Introduction

Headshots.  They're the show business equivalent of a business card. Whether you're an actor or a musician or even a stand-up comedian, you need them as a way of introducing yourself, both to prospective employers and to the public.

A headshot (or "8 by 10," as it's often referred to) is probably more important to actors than other performing artists, because casting decisions are so often made based on what you look like - are you young or old? Hero or villain? Are you a drop-dead gorgeous leading man or leading lady, or are you more of a unique-looking character actor? Your headshot is the thing that enables casting people to know how to put you to work.

But headshots are also important to other performing artists because they often form a first impression of who you are as a human being. For example, a dark, brooding look in a musician's headshot may seem very dramatic but it may send an unconscious message that you're not going to work well in an ensemble. A toothy smile in an actor's headshot might help clinch a role in a commercial but might exclude the same actor from consideration for a serious stage role.

So how can you ensure that your headshot is the best representation of you? We'll try to help you hop over some of the potential mines in the headshot minefield.

We've got some ideas that may help.

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Setting Goals

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