What You Need to Know Before You Get Your Headshots Taken

What You Need to Know Before Getting Your Headshots

Insights into the process of headshots, and ways to prepare.

Here are some examples of my take, answering the following questions:

  1. What is a headshot (?), i.e., it’s the most important calling card you have.
  2. Do I need hair and makeup (?), i.e., you need to be able to reproduce the looks you chose, no matter how you get there.
  3. What should I wear (?), i.e., colors that compliment your eyes, skin and hair coloring.
  4. What do I need to do (?), i.e., Do your homework and speak to your representation. Be clear on what it is they need to market you and the looks you want to achieve.
  5. What will I need to get started (?), i.e., one to two looks will do if you’re new to show business otherwise consult with your agent or manager.
  6. What is a look (?), i.e., I like to say it’s a character change that could be enhanced by a wardrobe, makeup, hair or location change.
  7. Should I meet with the photographer? That’s up to you and the photographer.
  8. What’s the process (?), i.e., prepare, shoot, review, post session online, burn a DVD.
Eyekool Production and Photography

Professional Photographer/Videographer Ray Bengston

MTT would like to welcome Ray Bengston to the fold!

Professional Photographer/Videographer Ray Bengston has been one of the top headshot and publicity photographers in Los Angeles for over twenty five years. He has photographed for SAG, AFTRA, Equity, Disney and his work has been seen in major magazines and books.


Photographing newcomers to celebrities his unique ability to shoot indoor or outdoor, location or studio gives the client the choice of style they want.

Agents, managers and professionals recommend Ray not only for the quality of his work, but also for his ability to make actors feel comfortable and relaxed creating a productive and creative environment.

Ray’s website: Eyekool.com

Five ways you are ruining your headshots

Five Ways You are Ruining Your Headshots

Watch this video for tips to improve your headshots, and a few things you may be doing wrong…

Headshots On-Location

How to Prepare for Your On-Location Headshot Session

On-location headshots are very popular right now – and with good reason! They can look very natural and offer multiple different background options in one session. If your photographer has suggested an on-location shoot, here are five things you can do to prepare to make your photo shoot go as smoothly as possible:

  1. Plan, plan, plan. This goes without saying, as you should always plan your outfits for a photo shoot, but in the case of on-location shoots it is even more important. It can be inconvenient to dig through a suitcase full of clothing without anywhere to hang them or spread them out, so know in advance what outfits, accessories, and makeup you will want to use and group them together in an easy-to-access way.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes. People often don’t think about it, but your shoes will rarely be seen in your headshots! It’s important to be able to walk around comfortably so you have as many location options as possible, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, or at least bring a pair of slip-on shoes that you can change into between locations.
  3. Wear an undershirt. With location shoots there is not always a convenient bathroom to change in between every look, so you will save yourself a lot of time and energy if you wear an undershirt or sports bra that you can keep on and change your top without needing too much privacy.
  4. Bring a mirror! Your photographer may bring one, but they may not, and you’ll probably want to be able to check your hair and makeup between photos, especially if you plan to change anything at all during the shoot.
  5. Bring everything in an easy to carry bag or roller-bag. Don’t just bring your outfits loose on hangers – you will need to set them down while you are being photographed, and there may not always be somewhere convenient. It’s much nicer to bring everything in a garment bag or neatly packed in a rolling suitcase so you will be ready to go between photos.

I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your on-location headshot session – and remember, as with every photo shoot, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself!

Kelsey Top Ten MTT

Read more

kelsey edwards choose your headshot

How to Choose a Headshot

Read more