AHHHH! Huge News (for me)!!

[ree-Xi]

Let me first offer congratulations on your role. There is a lot of good indie work being done. Indie work is a labor of love, often with little reward. Perhaps it will go on to some film festivals or get screened (and earn IMDB credit)! Two of mine have gone to festivals, and a third is being negotiated for release.

Now to my other point - and I thought i had mentioend this before - if you are serious about pursuing acting, your acting head shot needs some work.

Note that my suggestions are for ACTING only. I don't know anything about modeling. It's obvious that you didn't use a head shot photographer, but it's worth the investment (you can probably get decent shots for $150-200 in your area, even less). Your pictures just don't do you justice, and an acting head shot photographer knows how to bring out your best.

Some don'ts:
- No nature or obvious objects in photo
- no "things" in the background - go with a wall/sheet/background with texture and color
- No angles! Straight on. Face is the focal point.
- no body shots unless asked for by a casting director (and usually is a straight-on in plain clothing for specific casting/wardrobe reasons)
- no distracting patterns (the pink dress, the argyle sweater)
- no leaning or holding onto something - makes you look like you can't stand up straight
- no crossing arms - it's off putting. You want to be inviting.
- no white tops - it washes you out
- no B&W shots - makes it look dated. Industry standard is color.
- no sunglasses in the hair. - Hair should be a "good hair day" version of your every day hair
- no one else in the photo
- no "poses"

Some tips for next time:
- Head and shoulders, close up
- Get both theatrical (non smiling) and commercial (smiling) shots
- Wear color in the photo, a color that complements your skin tone and brightens it up
- wear an interesting neckline
- wear a fitted, but not tight, shirt. Casting directors want to be able to see a bit of your body shape, but the fabric shouldn't be pulling or gaping. Avoiding button-downs is a good way to stop that from happening.
- look straight on, not up, down, to the side, over the shoulder, etc.
- LOVE your hair color - that is a standout. Play it up with the right makeup and clothing. Play up your assets!!!
- play up your eyes with natural-looking makeup (mascara is a fair-skin/haired girl's best friend)
- make sure your shirt isn't wrinkled or folding oddly. Pockets can make shirts look lumpy.
- delicate jewelry only (studs, thin chain)
- Smile with your eyes (yes, Tyra has it right). You want to look approachable.

Best of luck with your projects.