It is time to update your acting headshots so you book your session with your favorite photographer, but then what?
Let's do some brainstorming... There are all sorts of ways to brainstorm before your headshot session, here we will talk about branding & characters. Just remember, casting directors want you to be your authentic self above all else! With this being said, you are a character.
Just as you would a character for an audition, let's break YOU down.
Make a list of the following:
Who you are (best friend, sister, pet owner, basketball player, ect)
Shows/movies you see yourself in or dream of doing
Names of actors who have played characters you see yourself playing or would like to play
Types of characters you have auditioned for
Actors or characters you have been told you look like
This list is for your eyes only, so be honest with it.
Research:
Find actors who look like you on IMDb or google and see how they are displaying themselves in headshots and other images. If there is an agency you want to join, go to their IMDb and see what their clients headshots look like, what they are wearing and more.
If you have an agent or manager, don't be afraid to ask them how they plan on marketing you. Helps to be on the same page with your team prior to your headshot session. If you don't have this relationship with your reps, not to worry, at the end of the day this is YOUR career and you are in good hands.
On your journey, you may end up auditioning for stereotypes/cliches characters, but don't be afraid of them, take it to the bank, baby! Below are some basic trends/roles; I didn't create these, these are actual roles you will see in television, commercials and movies everyday.
I don't recommend narrowing your looks down too much, but it just gives you a ball park to brainstorm ideas.
THE CURRENT TREND FOR KIDS & TWEENS
Category: Girl Next Door / Guy Next Door
Disney Kid
Best friend / Sidekick
Category: Edgy
Bully
Cool Hip Kid
Category: Young Professional
Studious
Student
THE CURRENT TREND TEENS AND EARLY TWENTIES:
Category: Girl Next Door / Guy Next Door
Disney Kid
Jock
Hipster
Gamer
Stoner / Surfer
Lovable Loser
Love Interest
Girls’ Night Out
Fashionista
Guys’ night out
Best friend / Sidekick
Fitness / Athletic
Category: Edgy
Hero in the making
Heroine in the making
Anti-hero
Villain
Troubled Teen
Emo
Bully
Cool Hip Kid Category: Young Professional
Studious
Student
Grad Student
Geeky tech
Intern
Assistant
Helpful Employee
Creative Professional
THE CURRENT TREND FOR MID TWENTIES TO EARLY THIRTIES:
Category: Girl Next Door / Guy Next Door
Jock
Hipster
Gamer
Stoner/Surfer
Lovable Loser
Love Interest
Girls’ Night Out
Fashionista
Guys’ night out
Best friend / Sidekick Category: Edgy
Hero
Heroine
Anti-hero
Villain
Street Thug
Street Girl
Prostitute
Victim
Army
Drug Addict
Drug Dealer
Gangster
Biker Gang
Urban Hip Category: Young Professional
Student
Grad Student
Intern
Secretary
Assistant
Creative Professional
Geeky Tech
Lawyer
FBI Agent
CIA Agent
Doctor
Journalist
Nurse
Detective
Helpful employee
Waitress Category: Young Mom / Young dad
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
THE CURRENT TREND FOR THIRTIES TO FORTIES:
Category: Girl Next Door/Guy next door
Nosy neighbor
Girls’ Night Out
Sex & The City Fashionista (yes still!)
Love interest
Friend / Sidekick
Fitness Category: Professional
Secretary
Assistant
Creative Professional
Geeky Tech
Lawyer
FBI Agent
CIA Agent
Doctor
Journalist
News Anchor
Nurse
Detective
Waitress Category: Edgy
Hero/Heroine
Anti-hero
Villain
Street Thug
Street Girl
Prostitute
Victim
Army
Drug Addict
Drug Dealer
Gangster
Biker Gang
Urban Hip Category: Mom/Dad
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
THE CURRENT TREND FOR FIFTIES AND UP:
Category: Grandmother / Grandfather
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
Outdoorsy Fit Category: Edgy
Hero
Heroine
Anti-hero
Villain
Prostitute
Victim
Army Sargent
Drug Addict
Gang Leader
Mafia Boss Category: Business
Secretary
Judge
CEO
Lawyer
FBI Director
CIA Director
Doctor
Nurse
Detective
Waitress
News Anchor
Think of your headshot session as a creative process and don't get too bogged down on any one thing, just bring options and trust your photographer and the process. After reading this, check out Headshot Session: Wardrobe.
Have fun!
-Laura F.
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