I am having head shots done soon, and I have braces. Should I smile in the picture and show the braces? I won't always have braces, and are they really a factor now? Is it possible that braces can keep you from getting a role?
Acting : Head shot: to smile or not to smile? by Jennifer Lynn
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I think that you should take both a smiling shot and a non smiling one. Will the braces hurt your chance for a role, maybe. HOWEVER it might help you for certain character roles. Honestly I've worked with clients that've made me recast just for hair color. Just for now keep it real and when you get the braces off take new photos. Good luck!
Thank you for the advice.
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One thing that I've heard is that you should always show teeth in head shots. (That from a Casting Director.) Some Directors will consider that when working through a stack of head shots. If not teeth are showing, they may simply move on to examples that show off the smile. On the other hand, you are in a transient condition -- if the braces are coming off long before you plan to re-do the head shot, you may want to factor that in. I doubt there's a great answer. See what your agent or coach says. You may want to wait to get the head shots done, or plan to do it soon after you lose the braces. As Tiffy says, it might help you get some character work to have them and show them off. No matter what, good luck! Hope to see you in the movies.
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Thank you. I will just be me, braces and all.
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Show your smile and teeth if that is what you would do anyway. That fact that you have braces will not deter anyone. They know they won;t be there forever.
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Could always write a caption.... BRACE YOURSELF! Smiles..... Just being cheeky....
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smiling is for commercials maybe....a straight natural shot shows them who you really are and that's all they want...nothing else
Thanks for all the advice. I know a head shot is supposed to show who you are. I didn't want to upset a casting director by seeming to hide the fact that I have them.
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Take a photo both ways.... smiling and not smiling... let them see both...
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Jennifer, The braces ( wont be there long ) head shoots are retaken. so yes, do both then get new ones when the metal comes off...