I hear from a lot of actors that getting headshots done is a painful experience. Things like...
"My headshots look good, but they don't look like me, so when I get in the room, everyone is disappointed."
"If the photographer isn't nice, then I feel uncomfortable."
"I had a tough day before and wasn't able to be present."
"I hate having to pose and standing like that is super fake."
"I didn't connect with makeup and hair, and so nothing looked like what I wanted."
"No one would listen to me about what looks I wanted for the shoot, that my agent told me to do."
This list is endless, guys.
There seems to be this notion that a fun and fulfilling headshot session is this unpredictable mix, and to get impactful pictures you will probably have to sacrifice your level of satisfaction.
I totally get that there is a lot of pressure. Headshots are expensive, and they are your most important tool as an actor. They need to represent who you are, so that you get called in to audition. It makes sense that you set high expectations.
Yet when you're focused on the outcome, you're not in the present moment, so opening your instrument to get those better, more authentic shots will be difficult. That's a no win scenario.
But it doesn't have to be that way, truly.
Your headshots can be SO impactful and EFFICIENT in terms of getting you called in when you embrace being the boss of your own headshots, and it IS possible to have a joyful experience getting them taken. I’ve put together a video training to help you take control of the process and avoid the drama at your next photo shoot.
Before we begin, if you unhappy with your headshots and want to learn how to create impactful images that authentically represent you and help get you in the room, I have an exciting opportunity coming up soon. Click here to join the waitlist now.
Here are a few highlights we covered in the training:
Let's cover the big NO's first:
Don't try to look good. The point is that you look like you, so when you walk in the room, the CD is not surprised. ;) Plus, it's a waste of energy to try to find an unattainable look that everyone is happy with.
No poses (hooray, right?). Poses are, again, for trying to look "good". They are distinctly about not being in the moment, which is the opposite of what you want.
Embrace your uniqueness, don’t hide it away. Let the viewer look into you. Don't tell them what you want them to see about you. It's fake and oh-so- obvious.
It's crucial that you can open your instrument no matter the photographer. (This is where the Instinctive Actor webinar will definitely help you, by the way.)
You're paying, you're the boss. It sounds simple enough, but it's definitely a mindset shift. As actors, we are so used to taking direction that we forget to use our own voice when it comes to the business side of things. But when you own the responsibility for session, you'll see better results.
Now, enjoy the video training!
Are you filled with dread when it comes to headshots? Are you ready to be the boss, or do you need some extra guidance? Let me know in the comments below.
See you next week!
Jo
Whenever you’re ready, here are TWO ways I can help you:
Join my free Facebook Group, THE INSTINCTIVE ACTORS’ SOCIETY, exclusively for actors who are ready to go from good to great and become undeniable.
REQUEST TO JOIN: facebook.com/groups/instinctiveactorssociety
2. Get on the waitlist for my course, The Reset Journey From Resistance to Freedom, and stop struggling to access your natural, authentic talent in the audition room or on set. You’ll learn how to reset your instrument to be 100% instinctive and free in just 33 days.
GET ON WAITLIST: tobeornottoact.com/waitlist