HOW Actors SHOULD Use HEADSHOTS On THEIR LinkedIn

What New Actors Should Know About Headshots

If you're an actor/actress, you should be aware that getting your headshots taken is the first step in breaking into the business. However, if you're new to this and uncertain about what to do or how to accomplish it, you should probably continue reading.

When you go to audition or apply for a job, the first thing a casting director will look at is your headshot. Therefore, it's crucial to make a good first impression with all those headshots. Therefore, you should have things done professionally. While this may sound frightening, it isn't as difficult as you may imagine. Photographers are warm and welcoming people, and it's part of their duty to make you feel at ease while in their charge. Although it is acceptable if you feel awkward having your picture taken, rest assured that you will rapidly get used to it.

Example description of a high quality LinkedIn Profile

Your Linkedin Profile

Let's talk about your web presence before we get into more detail regarding the experience of the shoot. It's crucial that you create a LinkedIn profile so that potential employers may read it over and learn more about what you might be able to provide. A great technique to present yourself in the best light is to use your finest headshots on your profile.

What Is Your Summary?

You should include any information in the summary that you believe may persuade a potential employer to read more of your profile. Awards, achievements, and anything else you might want to boast about or share with anyone reading at your profile are examples of things to mention. While boasting is important in this situation, you also want to make sure you talk about yourself in a less formal approach, such as your personality, hobbies, and other interests. Make a summary about you since it is about you.

Some Tips To Help You Write Yours

Although it's good to have a summary with a decent length, it's also important to avoid filler words. For example: if you want to say you're a recruiter who is hiring people in a certain field, just say that, don't say 

“Highly motivated results-oriented recruiter with a proven track record” 

You can definitely say something like 

“My job is to find and hire the current and future badasses in the technology industry” 

What To Do In a Photoshoot

What to Wear?

Wearing a neutral-colored outfit, such as a plaid button-up shirt and a decent pair of trousers or a basic dress, is absolutely advised. Nothing overtly provocative, but also nothing unbearably dull, as you want to present the casting directors with the most authentic version of yourself that you can display in public.

What About Makeup?

If you do decide to use makeup, keep it simple—just a little concealer and light lipstick should do. Also, let your eyes sparkle—they're the focal point of your headshots. As they will be able to assist with this, I advise having a more in-depth conversation about this with your photographer.

Background and Accessories

A cityscape skyline or scenic backdrop is acceptable as your background provided it is neutral and not overly obtrusive. Even being encouraged to use certain backgrounds would be nice. Avoid using too many props or extraneous items of clothing, such as hats or sunglasses. You can, however, include one or two photos with each item to show how you appear in them just in case.

Photo Editing

Make sure the photographer isn't over-editing your shots; if they want to airbrush some of them or remove any moles or wrinkles (especially if they are smile wrinkles), don't let them. Your images should be as authentic as possible. Simply conduct yourself normally by being who you truly are.

Have Variety in your wardrobe and expressions

You should position yourself as someone who could excel in a variety of roles if you believe you can. Bring a change of clothes and ensembles that allow others to see you in another light. This will demonstrate to casting directors your range, which is likely to improve your chances of being taken into consideration. But keep in mind that the preceding advice to exhibit range as well as subtlety in your photographs still stands.

What You Should Do With Your Photos

It might be necessary to edit some of your photos, but keep in mind that you don't want to change your appearance. Instead, only edit the parts of your photos that you believe need to be changed, such as a fly in the picture, an unexpected object in the background, or if you simply need to change the photo's settings. The only filter you might wish to employ in terms of photography is black and white, even that is optional. While colour images are typically preferred by casting directors, including a black and white image won't hurt if you believe it to be relatively impressive.

Where You Should Shoot

Usually, you'll shoot in a studio with the right equipment and lighting, but if there's another location you think would be better, be sure to let the photographer know so they can get there safely with their equipment.

When To Renew Your Headshots

Everyone changes their appearance over time, therefore it makes sense to update your headshots occasionally. But when does "occasionally" occur? Unless something about your appearance has altered that you think would justify a change sooner than that, some photographers advise that you have them redone every two to three years.

Your Relationship With Photographers

Definitely make an effort to get along well with your photographer. Don't be concerned; they won't intentionally fail to make you feel comfortable while being photographed; in fact, they probably will. However, it's always a good idea to give back and make sure they're enjoying themselves as well. As previously stated, they will assist you with taking the finest images possible, whether that means assisting with some cosmetics or assisting in selecting the attire that works best for you. Therefore, don't be reluctant to accept their assistance since they probably have the necessary skills. Make sure you aren't bothering them or asking for too much from them because doing so will just make both of your days worse and they may charge you more, which is something you should aim to avoid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, or if you just skimmed to the end to get the cliffnotes: Don't wear anything too bright, and use neutral cosmetics and a background (if you wear any).

Don't over-edit your pictures. The better, the more authentic you seem. Have a few different outfit possibilities; you want to demonstrate that you can adapt to any position that might be required of you. Renew your headshots every two to three years, or sooner if you think you might need to because of something that happened. Maintaining a positive relationship with your photographer might result in a more enjoyable photo session, better pictures, and possibly even a photographer buddy. All of you aspiring actors and anyone else who may have found this article useful wish you luck.