal for an actor to keep two or three headshots in print and have more stored digitally or even displayed on the actor’s website.
Collaborating with a photographer early in an acting or modeling career in Toronto can be highly important, they will often be the factor that helps launch a career in Toronto. A great photographer can make the difference for a chance at certain opportunities and help an actor
or model get noticed. While actors in Toronto can go through a standard photographer, models need to work with several photographers to get several different portraits and headshots.
As a new actor or model in Toronto, when you are getting headshots done for the first time it is advised that you do your research. Check out the portfolios and websites of the photographer that charge the most in Toronto and then look at the up-and-coming photographers in the field and choose one that has a similar look and feel to the more expensive photographers. Sample images from that higher priced photographer can be then brought in by the actor or model to use as a basis for lighting, pose, expression and even color. This will be really beneficial as it will give the actor or model quality headshots without breaking the bank. With Imagery that is industry standard or better yet images that are selling will help the actor or model land new clients.
Make sure you are using a reputable photographer in Toronto. If they are a great photographer, they will have a website, business card, an elaborate portfolio and client recommendations. They should always be about to present you with samples of their prior work before you hire them for a paid project. A Photo Release contract will be signed by the client, this is a contract that specifies the approved uses of the photos that are created during a shoot. The Model or client may have access to the raw photos right after the shoot if they are digital and the photographer has uploaded those photos onto a CD. Though many photographers tend to like to retouch and edit the photos before releasing them to the client or model to view.
The photographer will provide the client or model with a shooting location like a studio or maybe even an outdoor location depending on the needs of the client or model. It may seem odd but for the best diffused lighting an outside shoot is best done on a cloudy day. They are also advised to be done before or after noon. The most direct lighting occurs between 12-2 pm, so timing is better before this two-hour period. Lighting is usually handled by the photographer for indoor shoots, this includes reflectors and other equipment that is used to help with illumination. The lighting will be all set up prior to the photoshoot and the client or models arrival and they should only have to make minor adjustments while shooting the photos. When facing a light source, if you are direct the light will illuminate the front side of your body and you should take care not to pose too close to the source of light as this will cause the subject to look washed out. When posing you want to silhouette the features and body in front of the light source.
