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Wading through actor's portrait photographs is often how the first stage of casting takes place. Good pictures can potentially be a foot in the door, while bad ones might be a missed opportunity. It's obviously important therefore, that pictures are as good as they possibly can be. This (reasonably!) un-biased guide is aimed mostly at actors seeking work in the UK who are looking for a suitable photograph for "Spotlight" and for sending to directors, casting directors and agents. I hope it will help you get the best results possible. How do I choose a photographer? · Ask around. Look through "Spotlight" and "Contacts" and find the style you like. · Always check out a prospective photographer's work. Pictures should be sharp and there should be no distracting backgrounds or funny hand gestures. No dark shadows or excessively bright areas on the face. A good thing to check out is the eyes - are they well lit and properly in focus? · It sounds obvious, but your pictures really should look like you. Avoid going to a photographer who will glamorise you or make you look different in some other way. Honesty is the key. Be who you are - or at least look as you are most likely to be cast! · It’s a well known fact that many potential employers make up their mind within the first 30 seconds of meeting a person. You don't want an interviewer’s first impression to be one of disappointment because they were expecting someone else! Will any professional photographer do? · Photographing actors is quite a specific skill and it's important that the photographer knows what's required – someone who knows the acting business. There are several actors' photographers who advertise in Contacts (published by "The Spotlight") so this is probably a good place to start looking. But do check them out - the quality of work can vary. · Many experienced and accomplished photographers from other fields may not be so good with actor’s photos; press or fashion photographers for instance, are used to putting across different messages, so probably won't be right. Avoid High Street photographers who are more used to passport pictures or family portraits. Studio or Natural Light? · This is where I declare an interest and admit to being biased towards natural light. Both are probably fine, but I think that natural light tends to show you as you really are, whereas studio-lighting is more prone to change the way you naturally look. This can be very flattering, but not particularly helpful to the person looking through Spotlight! Casting directors often prefer natural light because "what you see is what you get." Remember - you don't have to go outside for great natural light - I currently use an interior with large windows. How much will I spend? · Prices can vary dramatically, but usually between £100 - £300. Students can sometimes get cheaper deals. Find out how many shots they take and how many prints are included in the price. Also, how much are extra prints / preparation of electronic images? · Don't assume that the more expensive photographers are the best, or the cheaper the worst. The quality of the work available varies and this is not necessarily dictated by price. · Shopping around for the cheapest session could be a false economy if the photos aren't good enough to get you work. Therefore... · Most importantly check out the photographer's work. Ask to see a portfolio or have a look at their website. Can't I just get a friend to take my pictures? · If you want to be taken seriously as a professional actor, professional photographs are a sensible investment. If you're really strapped for cash, then getting a friend to do them is probably better than nothing. (But then again, I sometimes wonder - have a flick through Spotlight - you can always spot them!) Digital or film? · Either. You’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between digital and film nowadays and digital has the added bonus that it’s more immediate - ie you can see the proof straight away and later you can email an electronic version of your finished picture Spotlight or your repro agency. How should I look and what should I wear? · At the photo session, ideally try to look the way you probably will for the next 12 months or so - e.g. long hair or short hair, beard or no beard. · Make up. Wear little or none. Certainly no more than you would day to day. · Don’t try out a new hairstyle on the day of the session. If you’re going to get your hair cut for the photos, ideally do it a few days beforehand so you have got used to the style. · Wear something that you feel comfortable in, but avoid big jewellery or any distracting logos. Think about neck lines. · Bear in mind that clothes can portray a certain image and therefore 'pigeon hole' you. Formal clothes will make you look like a business person or an MP, while 'alternative' haircuts or piercings may count you out of classical roles. · Looking into the lens is usually best. Avoid props or fake hand gestures. · Just relax and be yourself. How often should I get my pictures taken? · This varies from person to person, but probably
at least every couple of years, or sooner if you change your appearance
considerably. Remember that when you submit a picture to Spotlight it
won't be published in the directories for six months. It then has to last
for one year until the next edition is published, by which time it will
be at least 18 months old! |
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