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Some things every model & actor should know

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Headshots Advice:
Some things every model & actor should know about headshots
Written by Los Angeles photographer, Zero Dean.
Reprinting or duplication without permission is prohibited. © Zero Dean

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I would like to give special thanks and credit to Hollywood casting direction, Bonnie Gillespie, for inspiring this article as well as her generous sharing of information. For more headshots related goodness, please be sure to see her headshots columns at Showfax, including, "Bad Headshots, Good Headshots" and "Bad Headshots, Good Headshots II" as well as our headshots related Q&A blog exchange on MySpace.

HEADSHOTS : PART 3 : HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HEADSHOT

Physical preparation:

Before you get your headshots done, be sure to examine your face, eyebrows, and hairstyle to determine if any minor adjustments may help. I'm not suggesting cosmetic surgery! I'm talking about plucking your eyebrows or possibly getting your hair trimmed.

Be sure to take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days between when you wax/shave any sensitive areas and your shoot date. This time is necessary to allow for any irritation to disappear before your shoot.

Although the focus will be on your face, take care of your nails in case they end up in the shot. Be sure that your nails are neat and well maintained. If you plan on posing barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are in good condition.

If you plan on showing your smile, be sure that your teeth are ready for prime-time. If your teeth are discolored, you may want to consider having them cleaned/whitened.

72 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

Be sure you have worked out all the necessary details about your shoot. You should know where you're supposed to go, the easiest & fastest way to get there, and what you need to do to prepare for your shoot.

Please be sure that you know how to get to the location where you are shooting. If you are working with a make-up artist, please be sure that they are aware of these directions as well.

You should also have a good idea of what items you are going to bring to your shoot.

24-48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting. Avoid heavy exposure to the sun. Please avoid alcohol or anything that will make you puffy or bloated. Also avoid anything that may stain your teeth.

Assemble what you'll need at least the night prior to your appointment so you are not rushing around in the time before leaving for your shoot.

THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT

Please eat a light meal before you leave. Food is fuel and if you skip your meals before shooting, chances are you'll run out of energy, lose focus, or become irritable. None of which will improve your photos.

Please bring bottled water, snacks, and anything else necessary to keep you going, but avoid bringing anything that will stain your teeth.

What to wear at a headshots shoot:

Clothes should be neat, clean (free of stains, lint, hair), and free of wrinkles.

I recommend solid color clothing, with no polka dots, no wild prints, and no distracting stripes. Clothing of this type can have a tendency to distract the viewer from the most important subject in your photos, you. Pastel colors are typically not recommended. Neither is white or black, but more importantly, you should avoid anything that clashes with your skin tone. Colors that compliment your skin tone are appropriate. If you feel you look really good in something, even if it doesn't abide by "the rules", bring it.

Avoid dressing in "character". Be you.

What not to wear for your headshots shoot:

Avoid wearing distracting jewelry or anything that may distract the viewer from your face.

Avoid wearing "costumes". Your skills as an actor should allow you to suggest a part without "wearing" a part.

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