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One of the most important requirements for thespians are professional actor headshots. Your whole career or your chance at the next job can depend on one image!
An actors headshot photographer receiving their first IMDB photo listing is equivalent to an actor getting their first film appearance, your excited that it happened, but you want another one, asap!
Getting the client and their agent what they want is far more important than getting a technically correct image that pleases the eyes of on looking photographers.
This is Molly Belle Wright a young British actor a Manchester girl now living in LA. She called in at the studio on a trip to the UK and certainly left a big impression.
Casting directors and agencies frequently judge you as an actor based only on your headshot. Because of this, it’s essential to have a headshot that accurately portrays both your physical attributes and your distinctive personality and abilities. Here are some things I can provide for you if you choose me to take your actor headshots:
Bring out your best features: With years of expertise and an eye for detail, I can assist you in posing in a way that brings out your greatest features and distinguishing characteristics.
Provide a calm and pleasant atmosphere: I realise that posing for images can be nerve-wracking, so I make an effort to establish a calm and friendly atmosphere during our photo shoot. This will make you more at ease and self-assured, which will make your headshots appear more true and natural.
Employ professional lighting and equipment: I make sure that your headshots are of the greatest calibre using professional lighting and equipment. As a result, your headshots will be razor-sharp, crystal-clear, and visually attractive, which will help you stand out from the crowd.
Work together: I firmly think that a successful headshot shooting is the result of my clients and I working together. To help you get the appearance and feel you desire, I take the time to listen to your needs and preferences.
Provide prompt and effective service: I am aware that headshots are frequently required by actors rapidly, whether it is for a last-minute audition or an unexpected opportunity. Because of this, I provide prompt and effective service and send your edited headshots on schedule.
Ultimately, by choosing me to take your actor headshots, you will be investing in my priceless experience that will help you look and feel your best.
In my blog post:
I outline 6 basic poses that will help you smash your headshot session.
This is an ideal guideline for experienced actors and beginners alike.
There any many other things that can be added to the list of course but this is in my opinion an incredible place to start.
Talent starts young these days and agencies will still insist on professional actor headshots no matter how old the young thespian may be.
We can get some amazing images for you if you need children’s headshots for our next superstar of the cinema or theatre.
Age isn’t the main consideration, as long as the parent believes that the child protege is able to sit calmly in front of the camera and follow simple instructions, it’s a piece of cake!
Anyone 17 and under has to be accompanied by a parent.
All images are taken and treated in the same way as adult images, in the same studio with the same equipment, and edited to the same high standard.
Our studio is open in the evenings and at weekends so we can accommodate after-school or weekend sessions.
My youngest headshot client was 9 months old!
You are looking to impress casting directors, producers, and acting agents. The importance of high-quality professional headshot photography cannot be overstated.
You need a picture that states who you are in one glance. We can help!
We are in easy reach of Manchester, Bolton, Warrington and Wigan as we are just off J5 on the M61.
Having a professional headshot taken is essential for an actor’s career. Make sure you look your best because casting directors and agents frequently view your headshot as their first impression. Choosing the appropriate attire is one of the most crucial aspects of having a nice headshot. We’ll discuss what to wear for an actor’s headshot session in this blog.
Simple is best.
The most crucial consideration when selecting your headshot attire is to keep it straightforward. You want your face to be the centre of attention, not your attire. Keeping patterns and bright colours away from your face is a good idea. Keep to simple, neutral hues like navy blue, white, grey, and black. These hues complement every skin tone and won’t overpower your features.
Dress to represent your brand.
It’s critical to dress appropriately because your headshot serves as a representation of your actor brand. Consider the characters you wish to play as well as the parts you regularly apply for. If you frequently audition for corporate roles, for instance, you might want to put on a suit or a shirt and blazer. If you often dress more casually, you can choose pants and a plain blouse. Casting directors will be more likely to cast you in the roles you want to play if you dress for your brand.
Think about the neckline
Your headshot might be significantly impacted by the neckline of your clothing. A lower neckline might make your face appear larger, while a higher neckline can make your face appear longer and narrower. Most people should choose a V-neck since it shapes your face in an appealing way. Try on a few different alternatives and shoot several selfies to discover which neckline suits you the best if you’re unsure of which is best.
Be mindful of fit
While selecting your headshot attire, fit is crucial. Your clothing should be well-fitting and fitted for your frame. Avoid wearing anything that is overly tight or loose because it will make you appear unprofessional. A consultation with a stylist or tailor is worthwhile if you’re unsure of your size or how something should fit.
Accessories shouldn’t be overlooked.
Your headshot can be given flair and interest with accessories, but you don’t want them to take over the image. Basic accessories like a necklace or a pair of stud earrings can dazzle without drawing attention away from your face. Something too bulky or big should be avoided as it can take away from your characteristics. Ahead of time, keep your headshot from being overly dazzling or fashionable.
If in doubt, leave it out.
Think about the time of year and the place
What you wear can also depend on the time of year and the location of your headshot shoot. Consider wearing softer materials like cotton or linen if you’re shooting in the summer. You might choose a heaver material like wool in the cold. The setting for your shoot is something else to think about. If you want to shoot outside, you might want to wear layers so you can regulate your body temperature. You might want to wear something that won’t compete with the background if you’re shooting inside.
Bring choices
Bringing a couple different dress options to your headshot shoot is always a good idea. You will have some flexibility and be able to experiment with various looks thanks to this. Having a few different accessories on hand can allow you to change up your look. You might get advice from your photographer or stylist on the ideal attire for your headshot.
Do not use logos or branding.
Not the clothes brand, but you, should be the focus of your headshot. Avoid donning apparel with logos or branding because these can draw attention away from your face and be distracting. Stick to plain, unbranded attire that
Click here for my pricing page to see some of the available packages. If you are still unsure or would like a bespoke quotation, please contact me using the form below.
I have spent over 40 years in the entertainment industry. I have sifted through, looked at, and chosen people from thousands of images I have been presented with over many years.
I have also taken hundreds if not thousands of headshot images. Knowing what to look for in a final image has helped me produce a successful style that gets the client the results they desire and deserve.
Reasons to be cheerful:
All our actors headshots are suitable for:
Most of all, great headshots.
My Aim:
To provide you with a selection of top quality professional headshots that will give you confidence, that will help you get your foot in the door, to get you in front of the casting director, to give your agent something to represent you.
Headshots open doors, create an expectation, tell a story. If you don’t have a headshot, an image, then you may be missing out on work and opportunities. You may never get the break you feel you deserve, no matter how good you are.
During our headshot session, I aim to help you, capture the emotion, set the mood and have some fun along the way. Your headshot photo needs to look like you, maybe several versions of you, the acting you, and the true self.
I will take lots of shots, more than enough. We check them as we go along, together, to make sure you are happy.
Whether your a complete beginner or have some years of experience, we will help you achieve great results with your images.
Once you have booked your headshot session in, we will send you one of our information sheets packed full of helpful advice and tips on how to prepare for your photoshoot.
This covers many things from choice of clothing, grooming, make-up and what happens during and after your photo-session.
You can also speak to me, your professional photographer, a couple of days before your appointment if you have any last minute questions or just to calm any nerves you may have, its good to talk and we are happy to help in any way.
Very few people know how to pose for headshots, it is not something you will do every day.
I will lead you every step of the way, step by step, explaining the best body posture and position, the best head position for you (because we are not all the same), and how to get the best expressions with your eyes and mouth.
Within an hour you will be an expert!
Our sessions are private and you can relax and enjoy the experience. I try my best to create a warm and friendly atmosphere and all my feedback has been positive pointing to a fun but professional photo session.
Atherton Photo Studio is just off Junction 5 on the M61.
I am fairly close to everywhere in the North West, the following is an approx distance by car and my directions page has more details.
Leigh 5 mins
Bolton 20 mins
Wigan 25 mins
Warrington 25 mins
Stockport 30 mins
Chester 40 mins
Blackpool 45 mins
Liverpool 60 mins
Leeds 60 mins
If you are (or have) a child, at school, and aged 15/16 or younger, you may be entitled to a discount on our session fee.
Full pricing is on our pricing page accessible form the hamburger menu, top right.
Your headshots are designed to help you get work as an actor. They are designed to please your agent and casting directors, not your mother or best friend.
Acting agents will want to display the right picture of you on their website and will sometimes ask for a photographer’s release form which can be done for you quickly and it is free.
You may want to display them on your social media of acting websites such as Spotlight, Mandy, and StarNow amongst others.
Actors Headshot photographs are designed to be clean, attractive, thought-provoking, eye-catching, and look like you, all at the same time.
That’s some ask!
Our aim is to attract the eye of the person you are trying to impress.
All our actors’ headshots are suitable for:
I have a specific but flexible style in order to get you noticed.
Due to the wonderful British Weather its no surprise that 99% of our headshot photoshoots are indoor. Although natural light can give some outstanding results, you are at the mercy of the sun, clouds and other elements.
Atherton Photo Studio is a professional compact studio with all modern lighting and only the highest quality Canon photography equipment.
I have access to some wonderful natural backdrops in the grounds of my studio to the rear of the building, including a mixture of different coloured brick walls and greenery.
I use a mixture of flash and constant lighting in the studio with a variety of different coloured backdrops in addition to the popular back and white, the prefered choice of many casting agents.
I will help you every step of the way and there is much more information about my photoshoot sessions on my pricing page.
Remember my session times are not strictly limited in time, I don’t book hourly so you won’t be rushed and we will pick your images at the end of your session so you won’t be waiting days for an upload of hundreds of similar images nor will you be left alone to choose the best ones.
There are many photographers in Manchester. All I can say is look at my Google reviews and testimonials, and the images of course. I make the headshot session an experience.
Whats the difference between headshots and portraits?
Simply put, headshots are from the shoulders or chest upwards and portraits cover the whole body head to toe. Portraits can use many more props such as chairs, sofas and even the floor. Costumes will be much more important on a portrait shoot.
Atherton Photo Studio
Bag Lane Enterprise Centre
Atherton
M46 0JN
Built by Knights Digital
