How important are backgrounds in your head shot? Headshots are about you, the actor. Your headshots are not about the background. That said, I like it if the background informs the photo in a subtle, interesting way. For me, studio headshots, with studio lighting that look set up and posed are not ideal. It looks flat and like you had pretty photo day. I like something in the background…anything, even a little shadowing or sense of place. That said, all white can look fantastic and it really depends on your aesthetic. The photo can be fabulous in every way, but if the actor doesn’t have something going on behind their eyes, then it isn’t an interesting photo. Remember that your photo is selling a product and you have to tell people something about yourself through this photo, besides just hair color.
So, can a background make or break a photo… yes. Photos are getting tighter and tighter. We are moving away from the three-quarter headshot and back to the close-up. You should be separate from the background but I love it if the background gives a nice sense of place and space.
I can shoot your headshots in any style, we can go white and clean background or a blurry sense of space. It is up to you and your agents. Different agents prefer different things. The one thing that everyone agrees on is that your headshot must look like you and you cannot disappear into the background. I always urge my clients to talk to their agents about what they want and then I can do what works best for them while still making sure your headshots have a sense of energy and life and space.
Actors headshots are a collaboration between your agent, the headshot photographer and you, the actor. I love an open dialogue about your headshots so that we are on the same page and don’t waste any looks or photos.
Headshot Photographer in Los Angeles
Joanna Brooks is a headshot and portrait photographer in the Los Angeles area. Headshots, professional quality headshots as well as theatrical and commercial headshots. Agents and managers recommend Joanna for headshot services.
Joanna is also great with children’s headshots and on-line dating photos in the Los Angeles / LA. Joanna has clients in Hollywood, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Pasadena, Culver City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Venice and throughout the LA area.
Joanna does head shots for actors and actresses, twitter accounts, on-line dating for Match.com, j-date as well as many other photo services. Joanna brings her acting and casting expertise to help you with what head shots you are in the market for.
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