Yes, you do need a professional headshot and I'll tell you why. For the past year I have been building my name as a voice over talent. Over the past few months I have been doing more work as an actor than I have behind the microphone. So logically, now that I am establishing a name for myself, the next step in my career is to sign with a talent agent. But before I do that I decided to update my headshot.
I have learned that having a headshot is important for every professional, but as an actor it is absolutely critical. Your headshot is the first, and many times the only impression you make on a casting director. Unlike voice over where your demo determines your level of success, acting is about how you look. So I decided to update my headshot before submitting my resume to a talent agency.
I have learned that having a headshot is important for every professional, but as an actor it is absolutely critical. Your headshot is the first, and many times the only impression you make on a casting director. Unlike voice over where your demo determines your level of success, acting is about how you look. So I decided to update my headshot before submitting my resume to a talent agency.
I did some research and found a photographer that fit my budget and met my expectations in terms of quality and creativity. Robyn Adamson was easy to work with. She took a series of headshots with different clothing choices and allowed me to select the poses that I wanted edited. Like other professionals in her line of work this photographer understood that the images captured by the camera are only the beginning of the process for shooting a headshot. While there are enhancements and color corrections to manage, Robyn's photos capture the personality of the individual not just their image, which is the reason I choose her as my photographer.How Often should I Update My Headshot
Honestly, that depends on the amount of work you are doing. Typically your look will change as you mature (age), so you should be updating your headshot every couple of years. But if you an actor or on-camera spokesperson you will have to update your headshot at least every year. If you are booking a lot of acting work then the rule of thumb is updating your headshot every six months. Why? Two reasons: One to keep your look "fresh" for casting directors who see hundreds, if not thousands of headshots a day. Two because as you add credits to your expanding body of work you will want your headshot to be as current as your resume. With that said, voice actors can slip under the radar with a headshot that is one or two years old, but even if you only work in the studio it is a good idea to refresh your headshot every couple of years.
I have changed my image over the past couple of years, and moved from being strictly being behind the microphone to being on camera regularly. So in my case, updating a headshot has become a priority as I continue to increase my acting work.
I have changed my image over the past couple of years, and moved from being strictly being behind the microphone to being on camera regularly. So in my case, updating a headshot has become a priority as I continue to increase my acting work.
Why Hire a Professional Photographer
The answer should be obvious! Selfies are great for social media, but as a professional in any industry, you are representing yourself to prospective hiring managers, clients, and vendors. If you are not doing so already, you must separate your professional and personal image. I know, you are who you are and anyone who tries to divide you into a work persona and a social persona is not doing you any favors...you are who you are!However, taking a selfie and posting that as your profile image on linkedIn or glassdoor shows the world that you might not be as professional as you claim to be. Do yourself a favor, hire a professional photographer to take a headshot or portrait for you. In addition to your public profile, you can use the image for the corporate newsletter, annual report, and employee of the month photo. A professional headshot allows you to put your best foot forward when it comes to making a first impression. And like it or not people do judge you by the image you put on your profile page. So when you are ready, take the time to research photographers and invest in yourself by hiring a pro.
How Do You Find a Great Photographer
I updated my headshot by asking my social network for recommendations. I simply wrote a Facebook post informing my friends that I was looking for a photographer and asked for suggestions. After I started seeing the responses I checked out the work being produced.
A lot of people take pictures, but there is a vast difference between someone who has high end camera equipment and does not know about lighting setups or exposures and F-Stops and an experienced professional who can capture more than just an image with the camera lens. I looked at different photographers and their portfolios before landing on someone with the experience and creativity to capture the "real me." Once I knew who I wanted to work with I set up an appointment and planned for the photoshoot.
By choosing a professional photographer I ended up with headshots that I am proud to post as my profile picture. Now I can send a headshot to casting directors and talent agents with the confidence that demonstrates professionalism. My due diligence paid off and the results speak for themselves. I am so pleased with my latest headshots that I am promoting my photographer across every social platform. And that is a win for both of us.
A lot of people take pictures, but there is a vast difference between someone who has high end camera equipment and does not know about lighting setups or exposures and F-Stops and an experienced professional who can capture more than just an image with the camera lens. I looked at different photographers and their portfolios before landing on someone with the experience and creativity to capture the "real me." Once I knew who I wanted to work with I set up an appointment and planned for the photoshoot.
By choosing a professional photographer I ended up with headshots that I am proud to post as my profile picture. Now I can send a headshot to casting directors and talent agents with the confidence that demonstrates professionalism. My due diligence paid off and the results speak for themselves. I am so pleased with my latest headshots that I am promoting my photographer across every social platform. And that is a win for both of us.
Images by Robyn Adamson
www.AdamsonCreative.com
www.AdamsonCreative.com
