Acting : Head shots... what's kosher and what's not? by Evette Henderson

Hi. Yes it is, or seems to be common that casting directors and the like don't want hands in the shots. And especially not leaned on or in the mouth or something similar. I would reconsider the hat as well. They like to be able to see your hairline, and something as specific as a hat gives you a too specific personality or type. It's better if it is just "you" and no particualar accessories or style.

I love hats also. Good to know I shouldn't wear them for a head shot.

I think a clear headshot, that shows how you look right now, is what is of most value to a busy casting director. The exception might be period productions. If I happen to have a Victorian Dress and one of those big hair wigs, I might make a period headshot, just in case there's ever a need to show I how I'd look cast, or roaring 20's or western cowgirl, etc. but for general purposes, no frills "this is who I am and you'll recognize me when I walk in your door" shots seem to work best.

to me let it be only the head and no hands, that's why it was called head shots at the beginning

Look straight into the camera and be natural. I know it feels uncomfortable because you think nothing is happening but it is and that is what they are looking for.

Yes. I agree with previous post.

The hand adds nothing, the hat ok unless hiding a bald spot.

I think the hat and the hand are too distracting.

The hat reminds me of a fosse dancer

Great headshot! The eyes do it

And the.... SMILE!

Sounds like she has a personal problem. At any rate if you like your hats, then, that is you all the way. If your hands were outrageously ugly that is on thing, if not whats the deal here? Maybe it was her day to be unhappy. Whatever, sounds like an excuse to let it be known she was unhappy. But, your smile and beautiful eyes say it all. Don't worry about it.

The hand and hat seem to be a PROP..... Not needed at all.... and yes she does have a lovely arm....and hand ... smiles.... But that face, needs to take centre stage.....The eyes and smile speaks volumes..... Gosh you poor lass, all on account of you liking hats lols.

no hands. takes the focus off of you your physical and puts more focus on the hat

Some people rest their chin on their hand and it looks like they are punching themselves in the face!

If you have nice, expressive hands, then I see nothing wrong with discreetly using them in the shot. Just don't wear any bling (rings and bracelets) as they detract from your face. Be sure you have had a professional manicure!

as with everything, it depends on the shot. you can make a rule, then someone breaks it and blows your mind. some may say no to hats, but then you show them a shot of you in a hat and they love it. the main thing with a headshot is, you want the casting director to see YOU. they don't want fancy. they don't want costumes and characters. they just want to see what you look like now. they can envision the rest. that way, whether they want you to play a cowboy, or a CEO, they can envision what they would do with you as a blank canvas. they can decide to change your hair color, style, or if they want it all off. if they want you to wear a hat, a vest, or whatever. to them, you are a piece of clay to be molded. some clay is more easily molded into a construction worker, other clay is better suited for the superhero's side kick. and sometimes, we surprise them. but, the accoutrements should be kept to a minimum. your face is the main attraction in a headshot. if your personality brings your hands into the shot, that shouldn't be a distraction.

I've done a lot of head shots and can't remember ever including a hat. I think people want to see you, not your fashion choices. Unless you're Popeye, keep it simple. Hands are a little different, especially if you have nice hands, but again keep them low profile. Of course you can submit more than one shot sometimes and the 2nd or 3rd shot can include hands and or a hat. But a head shot is just that, a head shot.

Mr. Seidel is correct. Attire is a distraction. Some directors think you'r casting yourself for a part you'd like to have. Like wearing a uniform. They are only interested in your face and up close.. I just read about this as being the ticket to an inverview.

Awesome compliments and constructive comments guys! Thanks for taking the time. I'm open to them all. That's the beauty of public platforms like Stage 32. You start a thread hoping for a response and get loads! Great opportunity for growth. I think it's safe to say that the standard acceptable head shot is exactly that (as some peeps already said). Front on of face, no hands, generally no hats or other paraphernalia (keep those for alternative head shots). I'm going to include the basis of this thread as suggested head shot guidelines in my new book Awesome Scripts For Young Actors (I've compiled my best 40 that I've written over the years as well as other helpful advice). I'll let you know when it's available. For the record I'm on this site primarily for screen writing opportunities, so I'll keep this shot as my writer's head shot (definitely more flexibility for writer's)! One more food for thought. No one's mentioned anything about the red background. Yay or nay? Or it doesn't matter so long as it doesn't distract from the actor? Cheers again glorious thespians!

As an old B&W guy, I'll say avoid strong colored background colors. Someone is always going to 'not' like your color. Maybe especially red. I feel the only exception is for posers with vibrant blue or blue/green eyes where the poser may feel this is their strong point. To attain most appeal, in B&W, usually a neutral grey, or slightly darker, background is preferred. Blond or grey/white haired posers should wear a darker blouse/shirt, but not black. Dark haired posers come out best with a light blue, not white, blouse or shirt. This is all done to keep the contrast range in the middle zones while the eye lashes are black and the teeth, if shown, are white. This also allows the eyes to be the true window to the soul we look for. It also matters whether the poser is going for a special or character look. This can change everything. But for mass submissions, vanilla is best, I think.

I like Vanilla.... used to love the old sepia .... black and white is good too.... great advice for all Wayne... thank you... I think she may have green eyes...or Hazel.... could be wrong and they are blue or grey lols.

http://webtechu.com/colors1.html

That allows you to match your face with the colour in background... Hope it helps... I liked the pale shade of White Grey... especially with your dark hair.

He he! Someone once referred to my eyes as 'murky' Janet. When they were handing out eye colour I stood in all lines and grabbed a pinch of them all. So yes hazel is me! And thanks Wayne. Great advice as Janet says.

Hazel is me too.... way to go.... do your eyes sometimes look sea green?

I have to get new head shots. The one I use is too uppity. Resembles a tux.

Let's call you rainbow eyes. What do you think??

I never heard that one. It's very humorous. I have a cheery type nose.

That's freaky Dan. I only said that I have rainbow eyes to my daughter yesterday. Weird!!!

Very sorry for offending you. I should have known better.

Dan... a cheery nose? You could audition for Santa Clause.... smiles. Rainbow eyes ... that is lovely, can I use that to name one of my fairies....

I have the Irish Twinkle....

Dan, were you referring to the silly joke I posted...about Noses? When they handed out noses, I thought they said ROSES and I asked for a nice Big RED One....

Smiles.... letting loose with my humour now....

Thanks to all commentators. Here's a free teaser from my second book A PERFECT PERFORMANCE coming out soon which discusses this topic. http://ozemag.com/2013/12/05/a-perfect-performance/