In twenty-five years as a Hollywood Publicist, I have seen thousands of headshots and if you don't have a really good photo representing you, you won't even get called to the audition, let alone have any chance of landing the job. What is worse, you probably won't even know why you were passed over.

Here are a few tips on the subject. I am sure you know all of this information. But just in case, read on.

You must have new pictures shot every year without fail! There are no excuses. And don't ever have a friend or a fellow actor shoot your pictures. Get the best! You must spend money to make money.

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

How do you find the photographer that is right for you? All of the actor resource websites have lists and each photographer has their own website. First, N n etwork with other actors whose photos you like. Your agent will also be a good resource , and photo labs and photo retouchers will have recommendations

Then do a web search for LA photographers. All of the actor resource websites have lists of photographers, and the ones worth considering all have their own websites. Finally, look for ads and lists in print publications like Backstage West and Reproduction Magazine.

Choose a photographer who still shoots 35mm, as well as digital. Digital just isn't as sharp or clear in print form, You need both. Your headshots must also be in color. It isn't necessary to shoot in black & white anymore; B&W prints can be made from the color originals.

Ask prospective photographers questions. How long have they been shooting Actor's Headshots? Do they use natural light and shoot outdoors? Or will the shoot be inside with artificial lighting? If the shoot is indoors, what background do they think will work the best for you? What is their philosophy and approach to headshots? What setups and poses do they prefer? What do they hope to capture and convey?

Tell the photographer your goal. Tell them how you feel and what has worked for you in the past. If you are nervous, tell them. Make sure you are both on the same page and have made a connection.

GETTING READY FOR THE SHOOT

Your primary headshot must look exactly like you do today. If you are looking for a new agent or seeing a casting director, you don't want the first sentence out of your mouth to be, "That headshot was taken last year, before I cut my hair or shaved my beard or was blond."

The right haircut/hair style is as important as the right photographer. Never have your hair cut within 10 days of a shoot, and always get highlights. The highlights don't have to stand out, or even be that noticeable. The camera will still pick them up. Generally, the more you pay for a haircut, the better the result. Try out your stylist once or twice before you book a shoot.

For several nights before the photo session, get caught up on your sleep. Absolutely no alcohol for three days prior to the shoot. You want to look rested and at your best.

Currently, casting directors favor the 'natural look' in makeup. But if you're a woman, ask for some shots with heavy eye makeup, because that look is also happening, and might be appropriate for certain roles or commercials.

Styles change and makeup changes, so you must change. Be current. Look at celebrity and style magazines, and watch the nightly entertainment news shows, to check out latest clothes and hairstyles.

Get photographed in the clothes that make you feel 'hot'. Be sure to take all your outfits to the shoot and change when you get there. You don't want to arrive with any wrinkles. T-shirts are almost always a good way to go. Don't wear white or gray, big floral or large prints, horizontal stripes or high turtlenecks.

You can wear your own favorite outfits from your closet, as long as it makes you feel great! Have them dry cleaned before the shoot, so they will be pressed properly and look as new as possible. But if you can, buy something new as well, that gives you a psychological lift. Then ask the photographer to shoot you in at least 3 different outfits with 3 different looks.

AT THE SHOOT

A photo shoot should take roughly 3 hours, including hair and makeup, and will usually cost between $350 and $550. The total number of rolls of film that will be shot are up to you and the photographer to work out. It will affect the final cost of the shoot but don't skimp. You want to get everything you can out of this shoot.

Before the photographer starts shooting, make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable. Take the time to talk over the clothes you've bought, and what you hope to get from the shoot. Get comfortable with the photographer, so you'll feel more open, relaxed and energized when the shooting begins.

Do some deep breathing to relax or jumping jacks to get your energy up. Still not relaxed? Try having a cup of Herbal tea.

When it's time to pose, always remember, “The eyes are the path way to the soul.” Your eyes must have a spark! Relay a zest for life. Or show intensity. And have fun. Your enjoyment, passion and energy will be apparent in every one of your frames.

AFTER THE SHOOT

Request your proofs in 4”x 6” prints, and on extra large contact sheets. Before you print in multiples, print a few 8”x10” on top quality paper. Then have the originals lightly retouched, for small wrinkles, and to take out any little hair wisps sticking out around your head. But don't retouch so much that your picture no longer looks like you.

GETTING YOUR HEADSHOTS OUT THERE

You should be on all the websites that exist to represent actors. They are quick and easy to use, and are instantly available to Casting Directors, Producers, Directors, Managers, Agents, etc. These include:

www.TalentNetworks.com; www.ActorsAcess.com (a branch of the Breakdown Service);www.NowCasting.com (and their commercial branch, www.laactors.com); www.speedreels.com; www.lacasting.com; www.ascendcasting.com; and www.CastingHomePage.com.

If you have credits, you can also post your headshot on the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com).

Some of these sites allow you to submit just 3 photos, others will take up to 12. Some are free, while others charge. Some even give you the option of including a link to your demo reel, and usually include about 60 seconds worth.

Make sure you're also included on your agent & manager's sites. And secure your own name as a ".com" domain name, then create a homepage for yourself that only you control. What do you want to convey. Be creative. A homepage usually comes free when you sign up with an Internet provider. Additionally, get as many links that are available to you from the above-mentioned websites to your own.

PROMOTING YOURSELF

Actors all seem to know about sending out postcards with their headshots and contact information, but there are so many more creative and interesting ways to promote yourself. To name just a few.

• Have business cards made with your primary headshot on them (not three or four, just one) , and give them out to everyone you meet. Include a telephone number and your agency information.
• Have Rolodex cards made with your headshot and contact information, and include them in special mailings. Even if the recipients have switched from Rolodexes to PDAs, these will still be eye-catching, and are more likely to get your information recorded or transferred to the person's database.
• Even if you're not a smoker, many producers, directors and executives in Hollywood are, so have matches made with your pix and contact information. Leave them around town at the ‘in' spots and give them out freely.

Your objective is to get seen and recognized by networking and putting yourself out there. Great headshots are essential to achieving that goal.

Remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. So make it a good one!

XXX

In her two plus decades as a publicist, Vicki Arthur has worked with numerous producers, directors, studios, networks and actors, among them: Jodie Foster; Jessica Lang; Hector Elizondo; Dick Van Dyke; Jane Curtin; Edward James Olmos and Peter O'Toole. She can be reached through her agency, Vicki Arthur Public Relations, at (818) 995-8130 or by visiting her website, www.hollywoodpublicity.com .