General Thoughts
"Basically, check out the photographer, get referrals, don't go to any photographer that your 'manager' may send you to... especially if they're getting a kick back. Make sure that YOU are comfortable, no matter what the photographer may want you to wear, how you should pose, etc. After all, these pics are representing YOU. The best way is to get referrals from friends who are happy with both their pics and their experience." -- Carrie R.
"It's all a matter of taste or style. Everyone likes their own kind of pictures (3/4, headshot, color, etc.), and everyone has a way that they want to be portrayed in those photographs, and sometimes the photographer can help bring that out simply through the way they shoot. I just had my pictures taken, and the photographer shot very tight and close on my face (to the point where my eyes are in focus but my ears aren't), and I love them, but some people may want 3/4 shots to show their body or want to show how goofy and quirky they are." -- Jamison H.
"I think the most important thing about having shots done is that you are comfortable with the photographer and have seen their previous work so that you have a good idea of what your pictures are going to come back like. If only I could get all the money back from photo shoots where I was not relaxed or was trying to be what I thought people might want. Also, ask your agent, friends, and casting people who they like. It's always good to get as much information on your potential photographer before you have them shoot you. I have found that the old adage "you get what you pay for" can really hold true in this department. There will be time when your friend who shot you for $75 got some great shots, but most of the time it won't work out this way. However, it is a good way to practive having your picture taken." -- Jamison H.
"It's your money and your headshot is your most important marketing tool to sell yourself as a product. A good headshot says that you are professional and serious about your career and you need to have the very best from the photographer to the reproductions ( a cheap reproduction can ruin a great picture)." -- Angela S.
"I think that the most important rule is to make sure your photo looks like you. There is nothing worse for a casting director than having you come in based on your picture and you looking nothing like it. Along the same lines, for most of you, since you are still young, if you don't wear a lot of makeup in real life, don't go crazy with the makeup for your shoot." -- Shannon N.
"As far as photographers go, if you're looking for a headshot in NYC a great photographer is Christine Cain-Weidner (http://www.cain-weidnerstudio.com). She takes a lot of time to get to know you and make you feel comfortable so that your true self shines through your picture, which is the most important thing. Also in New York Denise Winters is fantastic and also the Hoberman Studio (if you have time to get on their waiting list; it's usually like three months long). If anyone is interested in getting into commercial print or on-camera commercial work, Daniel Perry or Daniel Green are pretty good at that kind of thing... My suggestions to people looking are to look at as many photographers' books as you can before you meet them so you can pinpoint a style that you like. (http://www.reproductions.com in either New York or L.A. online and in the office they have a bunch of photographers' books to look through) and set up appointments with like five or six people and find someone who you get a good feeling about." -- Angela S.
"At the risk of sounding terribly redundant, ask to see the photographer's book -- any good photographer will have one when they meet you. Don't go for a 'glamour shot' unless that's the only role you want to go for, and that's your type. The headshot's got to look like you, and make sure it shows personality!!! Even if it's a good shot, if it's a little generic, it won't get you nearly as many calls as a shot that shows your personality.... In terms of duplication services, make sure you deal with a photo lab that does headshots, otherwise the person behind the counter will stare at you like you've grown a second head when you ask them to crop it, border it, and put your name in a specific font below your shot." -- Chris B.
"When you go to meet with people, bring reference materials (i.e., other photographs of yourself that you like and why you like them, things out of magazines, etc.) and make sure that you're very specific about what you want and what kind of work you're looking for. You are the client and if you're not happy with what you get they should reshoot or refund your money." -- Angela S.
When To Get Those Pictures Taken...
"In regards to when you should get headshots, I can only speak to the Minneapolis experience. I believe you should get them as soon as you can -- the money you spend on them will help to motivate you to get going on sending them out to agents and such. I have found that the Minneapolis market is pretty loose on the type of shot you should have, so you can get them done without really consulting an agent. Just make sure you have some brutally honest friends to show them to so they can help you pick what's actually 'you.'" -- Julie M.
"I think the best way is to have a headshot before you get here. It was very helpful for me to have mine done in the cities. A couple of weeks after I got here I attended an audition -- I didn't get the role but I did get lined up with a great vocal coach. If I hadn't had them I wouldn't have been able to go." -- Jessica P.
"In L.A. there is really no question -- unless you are strikingly beautiful or very young (under 18), you need a good headshot just to get seen by a manager or an agent -- not a stunning headshot necessarily, but a strong shot that shows off not only who you are AND shows that you've taken the time (and money) to get professional photos taken. A typical agent or manager, because he/she likes a specific type of shot, is going to ask you to get new ones when he/she signs you -- it's just the way it goes. But the chances of even getting in front of that person are small if the headshots you have are no good or look amateurish... In L.A., until you have a reel, headshots are the key." -- David N.
"I think it's important to have headshots ASAP -- everyone will tell you when you get there that you need new headshots, but already having done them once, you'll know how a session is supposed to go, and it will show that you're serious about becoming a professional actor. If you show up without them, it'll be that much longer before you can start going to auditions and submitting yourself." -- Chris B.
"I went to Jennifer Bong (in Minneapolis) and I still use her pictures here in NYC." -- Brenda H.
"I agree with Brenda. Get your headshots before you go wherever you go." -- Adam H.
"Why not wait until you're in the market? Very few new people in town have agents and managers pounding down their doors to be seen right away. What's the difference if you get your headshots done while you're settling into your new place and getting all your ducks in a row?" - Chris K.
"I personally don't think you should be able to graduate with a BFA without a good headshot. Even if you start in a small market and plan on moving someplace bigger, make the investment where you currently are. Chances are you will have to get new ones when you sign on with management or an agent, but you probably won't even get the meeting without decent shots. Plus, while in school, if you are going to URTAs or Midwest, it is always better to have then not have." -- Shannon N.
"My feeling on the when question is definitely wait until you're in the market that you're moving to. The photographers out here know the casting directors and agents. Personally. And they know what they're looking for and what kind of shot will get a response from people out here. Minneapolis is not connected to what's happening right now on either coast." -- Angela S.
"I also have headshots taken by Jennifer Bong and my musical theatre coach here in NYC loves them." -- Gina M.
"I feel that if you come here without a headshot, you may end up putting it off. I know I would have. Once you're here you get so overwhelmed with finding a job and trying to survive, and money goes so quickly, that you may just not be able to get your headshots done for a while. And you'd probably have to whop around for a while too. I felt really good about having them when I got out here, because I could start auditioning right away. Half the battle (for me) is getting the ball rolling, and this process was just much easier for me. I think it's just better to move out here with that out of the way. One less thing to worry about." -- Brenda H.
"I do think getting your shots before your senior year is incredibly motivating, and you need them anyway. I had cheap ones done in Duluth and they served their purpose, but if I did it over, I would head to Minneapolis. The money spent is worth it and the headshots will be useful to you far longer." -- Malia L.
"I have to disagree. I think that headshots BEFORE senior year are a waste of money. For most of us, the physical difference between 'Summer before senior year' and 'summer after senior year' is pretty dramatic. Headshots taken before senior ear would have a very short shelf-life after senior year." -- David N.
"Personally I think the only point to getting a headshot taken before you graduate from college would be if the department was planning on traveling to NY, Chicago, or LA to put on a showcase in the spring." -- Angela S.