The Lost Art of Headshot Photography & Compcards

I think many photographers forget why they are producing headshots.  I think many of them just want to produce a cool image; fair enough, but I think it is much more than that.   

Compcards are portrait photos that will help Actors land acting jobs.  Pretty simple right?  So the headshot is a selling tool for the Actor.  So we as Photographers must give the Actor all the tools they need to accomplish this goal. 

I look at headshots as a sell sheet for the Actor.  The headshot may have an awesome face on it but if:

·         The Producer cannot reach the actor, it is an opportunity lost for the Actor. 
Solution: the headshot should contain the Actor’s contact info

·         The image is old and the Producer does not know, s/he will waste the mutual time of the Actor and the Producer
Solution: the headshot should have a date taken

·         The headshot should have a head and body shot… preferably showing the Actor’s teeth. If the Actor shows up with the wrong body type to an audition, s/he will waste the mutual time of the Actor and Producer. 
Solution: include heads and body images in the headshot

I think most photographers don’t know anything about graphic design, this is why this info is often omitted in the headshot supplied to the Client (Actor).  Better for me; because I know graphic design I’m a busier photographer than most others. 

Solutions to other photographers: learn graphic design

For more information on headshot portrait photography in Toronto
Contact Jules Design
http://www.julesdesign.ca/Toronto-Acting-Headshots-Commercial-Theatrical.html
647 997 2793
jules@julesdesign.ca 




Kids and Adult Actress Headshots; give the Casting Agent the info they need to qualify talent.



Toronto Actors Headshots- Children - Include multiple shots of the subject



Toronto Headshot photography for kids- include contact info 

Toronto Headshot photographers need to use light meters

• When I cut wood, I don't estimate length; I measure it. This insures precision.
• When I photograph, I use a light meter to measure light.  This helps me insure accurate exposure with my camera shots. The light meter tells me how to set my camera.

Photography is not rocket science. Indeed composition is important but so is exposure.  I am not sure why Photographers constantly resist buying light meters: even the ones who learn photography in school.    I think some just don't know better, for others (I think) they feel it is a sign of weakness. 

Light meters help me produce headshots photos and product shots with quick accuracy
After my camera and lenses, my light meter is the most important tool inside my camera bag. 

To all photographers out there I say: Buy a light meter!




I think most photographers suck because they don't use a light meter.  Often the image exposure and colour is off because they guess the camera settings.