The Thrifty Actor: Part II

Isn't this clip art GREAT?

Get Headshots!

The deal on headshots is that it needs to be an attractive image of you that actually looks like you on an average day that you might audition. The picture should say something about your personality, and your eyes should be the main sender of that statement. You don't need a lot of hair and makeup or clothing, just something smart and tasteful. 

Some photographers will rip off new actors because they just don't know what is too much to pay, or what to expect from a photo shoot. You need to do your research. In the DC area, you shouldn't pay more than $500, which in my opinion is still too much. 

There is a wonderful website called Model Mayhem, which is a social networking site for models and photographers to meet and set up potential jobs. Many set up what is called "Time for Print" or TFP, as in, you as an actor, trade your time sitting for the photographer, in exchange for free photos. 

Set up a profile and start hunting around for photographers in your area. There are many, many quality photographers in the DC area willing to take your photo for free! If you don't like the first set of photos, find a new photographer and shoot again. You have nothing to loose because the photos were...FREE...and you got a chance to practice exuding your confidence and personality to the camera (which is harder than it seems), and you can learn what you do and don't want in your headshot. Worse comes to worse, you get more photos for your website or...

Postcards... coming in Part III