Books in Print
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John Hart, author of Professional Headshots says, "It is a sobering thought to reflect on how many headshots a given agent, manager or casting director receives each and every day. What is going to make your headshot stand out from all of the other shots? You might be mailing them out on your own, or your agent might be submitting them for a new pilot or film, but again, what will make your headshots special?
It is essential to remember that you are going to be cast for who you are, not who you are trying to look like. Think that there is something remarkably special about your persona, and that is what the casting people are looking for.
The way to achieve that 'look', that something they used to call 'star quality', is by being yourself, and communicating with your friend, the camera. It is the photographer's job to capture your personality on film.
Search for an established headshot photographer with whom you will 'click', who will establish a rapport with you and with whom you will feel relaxed and able to be yourself. Professionally applied make-up and an appropriate wardrobe are necessities but are secondary to communicating with the camera and getting that extra sparkle in your eyes. The 'love affair' between the personality and the camera (not the photographer) worked for Marilyn Monroe and James Dean - just as it does for Brad Pit and Uma Thurman.
One last point. An effective headshot should have three dimensions to it, like you see in major films and the well-lit soaps. It should never read flat and boring."
