Actors Head Shots: Is the image 8 x 10 or is it 8 x 10 with the border?

I'm just starting to do a lot of head shots for actors and they are asking for the image to be inside a white border with a larger border on the bottom with their name printed there.

My question is this:

If they ask for an 8 x 10, is that the final dimension after the border is added or is the image 8 x10 and the border extends beyond those dimensions?

I would say no border. Your trying to showcase the actor/actress as much as possible. So border just takes away from that.

http://www.headshot-photography.com/

Kevyn major Howard may be one of the most renowned headshot photographers in the US. Take a look at his site and see if that helps you.

Also be sure to check out Fueledbythefallen.com one of his extra-curricular activities.

HI David,

Maybe I didn't explain well.

I'm not trying to decide between border or no border. I have clients that are specifically asking for the border. I do a lot of head shots and haven't been asked for the border but now I seem to be getting clients that are telling me the agencies are asking for it, so it's not my call.

I really need to know whether the 8 x 10 dimensions should be before or after the border.

TMR Design wrote in post #10749851
I really need to know whether the 8 x 10 dimensions should be before or after the border.

On Kevin's site you should be able to find the TV program about him. Casting directors are shown and they seem to go through pictures are a rate of about 1 every 2 seconds. Not much time to make an impression.

Do you know the source of the border thing. Are Casting directors asking for this?

davidfig wrote in post #10749990
On Kevin's site you should be able to find the TV program about him. Casting directors are shown and they seem to go through pictures are a rate of about 1 every 2 seconds. Not much time to make an impression.

Do you know the source of the border thing. Are Casting directors asking for this?

Hi David,

I always thought the border was something cheesy and used to be done all the time but this is the first request I've had for it. I can't say if casting directors are asking for it but the girls (teen actors) that are coming to me (with their Mom's, lol) are all saying that the Agency is asking for that format.

I've tried to talk them out of it and I've asked a lot of questions to make sure they knew what they were asking for and truly wanted that. These clients have all been telling me that it's what is being asked for.

I can't say whether that's really the case but I don't see a reason to fight them on it when I don't know the agencies or what they want or need.

Regardless of whether it's an industry standard or what others are doing I need to cut to the chase and get the answer to my original question.

I can further research the topic after that but for now I just need to know whether the 8 x 10 format is before or after the image.

Can anyone answer that? Has anyone at one time or another formatted images for actors head shots where the border was needed or required?

I'm surprised that you are unaware of the answer Rob... You are always one to shoot emails to the source of the problem/issue and get the answer. So, if you can, email the agency(ies) and find out and let us know!

MJones wrote in post #10751462
I'm surprised that you are unaware of the answer Rob... You are always one to shoot emails to the source of the problem/issue and get the answer. So, if you can, email the agency(ies) and find out and let us know!

Very true. This wasn't the original plan. I don't have the name of the agency and haven't been able to get in touch with the client today.

I should think the overall dimensions of the paper should be 8x10 so it can be filed properly...

Start giving the agency non-standard paper sizes just to accomodate an acutal 8x10 image and I can see those shots getting round-filed.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #10751548
I should think the overall dimensions of the paper should be 8x10 so it can be filed properly...

Start giving the agency non-standard paper sizes just to accomodate an acutal 8x10 image and I can see those shots getting round-filed.

I tend to agree with you Jay. I'm going to give the client the images with and without the border and the ones with the border will be 8 x 10 overall.

The piece of paper the image is printed on will be 8x10. The image will be slightly less than 8 horizontally with the border, leave about 1.5 inches on the bottom for the subject's name / bio.

PUREBRAD wrote in post #10782012
The piece of paper the image is printed on will be 8x10. The image will be slightly less than 8 horizontally with the border, leave about 1.5 inches on the bottom for the subject's name / bio.

Thanks man!