| Headshots are extremely important to actors. They | | | | was like and how much did it cost. |
| are the "business cards" that actors use to obtain | | | | Comparing notes with other actors is not as effective |
| representation from agencies and to obtain | | | | as receiving advice from talent agents because talent |
| consideration for acting work. Therefore, actors need | | | | agents understand the goals and career paths of an |
| to make sure they get good headshots, and be willing | | | | actor better than the actor's peers. They also |
| to pay adequate money for them. Different types of | | | | understand the local market needs better than the |
| headshots may cost more or less, and headshot | | | | average actor does. However, if one doesn't yet have |
| prices will vary based on location. | | | | an agent, one's peers can be a great source of |
| Typical Costs | | | | information. |
| In most cases, headshots will cost anywhere from | | | | Headshot Scams |
| $300-$600, at the time of this writing. This is a general | | | | Even though actors should be willing to pay adequate |
| range. The costs of these photographs may be less | | | | money for their headshots, it doesn't mean that they |
| expensive if an actor lives in a rural area or a small | | | | should pay an arm and a leg. There are many scams |
| market. These costs may be more expensive if an | | | | that take advantage of actors seeking headshots, by |
| actor lives in a larger, more competitive market, such | | | | charging extraordinary amounts of money, sometimes |
| as Los Angeles. That's because the amount of actors | | | | as much as $1500 to $2000. Therefore, actors should |
| willing to pay more for quality headshots is greater in a | | | | seek guidance from their talent agency. |
| larger market. Also, the cost of living in the L.A. market | | | | Unfortunately, some talent agencies are also scams. |
| is much greater than that of a smaller market. | | | | They pretend to be a legitimate agency, eager to send |
| Getting Good Advice | | | | an actor out on acting jobs. However, they require the |
| When it comes to headshots, the most important thing | | | | actor to get their photos taken only by the agency |
| an actor can do is to receive good advice. The best | | | | itself or by a company that is tied to the agency. In this |
| source of advice is from the actor's talent agent. | | | | case, the agency is not an agency at all. It is a |
| Agents are a great source of advice because they | | | | photography company posing as an agency. They |
| have a great understanding of their particular market. | | | | pretend to be interested in sending actors out on |
| Agents understand what types of headshots will bring | | | | acting jobs so they can make a commission on their |
| employment opportunities for their clients. They | | | | work, but their real money is made by selling photos to |
| understand how much headshots in their local area | | | | actors. |
| usually cost. And they know which photographers tend | | | | That's why, in addition to seeking advice from talent |
| to do the best work. | | | | agencies, actors should also ask other actors about |
| If you don't have an agent who can guide you through | | | | their experiences. Other local actors can shed insight |
| the process, actors should turn to other actors to help | | | | into which companies are scams, which ones charge |
| fill that void. Actors should ask other actors where | | | | the most, and which companies have great reputations |
| they got their headshots done, what the experience | | | | for providing quality, affordable work. |