Guidelines for Headshots


Dr. Diane Howard

HAIR AND MAKE-UP POINTERS

by Candi Kelli 

FROM The Actor’s Picture/Resume Book

An actor’s guide to creating a picture/resume for theatre, film, and commercials

2nd revised edition

By Jill Charles, with Tom Bloom

Published by Theatre Directories, a program of American Theatre Works,

Inc., Dorset, Vermont

 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you decide to do your own hair
and make-up for your headshot.

 

1. Use a nice quality base that will cover the skin without "caking" it. This will allow your natural skin tones to show.

2. Do not attempt to cover certain attractive skin features, such as freckles, dimples, beauty marks, etc.

3. It is very important to remember that if you are applying make-up for black and white film, it is essential to remember to be concerned with shadow instead of color. Color that is applied which is darker than the natural skin tone will shadow or deepen the area. Lighter colors highlight features to make them more prominent.

4. Cheek color should be applied low to give accent to the        cheekbone. Applying it on the cheekbone will take out the        contour.

5. Eye shadow works exactly the same way. It does not read as color; instead, it deepens the eye sockets.

6. Lipstick is another example. The contrast to the skin is what will show, not the color.

7. Eyeliner should be applied softly and sparingly with a brush.
There should be very little on the lower lid.

8. Mascara should be used as you would use it normally, every
day.

9. If your hair is long and straight, you need enough of a set to give it body and volume on the sides so that it attractively frames your face.

10. Give a new "do" at least one week so you know how to manage it. The day before having your photo taken is not the time to try out a new perm!