In the actor headshot industry as well as the general acting industry there are two primary divisions. The commercial headshot and the theatrical headshot. Often an actor will have both a commercial agent and an acting agent. And an actor will have two different types of actor headshots printed at all times. The commercial headshot and the theatrical headshot. Under the commercial side of this business you have an agent that focuses only on getting you in the door for commercials. You will want bright or soft colors for your commercial headshot in Los Angeles. For your clothing and your make-up, blacks, grays and dark colors often do not work as well for your commercial headshot. Your chosen Los Angeles headshot photographer will help in regards to background choices in the studio or on location. When doing the actual headshot session no matter what you are wearing or what your background looks like, you will want to aim a few in your head towards theatrical looks and a few in your head towards commercial looks. Now, as a side note I should mention comedians here as well. Comedians have a little flexibility on their Comedian headshots. But, mostly they take the concepts of the best commercial headshots and exaggerate them. They have an act geared around a specific character or mood and get their headshots in los angeles based on that character. Now let’s talk about the theatrical headshots in Los Angeles. A theatrical agent is submitting you for plays, TV and film work. There is a certain amount of professionalism that is looked for here because these guys need someone who is smart, able and hopefully responsible! Trust me when I say that people are looking for responsible despite the dramas and recklessness of some talented actors and actresses in this entertainment business. That is why theatrical headshots have stayed in that more serious tone. It actually comes from the glamour shots of Hollywood. But to be in an evening gown for an actor headshot session in los angeles will communicate that you do beauty pageants. To be in a tux you would be classified as a model, not an actor in Los Angeles. So, you mellow down the clothing to fit for what you specifically need for your specific actor headshots. You should read the section on Casting and Picking out your wardrobe to give you more info on this part.
So, in todays times you need a theatrical headshot that really pops. It says I am here, I am damn good and I will nail this role with no drama and not be a liability. When you have that, you will get work in spades. That is a lot to say in a single Actor Headshot photograph. But, as a performer there is a certain amount of confidence and certainty that is expected. Showing that certainty in your los angeles headshots, without arrogance, will get you to the top.
Thank you to Jessic a Petty John at headshots 101 for this incredibly informative article and all the help for actors in Los Angeles and around the world!
Lauren Hurt is a top headshot photographer in the Hollywood / Los Angeles California area. She specializes in eye catching entertainment industry and actor headshots. Lauren’s central hollywood studio location makes her headshot sessions easy and accessible to all Hollywood and Los Angeles area actors looking for amazing headshots. Her rates are so reasonable that even a starving artist can have great headshots. Whether you are looking for affordable headshots in LA or to be pampered like a top celebrity, Lauren’s headshots exceed all expectaions. Contact her Hollywood studio for availability and booking information. Lauren also shoots business headshots and real estate headshots in the Hollywood and greater Los Angeles area.
