How low should a headshot be?

The standard headshot size for actors is 8" X 10", which means – whether it's horizontal or vertical – your printed headshot must be 8 inches by 10 inches, but there's one big caveat: The printed photo itself technically does not need to be 8" X 10" as long as it's printed on paper that measures 8" X 10".

How far down should a headshot go?

Shoot from about 3 feet away. You want the picture to frame your upper body and head while leaving some space all around. Avoid weird camera angles, and don't shoot from below your chin.

What makes a bad headshot?

Bad Lighting: If your headshot has poor lighting, meaning shadows under your eyes, bright spots in the background, harsh shadows, etc., it will look like you didn't invest much into your headshot. Therefore, casting directors will assume you won't invest much into their production either.

How much space should be above head in headshot?

You don't want too much room above your head in the frame - or too little. There should be a balance between shoulders and face. Again, be sure to keep your face in the top third of the image.

Should I wear my hair up in a headshot?

Hair up – If possible, tying your hair will slim down your face and your neck. This also opens your face more for your headshot to stand out. Curling Hair – Some curling is good but don't go too crazy with the curls. Again, you want to make sure the headshot looks like you.

Perfecting The Headshot with Peter Hurley

How much of your body is in a headshot?

Three-Quarter or Full Length. As the name implies, a headshot is normally of your head or head & shoulders. That's my preference because your face fills the frame, allowing your eyes to draw in the viewer. A photo that shows more of your body (three-quarter or full-length) is standard for models, but not for actors.

Should you smile or not in a headshot?

Yes, you can smile in a professional headshot. However, really, there are no rules. It really depends on the purpose of the photo and the energy, or vibe, that you want to convey.

What should you avoid in a headshot?

What is the best pose for a headshot?

What is the most flattering angle for headshots?

Avoid standing straight to the camera

Angles are flattering to all body shapes. Try standing 45 degrees to the camera & shift your weight onto your rear foot. Many people are conscious about looking large in photos.

How do you know if a headshot is good?

Pay Attention to Framing, Lighting, and Background

In general, a good headshot is: chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows—unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.

What is the rule of thirds in headshot?

You should aim to align your eyes with upper-third line of the grid when cropping tight, and if you're cropping wider, be sure that your head is positioned within the top third of the image. ​This is called cropping using the Rule of Thirds and will ensure you use proper framing rules.

What color is best to wear for headshots?

Solid and neutral colours always work well as the eye is used to seeing them and they have little chance of overwhelming the frame. Light neutral shades include white and cream, while dark ones include navy and black. Neutrals are timeless, non-competing and emotionless.

How do you not look fat in a headshot?

How do you look thinner in headshots?

Lean forward.

Most people, because they are uncomfortable with having their picture taken, will lean away from the camera. This causes you to sit at an unflattering angle. It might sound counterintuitive, but leaning towards the camera actually helps you look thinner.

What's the best color to wear for photos?

Intense colors like black, navy blue, red, and hot pink are ideal along with lighter colors including pastels in blues, pinks, and yellows. It's always best to avoid brown earthy tones along with subdued colors like beige, orange, and gold.

What shirt to wear for headshot?

Solid colors work best. A white shirt with a solid color tie of any color will always look good, especially with a dark jacket. If you prefer a color shirt, go with a lighter color shirt under a dark jacket and a darker color shirt under a light jacket.

Is it bad to wear black in a headshot?

Many are worried that they will lose definition or have blob-like-looking bodies. We can assure you that it is totally fine to wear black for your portrait.

Do you show teeth in a headshot?

There are absolutely NO RULES for a smile or not smile on your professional photos. The only rule is to feel and look comfortable (a big part of your professional photographer's job 😉) to leave viewers a CONVINCING first impression through your professional headshot.

Should I take a headshot with or without glasses?

Own your Glasses

If you wear glasses most of the time, I strongly recommend you wear them in your headshot. Otherwise, you won't be as recognizable in your portrait (that's the whole point)!

Should you wear lipstick in a headshot?

Can you wear lipstick in headshots? Yes, but the same rule that applies to foundation applies to lips: keep it simple! Your lip color should be one notch darker than how you normally wear it.

Is it better to stand or sit for headshots?

Most people prefer to stand for their headshots, but sitting can be a good option if you're uncomfortable posing standing up or if you have a lot of wrinkles or scars on your neck that you'd rather not show. When standing, try to relax and keep your shoulders down; don't hunch over or put your hands in your pockets.

Are professional headshots touched up?

The craft has filtered down to the competitive world of headshots; retouching is standard now. But before actors put their headshots under the digital knife, they should keep in mind that a fine line separates good retouching from bad.

What does 3 4 to camera mean?

A 3/4 Headshot

This photograph is commonly from around the mid-thigh to just above the head. However, it can also be from around the calf area up to above the head.

What colors to avoid for professional headshots?

In general, I recommend staying away from white and other pale colors as the main color (pink, pale yellow, light green, sky blue, etc.). They can overexpose, distract from your face, and sometimes even make your skin tone look paler than it is.