Expert: Rusty Meyers - 9/1/2007

Question
Hello, I'm a  16 year old entering my junior year in school. I've done shows, dance/voice lessons, concerts, everything because I just love it. I'd always planned on going to college for something that seemed "safe", like a psych major. But lately, a musical theater degree just seems so possible. I'm not as strong as others in performing, but it's my passion.

Anyways, I know it would probably make the most sense to get headshots done after I graduate from high school (timewise and everything), but I'm wondering where I could get these done. I live in upstate NY. What's the average price for a session?



-Rachel


Answer
You really only need a couple of headshots.
Don't do a whole portfolio thing, that's usually for models.
A commecial (with a nice smile) and then a theatrical (a bit more serious or seductive look) is all that you need at first.
I wouldn't spend any more than 300.00 for at least one roll (36 exp.) with a make up person included (would be nice) and make sure that you get the negatives or the cd and you can take them anywhere and have copies made.
Some photographers will make you get them through them only, so they make more money off the duplicates.
NY is a lot more expensive (for some reason) when it comes to photos than LA.
So when you do get them made there is a place in LA called Graphic Reproductions.com that can get you 8 X 10's back to you in a week for around 80.00 for 300 lithographs with your name on it.
Don't do anything in a photo that takes away from you (especially your eyes) albiet hands on your chin or glasses or crazy collored shirt or dangly earrings, or goofy tilting of your head odd backdrops, pets, tattoos, piercings, shadows.
Look at the photographers book (other pictures of actors headshots) talk to a few local agents and look at some of thier clients photos.
Theatrical (in agency terms) means film/tv.
Stage is what they call thier (live theatre performers) departments, so don't be confused.
Sometimes a stage perfromers headshot can be a bit more "artsy" but I would stay away from it, because hopefully you can do more than that.
Good Luck