Engaging headshots are critical for talent, especially in online profiles. Casting Directors, agents, employers now especially use Facebook. Profile photos are now a calling card and first impression. The most appealing profile photos are close-ups of the face with smiles and eyes that are vibrant and alive. Fundamentally, unique personalities and internal vibrancy need to shine through eyes in close-up photos, which fill the frame, without a lot of distractions.
Most are drawn to photos in which the individual is looking into the camera, appearing to look at and engage the viewer with a warm, inviting smile. Scowls and looking away from the viewer are non-engaging. Viewers feel closed out, uninvited when the individual in the photo is not smiling and/or looking away from the viewer.
Engaging headshots are the most important marketing tool for talent. For online profiles talent first need an all-purpose headshot with a smile that reveals an energetic personality. Eyes should sparkle with no hair covering them or other distractions. Talent are best served when they use individual profile photos that are in color, updated, smiling with simple hairstyles without the following: hats, sunglasses, costumes, hands, facial hair, outdated hair styles, and/or too much body skin...
Casting directors, agents, employers, who use online profiles and Facebook, will consider talent for a broad range of roles. Once they are captivated by a warm, inviting, all-purpose profile photo, they can go to other posted photos to see other character and dramatic shots. Talent who present themselves only as edgy, period, or specific types of characters limit themselves and even repel viewers. They need to present themselves as professional talent with range. They need to be warm and inviting.Their unique personalities that shine through their eyes in close-up headshots without a lot of distractions in the photos are what will draw casting directors, agents, and employers.
When taking close-up photos, look into the camera. Invite viewers with a warm smile. Think of those you care about the most and let that love shine through your eyes. Natural light and the natural colors of nature behind you can provide warm, non-distracting backgrounds. The simple color of your shirt even though it shows little in the headshot can add warmth and vibrance, if it is a color that enhances your skin tone. Blue, greens, and coral colors are best on most skin tones.
For further information, contact me, Dr. Diane Howard, at dhoward@vvm.com or visit my Web site at http://www.dianehoward.com.
See specific performance communication/film job postings on Cru Film '12 Facebook site.
See recent film reviews, developments, and publications .
I am on IMDb as Dr. Diane Howard. You can support good film work with Like buttons on IMDb (Internet Movie Database) by Liking the following: films, filmmakers, actors, crew, casting directors, agents... (including UMHB Cru Film associates).
