[ellebud]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

As for the angles, I was referring to two things:

1. No diagonal framing - like in the full-body shot.
2. And as for "head on", I mean you LOOKING/facing forward. You can tilt your head or rotate slightly, but your head should be facing the camera, and not be looking over your shoulder, or up, or out into the distance. Your eyes should be making contact with the camera.

A quick question - have you interviewed other photographers to know what is "reasonable" in your market? Or did you just go ahead with the photographer that the "agent" suggested? Remember, this is an investment in your career. Casting directors usually won't waste time on amateur shots. At our ages, we can't waste time making rookie mistakes. Agents shouldn't care where you get your shots, as long as they are good ones.

I am not being mean here. Your agent and the photographer who is probably kicking back a % is doing YOU the disservice. If you are going to continue to audition and perform, please save up for a photo session with a better photographer.

If you don't want to take my advice, go to backstage.com, go to the Forums, and put up your head shots in the "Head shot and Resume Forum". There are casting directors and photographers who hang out on the forums and often offer free advice.

For comparison sake, my most recent photographer gives three looks, unlimited background changes, rights to use two shots, and about 2 1/2 hours of time. I think she took between 200-250 shots. I got a discount, but she does this package for $150. Being so far from NYC, you should not be paying $125 for just one look, and especially black and white.

I am offering these suggestions in the same spirit of how we give advice to PNMs. So please don't take it any other way.

She right. Totally. And nowadays most headshots are online. It is a rare thing when you have to bring them with. Black and white hasn't been done in years.