Do I need a Makeup Artist for my photo shoot?
People often ask whether they need a makeup artist and really there is no set rule. My experience has found that to get the best headshot and have a great shoot its best to leave nothing to chance so if your budget permits it is a great idea to have a professional do it for you.I have been working with the same makeup artist for a few years now and we have a great understanding of each others work and what is required for a successful and natural looking headshot. We always get the right balance of making you look your best while ensuring the shots remain very natural. It is very important that your shots look like you when you present for castings and auditions and this is kept firmly in mind when working with the makeup artist. Another great advantage of booking a makeup for your shoot is the opportunity to develop and capture a few different looks to maximizes your casting options. If you would like to book my makeup artist for your shoot just let me know when you make your booking and I will arrange it all for you.
What makes a good headshot?
Quite simply a good Headshot should look like you at your absolute best without being a glamour shot. It is really important that your eyes are switched on and connected with the camera. I often tell people that you need to stand out and make people wonder what is going on in your world. The best way is to choose a shot where your eyes are connected and there is a thought or a question in your mind that you are asking the camera and therefore the person looking at your picture. This can be a really fun and funny process where there is no right or wrong result. Call it Headshot improvisation if you like and this should be nothing new for any actor. You also need to consider the need to look like your Headshot when you arrive at a casting so think about things that you may wear and how you have your hair done etc and do this for your Headshot. Imagine the frustration of a casting agents job when they ask to see someone because of their look and they end up looking totally different to their Headshot. It is also really important that you feel good about your Headshot and that it says a little bit about you and this can be a matter of being prepared with wardrobe choices and that you are well rested and fresh when you arrive for your shoot.
What should I wear to my photo shoot?
Wardrobe choice is an important part a successful headshot and can give your shots that little bit of edge. As a general rule darker colours and simple necklines are better and it is good to keep it simple where possible. It is good however to consider a few different looks for specific casting needs so have a think about how you might want to be cast and come prepared with appropriate options. When using a colour headshot try wearing colours that work well with your skin tone and eye colour. You will be surprised how much difference certain colours will make your shots really stand out. Lastly think about items of clothing that you love wearing and make you feel great and bring them to your headshot session. A favourite jacket, scarve, shirt or jumper etc will inject a bit of your own personal style into the shot and ensure your headshots show you looking and feeling great.
What is better, Studio or Natural light?
I really prefer natural light and on location for headshots where possible. Natural light has a really beautiful and soft quality if you know what your looking for. It also ensures that you get a result that is a bit unique and helps make your headshot really pop and stand out. Studio lighting is great when weather doesn’t permit being outside and you need to control the result. It is sometimes handy to have what I like to call a neutral headshot in your folio. What this means is on a neutral coloured background and evenly lit and the studio is great for this. The process of working under natural light and on location is lots of fun and a bit more spontaneous which really helps produce a great looking headshot. There is just a lot more life and fun to this type of headshot and they are much less static and dare I say boring.
Have more questions?
Give me a buzz to on 0409 541 899 or shoot me an email and I will get back to you.