Just What is a Headshot?

The Opening Act

A headshot is a distinct type of photographic portrait designed specifically to promote the person who is the subject of the headshot. Unlike a standard portrait which is designed to render a likeness of the subject for aesthetic reason, such as a gift of remembrance, to mark a milestone in a person life or to convey a feeling or emotion, such as an art print, the headshot is a commercial portrait carefully designed to promote the subject of the headshot. If you are an entertainer, business person, executive, or author you will find that a quality headshot is a vital part of your business.

An actor can not secure work with out first having to submit ACTORS HEADSHOTS to agents and casting persons, likewise musicians too need an image of themselves to present to promoters, record labels and performance venues in order to secure a booking. Attorneys, Real Estate agents, Insurance Agents and other business persons that have the need to promote themselves in a very completive business environment find that they can first begin the process of creating a personal relationship with there client by allowing their prospective client to feel a connecting with them begun by viewing an image of themselves that says I am reliable and able to deliver what you need. In addition to actors, musicians and the business community another group requiring ACTORS HEADSHOTS or commercial portraiture is that of authors. Publishers request there authors supply ACTORS HEADSHOTS to be used on the dust jackets of books and promotional material.

There is the misconception, in some circles, that because of the headshot's simple form, essentially a head and shoulders shot, it is a simple image, nothing could be farther form reality. Each specific headshot has its precise demands. The performer needs several images, both commercial and theatrical, that first convey the accurate appearance of the subject, emphasizing the best aspects but not presenting an image that flatters only. The headshot is a promotional device that is created to express specific qualities about entertainers that do not change from role to role. Its intent is to generate the call for the parts the actor is actually suited for. The performer should be portrayed at there best but agents and casting professionals want the image of the person to look like the one that shows up for the audition. Within these confines the viewer of the actor's headshot must feel an immediate connection with the talent and see reliability and professional.