Your headshot is very often your first introduction to casting directors, agents and other Industry professionals who are in a position to hire you. When you are ready to take your first headshots or update them, you want to do everything you can to allow your personality and your uniqueness show through in your photos.

So, you’ll need to find a photographer who understands what format acting headshots need to be like (as opposed to a photographer who shoots outside of the Industry). For online listings, remember that in addition to hard copy pictures, we are living in a digital age where your headshots need to be captivating enough in a small thumbnail image on a computer screen to have you requested for an audition.

First you should do some research on photographers in your area. The best places to find great photographers is either by asking for recommendations from reputable agents, casting directors as well as from fellow actors who are happy with their headshots. You can also visit links areas on your favorite Industry Web sites and click through to the actual photographers Web sites for samples, testimonials and to see what type of performers they shoot. Are these performers ones you know or recognize who work often? If so go to their performing websites and look through all their images to see the headshots that they achieved while working with these specific photographers.

Aside from online research, you can also visit places in person that house portfolio books of photographers. Most often these will be where you study or where you might hard copy duplicate your headshots.

Many photographers will post their rates on their web sites so you can see what works with your budget. Sometimes photographers will offer a discount if you buddy up on your shoot and have another performer also shoot their headshots at the same time. For example, I offer $50.00 off any package if you bring a friend to shoot. The photographers’ rates are usually based on “looks” which usually result in a wardrobe change; sometimes it’s on how many pictures are taken. To get the most bang for your buck, you should think through what looks you’ll want to capture (for example - Young Mom, Business Woman, Girl-Next-Door, Athlete, Blue-Collar Worker, etc.) so when you meet with the photographer you can let them know what your goals are so that they can schedule enough time to accomplish what you want.

When you find some photographers whose style you like. Contact them and set up a time to meet in person. You should meet them face-to-face before making this investment in your career. Take in their personality, ask them any questions, look through their portfolios and make sure the two of you get along so you will be able to work comfortably with them. You should tell your photographer what kinds of acting you are interested in and what kind of jobs you want or already do (commercials, soaps, comedy, drama, etc.), to help determine what kinds of photos they will shoot. You should also ask the photographer if they plan to shoot indoors, outdoors or both. Since I am based in NYC, I prefer shooting photos inside as it is easier to control the lighting and we do not have to depend on the weather.

You might even show the photographers that you are meeting with your old photos that you want to update or the ones that are not working so they can better understand what you are looking for and also let the photographer know what you like and do not like about the pictures. The photographer should be able to tell you how they can improve on your existing images so that you can plan for a successful photoshoot.

Ask the photographer for a reference for a hair and make-up artist and possibly a stylist as they often have several that they know who are reliable and work well with them. Sometimes there is one person who can do two or all three jobs, but it’s important to ask ahead of time so that everyone is prepared and everyone knows what you expect. Also, since you’ve let the photographer know a bit about your type and what kind of performing work you want to do or currently do they will be able to communicate that to the hair and make-up artist and stylist so that you’ll have pictures that look like you, ones that casting directors, agents and other Industry professionals will be able to see a real representation of how you are going to look like when you walk through their door or show up to the set.

Some photographers will say no makeup is needed for men, but I disagree. The makeup should of course be very natural and light but I think having a makeup artist just to touch up is more professional and will save you money in having to do extra retouching. Women should always have a makeup artist. The photos will be more professional and if you are going to spend money on a photographer, you might as well do it right. I consider that getting a good headshot is teamwork. I give my hair and makeup artists lots of credit for my work. They are very important to a shoot. In fact, in my studio, my makeup artist and I are great friends. We get along, joke around and it is contagious with the actors. It’s a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

Once you decide who you want to work with, you’ll often be asked to make a deposit and schedule a date and time to shoot.

In closing on how to find the best photographer for you, what to look for and what to ask in advance remember it’s very important that you not choose a photographer if they have a big ego or if they act as if they are doing you a favor. They are being paid by you to help with this important career tool so you want to enjoy being around them and create great chemistry that will show up in your final images.