Your headshot should always be flattering, but natural. Your headshot needs to look like you-not better or worse. If your headshot does not truly represent you, a casting director may be turned off or disappointed at seeing a different person walk through the door. Your confidence should also be reflected in your shot. If you were to hire a lawyer, you would want somebody who appears confident that he or she can win your case and who will make you look good in court. Casting directors think in the same way.

It is up to your photographer to guide you through the shoot and suggest poses that will look most natural. It may take a little while to find your best positions, but a good photographer will consider that it takes a little time for most people to warm up and come alive in front of the camera. Try not to act too much in front of the camera. You are not playing a character in your headshots, since they are more or less a promotional tool to incite casting directors' interest in you.

For women, either do your own makeup or make sure that your makeup artist is able to accentuate your unique features. Many makeup artists will apply the same makeup to every person, and this will only result in you looking more like other people and less like your individual self. The same rule applies to your photographer. A good photographer should care about you as a person and as an actor, and not be overly concerned with merely creating a pretty photograph.

You should discuss your clothing choices ahead of time with your photographer, but a good rule of thumb is to wear pieces that will not overwhelm you. Stick to solid colors and avoid very trendy clothing and jewelry, as this can distract from your face. An exception is if you are looking for specific types of roles. For example, if you are looking to work as a particular kind of extra, you may dress the part of a thug, a punk rocker, an upscale businessman, et cetera. However, keep your personal style subtle for more mainstream photographs.

There are some differences in headshots which depend on the type of role you're applying for. The main differences are:

• 1. Film Close-up: A leading man or woman part

• 2. Commercial: Smiling, casual, girl or guy next door, light

• 3. Soap: Naturally sexy, avoiding a nighttime or club look

• 4. Primetime TV: 3/4 look with body language, like a bad girl or guy look

• 5. Specific look: A publicity shot for theatre actors, singers dancers, comedians, et cetera

Have your photographs taken in both indoor studio lighting as well as outdoor natural light to find your best setup. Make sure your setup is not overexposed/overlit or underexposed/underlit. Your face can lose dimension, contrast, and personality if the lighting doesn't suit you. Each person is different, and therefore different qualities come out with each headshot. You should always look natural, not some windblown or airbrushed version of yourself. Each person has unique characteristics and beauty which will appeal to both a casting director and an audience.

Headshots have traditionally been black & white and on film, but color photos in digital formats are the norm these days. Not only are color digital prints cheaper to develop, you can always have them easily converted to black & white if necessary. Digital shots also make it very easy to apply for a role online. Instead of a contact sheet, the photographer will give you a CD containing all of your shots. You can easily view all of your photos this way and pick the ones you would like to use. If you're not sure which shots to choose, ask your photographer to recommend which shots he or she thinks will work best in the marketplace.

However, it is a good idea to keep a few printed versions on hand, since agents or casting directors often prefer having a hard copy. Your hard copies should have your name printed on the front with your resume printed on the back, just like a traditional headshot. Ask your photographer for studios that can do this for you.

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.

Have a question? Ask our experts!