Update Your Brand

I know, I know you have resistance to getting a new headshot because you like this one.  You're sick of your less than talented agent blaming your lack of auditions on headshots.  So you have dug your heels deep.  No.  No, you are determined you are not going to do it.  Well sit down and have a cup of coffee while you read this.  Keep an open mind. By the end, your opinion may have changed.

Have you had your headshot for more than a year?  If the answer is yes you should think about new ones.  But I'm sure you're thinking that your appearance hasn't changed one iota.  That may be true but if you're a diligent submitter meaning you submit every day to every breakdown and probably double up if your not-so-talented agent is submitting you as well, then listen up. 

Put yourself in the casting director's shoes.  You have this really quirky picture, red background, cool guy, artsy, can't be bothered look which you think is very clever.  Well it probably was...last year!  The problem is that when a casting director sees your picture come across her desk, over and over and she doesn't call you in, it becomes like a Pavlov's dog response.  She thinks to herself, "Eh, I'm sick of this guy."  You need to give her a new reason to not call you in, er, you know what I mean.  

Also, you would be surprised how you have changed in a year and I don't just mean physically.  You may see something totally different in this next headshot session. You may come across softer or funnier or tougher for that matter.  Lastly, more head shots give you more choices assuming the ones you have now are good.  So you save the ones you have now and pull them out for specific instances but get a new set of regular shots.

Fine, don't give in to your not so talented agent.  Dig your heels, stand your ground, but give in to your career and start thinking like a full-time actor who would never have to wait tables. 

If HP didn't constantly update their brand, they wouldn't stay competitive.  Instead of using HP, you'd be printing your resumes on a TOG, better known as That Other Guy printer. 

-- Heather Langone

Comments

[Tiffany Grend]

I agree 100% with this article. I used to feel the same way!!! I was like I just got Headshots last year and I paid an arm and a leg for them I'm not spending any more money. Then I found this up and coming company that does them for $70.00. I was like I no these pictures are gong to look horrible but no they are actually better than the pictures I paid an arm and a leg for. What got me is when I called and asked about makeup and they suggested I go to Macys and let someone do my makeup for free!!! LOL I was like aren't you gonna try to sell me your makeup artist and they said no we understand having a tight budget and we are here to help our artist not rape them. Anyway check them out www.catchmeifyoucanproductions.com The studio is in downtown brooklyn and the vibe in this spot is crazy cool. I think the adress is on the website