While it is ultimately your acting that will land you a job, your headshot serves as a calling card to get you in the door. Without a headshot, you will be stuck "sitting on the bench" and will not be considered for important roles.

The key to getting a good headshot is picking the right photographer. Having your shots taken by a friend will simply not do. People will equate the level of professionalism in your headshot with your level of professionalism as an actor. Therefore, an amateur photographer will ultimately make you look like an amateur actor.

That is not to say that any professional photographer will do. You want to be sure that your photographer has experience in taking headshots. Not only will this help them take the best shots but it will also help you avoid making amateur mistakes. Not just any professionally taken photo is a headshot. The photo must capture your look and your personality. The goal of the photo is to capture your look and personality at their best. However the photo should accurately represent your look and personality.

It is essential to pick the right photographer because you are going to have to invest a lot of money for great headshots. In New York, for example, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000. It is important to explore your options. Don't be fooled by fancier studios with extremely high prices, but also avoid huge bargains. They can result in an unprofessional, "bargain basement" look. This may seem like a heavy price for headshots but remember, like in any other business, you will encounter startup costs. Your headshots should last you two years, so consider them as a major investment for starting your career.

When meeting with prospective photographers, feel free to ask questions. You should have a rapport with your photographer especially since headshot sessions can last anywhere from two to four hours and maybe even a whole day. You want to trust their judgment, and also trust that they have a feel for your personality so that their photos can best represent you. Also be sure to review their portfolio to see how you feel about some of the headshots they've taken.

Be sure to negotiate how you will receive your headshots before you commit to anything. Some photographers can airbrush your photos for you. This is a probably a good idea unless you're a Photoshop whiz. You should be sure if you will be receiving the original digital files, new digital files, proofs to get reproduced at a headshot printing company, or physical hard copies. Some photographers offer printing or recommend printing companies. It's up to you if you'd like to spend the extra money.

If you want great headshots you need to pick the right photographer. Like any purchase be sure to do your research, ask questions, and then make an educated decision.

Lee Anne Simms has shot publicity photos for superstars like Stephen Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, and Anson Mount, Special Celebrity Events with Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Denis Leary, and Tom Sizemore and concert photos for Madonna's Drowned World Tour. She has photographed many Models & Musicians in New York City including Jive Jones. She is also a photographer for Film Festival Today magazine, and covers entertainment for the Toronto Star Newspaper. You can schedule appointments for headshots at: 212-315-9119 or visit her website at http://www.photosbyla.com.

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