Headshots!

I made this post a way way long time ago, but I accidentally posted it to pages. So here it is.

I got my headshots done February of junior year, supposedly in time for my audition for Circle. Not. I ended up having to audition way earlier than originally anticipated, so I didn't get to use any of these. I'm still so glad I got it out of the way early though! If I was still waiting for the edited ones to come back now, I'd be going insane. [EDIT: It was like October.]

I used a local photographer who has specific training in headshot photography and happens to be my dance teacher's husband! Ah, Vermont. So many connections. Anyway, since I got them done locally it was relatively inexpensive. I really loved the original pictures, but as you can see, they are all horizontal: 10 x 8 and not 8 x 10. And in most of them, my face is moved to one side. This is okay with me now but it freaked me out at first! I'm pretty sure it's a trend, so make sure you check with your photographer about how they will edit the final photos.

Here are my 6 favorite headshots:

(As you can see, my eyebrows are horrendously weird.)

 This is the one I have on the back of my resume. I chose it because it contrasts the one in the front (I'm not smiling, and I'm wearing a different shirt).

 I really like this one and it is my Instagram profile picture but I just look so washed out!

 This is my Jewish looking headshot.

 This is my main one that I actually use.

I love this one. I don't know why I don't use it. Geez.
For college auditions, most people won't expect a perfect 8x10 professional headshot. But if you want to get that out of the way for later, go for it. I think it is very wise not to take the photo yourself, however. Most people have a friend with a nice camera. get them to take it in good lighting in front of a blank wall, and then crop it to 8x10. I also used one of my headshots as a senior picture, so it was worth it to do a photo shoot for both. As headshots go, mine were VERY inexpensive. I was lucky to know a guy who had been trained in it and who charged me under $200 an hour. I could have gone to someone fancy in Boston or New York, but as far as college, I think a local thing is best unless you plan on working professionally in the near future.

Before you get your headshots done, practice expressions (especially serious expressions!!) in the mirror. Have someone else do your hair and face--it doesn't have to be a professional, just a friend who owns a lot of fancy make-up and hair products and knows how to use them! Wear a solid color that doesn't clash with your background and looks good with your skin. As you can tell, I love green. I also had some pictures in a purple top but the green one came out best. I changed maybe 5 times during the entire shoot, which is kind of a lot. I brought like 40 other tops with me though! You can never have too many options.

My photographer told me that you should have two headshots: a commercial and a theatrical. The commercial headshot should have a very friendly, smiley, inviting look. I use the second to last one as mine, even though I'm completely uninterested in commercials. The last picture above is my theatrical headshot because it's a little more dramatic and intense. A good thing to do is put your theatrical headshot on the top of your resume, next to your name. I will make another post on resumes at some point! Until then, go forth and look beautiful in your headshots!! (I still don't know if that is one or two words. If you have any clue, please tell me.)