Should Headshots Be Glossy Or Matte?

First, Be Sure Your Headshot Image is Print-Worthy. Glossy prints can have more contrast and can help the images stand out, particularly if most people use matte or luster paper. So, glossy isn’t without consideration. Matte finishes tend to hide fingerprints and other foreign stains much better.

Should head shots be glossy or matte?

Actor headshots must be printed with a satin or semi-gloss finish (NOT matte). Flat matte paper is too similar to regular computer paper and doesn’t look professional enough, and glossy paper is considered too shiny for headshot prints.

What paper should headshots be printed on?

8×10-inch
Audition headshots are printed on 8×10-inch paper, which is the standard dimension; any other size, including 8.5×11 inches, will signal that you are not well informed. On the 8×10 paper, the image can be printed with or without a border, but always with your name placed in the bottom center or corner.

What color background is best for headshots?

white
As a general rule of thumb, your actor headshot should have a white, gray, or natural outdoor, blurred backdrop. Occasionally you can do a flat colored backdrop, but only if it’s a pale, subtle color that doesn’t distract too much from the eyes and expression of the actor in the picture.

What should my headshot look like?

How to Get a Great Headshot

• It should be a recent head and shoulders shot.
• Blurry, pixelated or amateur photography will make you look unprofessional and will put casting directors off.
• Keep your appearance as neutral as possible.
• Wear something simple and avoid props, hats, distracting backgrounds and accessories.

Should headshots be black and white?

Some might argue it depends on what it is for. For example, some might argue only for artistic purposes should headshots be black and white. The quick answer is, yes, headshots can be black and white. However, you usually will not want your primary headshots to be black and white.

What kind of headshots do I need for acting?

Most actors should do at least two looks, aiming for one “commercial” and one “legit” shot at minimum. This means one bright, smiley, fun headshot, and one darker, moodier shot.

Should you smile for headshots?

Most people know whether they smile with their teeth or not. Even for professional headshots, smiling both with and without your teeth work, so smile whichever way you feel most comfortable. A forced smile isn’t good and might even make you seem disingenuous.

How many pixels should a headshot be?

Your headshots should be high resolution, about 5”x7” at 300 dpi (1500×2100 pixels).

Do headshots need a white background?

Truthfully, there is no right or wrong answer as to what type of background should be in your headshot. Some people prefer a blurry background. Some prefer solid colors. I recently watched a panel of 5 casting directors talking about headshots.

What should you not do in a headshot?

Don’t:

• Don’t wear a distracting clothing.
• Don’t wear clothing with words or large logos.
• Don’t over accessorize.
• Don’t wear clothing that you don’t feel comfortable in.
• Don’t overdo it with the makeup.
• Don’t use outdated headshots.

Do headshots need a plain background?

They may require the backdrop to be plain and of a certain color. Often, this is for large corporations or law firms. If you do many of these types of headshots, it’s worth considering investing in one or two rolled backdrops and stands.

Should headshots be portrait or landscape?

Portrait orientation is the traditional choice for professional headshots. It’s excellent at keeping the focus on the subject (you) while also incorporating more of your outfit and style.

Should I wear makeup for headshots?

For headshots, you want natural-look makeup. “Light” makeup is suitable as long as it is natural and evenly applied. It is more important to aim for a natural look than “light.” Although both can be accomplished simultaneously, it is important to prevent an uneven application.

How do I take better headshots?

Follow these few tips to achieve the perfect headshot.

1. Focus on the eyes. The eyes are said to be the window of the soul.
2. Watch your angles. Remember that for close up shots, angles will affect the outcome look and feel.
3. Use diffused light.
4. Add a hair light.
5. Use of Lens.
6. Guide expression.

Should headshot be in color?

For website, branding, social media, and other marketing purposes, a black and white image is perfectly fine. In fact, using a variety of images in your marketing makes you stand out! But when it comes to online casting submissions and printed headshots for auditioning, the bottom line is you must have color headshots.

Why are acting headshots black and white?

Interestingly, actor headshots in the USA are traditionally in colour. Black and white photos force you to see the person, rather than just a wash of colour – being a ‘purer’ image, it can reveal more raw emotion, which is why many actors favour them.

Should your name be on your headshot?

Even though your headshot will be attached to your résumé, it’s important to have your name printed somewhere on the photo. There’s no standard font, but it should be easy to read. If you choose to have an external white or black border framing your headshot, your name can be printed within this border.

What should a woman wear for a headshot?

What should a woman wear for a professional headshot?

• Wear well-fitted clothing., Not too tight but not too loose.
• Avoid low-cut tops.
• Long sleeves are better for headshots than short sleeves.
• Pastel colors and other neutral colors should be carefully chosen.

Why are headshots so important for actors?

A headshot is designed to give a good perspective, or provide a good idea, of what a person really looks like.Actually, headshots are one of the most effective and important tools an actor has in order to get the first break of his/her acting career. Your headshot is your first audition, of sorts.

What dimensions should headshots be?

8” x 10”
Actor headshots are commonly 8” x 10” (W x H), though some actors opt for 10” x 8” too. But, while these are the preferred sizes for casting submissions, there is no law or rule across the industry requiring this.