Question about head shots

[dbwine]

While I've been a member of this forum for a while now, I have yet to participate actively, until now.

A good friend of mine asked me to take head shots of her to send off to theatre companies. I haven't done "professional head shots" before, so I'm not sure what "they" are looking for...I'm guessing the head of the subject, but how much of it in the frame? Do I do head only? Shoulders and above? Waist and above? Should she smile? Should I shoot at a slight downward angle? I'll be shooting outdoors for better lighting, as I don't have a studio/money to rent a studio.

Any advice would help greatly! As would examples! Or even web links!

Thanks,
Dave

[rosykissesxoxo]

As an actress myself I can answer this one. An actors headshot can include just the head, head and shoulders or from the waist on up. Some even include the entire body. But no matter what you include, the key is to see personality! The eyes MUST be the focus of the viewer, so make sure all the attention goes to the eyes. And the personality of the actor must jump out at you. Smiley shots are great for commercial shots but if she's doing theatre she'll need some "dramatic" theatrical shots as well.

But the best way to learn is to look at other examples. Nowcasting.com, a website for actors, has a photographer's gallery where you can see the work of a lot of well known headshot photographers in L.A./N.Y. all on one page. Check it out

https://www.nowcasting.com/toolkit/my8x10.php

[dbwine]

Thank you very much for the info, and the website!

[R. Lawrence]

What is reasonable to charge for a 30-minute session of theatrical headshots, with say, 100 8x10s?

Bob