Actors, Authors, and Artists Resource Guide
(Creatives)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Portrait Do Actors Need?
Actors, Authors, and Artists fall within the creative portrait category, and while the goal is to get awesome images, there is more creative leeway in these portraits. The portrait style will vary depending on the needs of the client, where and how the image will be used, and how the client wants to be portrayed. In comparison to business portraits, there is often more dramatic lighting, additional props, and different posing and background elements. Your portrait is your opportunity for people to put a face to your name, and you want this first introduction to be a good one.
What is the difference between a theatrical and commercial headshot?
Commercial headshots often feature welcoming smiles, evenly lit backgrounds, and aim to make the subject look friendly, approachable, and likeable. On the contrary, theatrical headshots often have more serious expressions, are moody, and might have dramatic or dark lighting.
We will work with your agency’s requirements to get the shots you need and to put the best image of you in front of the casting directors.
Professional business portraits are often more formal, from the clothes you wear to the pose, lighting, and background. If you’re interested in business headshots and portraits, please visit my Business Resource Guide.
What is an Author Portrait?
Author portraits are often needed for book covers, book signings, and general publicity. Depending upon the subject of the book and your personal style, these portraits can be conservative and traditional or more creative with artistic use of lighting, clothing, expression, and mood. Props and background environment can be used to illustrate the subject matter of the book.
If you are an author looking for a publicity shot or a portrait for a book cover, think about the mood and feeling you’d like to convey. While you could create an image similar to a business portrait (a good idea for a book on a conservative topic), if you want to portray a different mood or show your unique personality, you could add some creativity with your clothing, lighting, and posing.
Why Should I Have My Portrait Taken Professionally?
Staying current in your profession means you need to market yourself, and your image is a large part of how people first get to know you. It’s important that you look approachable, friendly, competent, and like someone you’d want to do business with. Taken with the right lighting and posing, and in an environment that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, a professional headshot will make you look great and will do wonders for your online presence.
Casting directors often make quick decisions about who they want to audition for the role; having a good set of images will increase your chances of landing the role you want.
Planning for your Creative Session
Before Your Session:
Clothing: Make sure to plan out your outfit at least a week before your session. Try it on, make sure everything fits properly and that it is clean and looks fresh.
Hair: If you’re going to get your hair cut, do so at least 4-5 days in advance so it has time to grow in a bit. Alternatively, plan to see the hairstylist before your session so it looks great when you arrive.
One Week in Advance:
This is the time to make sure you are taking good care of yourself (well, you should always take good care of yourself… but it’s especially important before your portrait session). Make sure you get some exercise, time outside, rest, and eat right. If you’re feeling good, you’re going to look great.
Gather your outfit and possible additions (extra ties, accessories, different sweater or jacket, etc.). Include a hairbrush for last-minute touch-ups. If there are any photos that have been taken of you that you really like, feel free to bring them to show me so we can make sure to try to capture that angle in some of the poses.
Day of portrait:
You’ve prepared and planned, so you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to bring your change of outfits, hairbrush, and other accessories.
Allow extra time for traffic, and to enjoy the beautiful Concord scenery on your drive.
When you arrive, relax, and enjoy your session!
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with my work, I would love to hear from you!
Want more ideas for great portrait locations? Check out my Location Guide!
Want to see more creative-type portraits? Please visit my Actors, Artists, and Authors Gallery!
Any questions? Contact me!
