After someone has booked their headshot session, one of the first things they ask about is wardrobe. I have seen everything from someone showing up to a session with a couture fashion show to someone showing up and pulling a wrinkled, smelly, stained t-shirt out of a plastic bag. So what is the right way to approach clothing for headshots?
Here are some basic things to think about:
1. Consider your character type. This, I think, is the most important. You really want to be sure that your wardrobe choices complement your character type. Knowing your market is key to getting a successful headshot. For example, what is your age range? Are you aiming your headshot at blue-collar or upper-class roles? Are you playing sexy roles or are you more of the girl/boy next door? I have had guys bring three-piece suits yet tell me that their marketing is more the college slacker type. I’ve also had women only bring sexy dresses with plunging necklines only to tell me that their agent wants something that could help them land salesperson-type commercial auditions. Watch the characters you would play on TV or film and take note of their wardrobe as inspiration.
2. Do not wear costumes. Getting too specific with wardrobe can be limiting.
After someone has booked their headshot session, one of the first things they ask about is wardrobe. I have seen everything from someone showing up to a session with a couture fashion show to someone showing up and pulling a wrinkled, smelly, stained t-shirt out of a plastic bag. So what is the right way to approach clothing for headshots?
Here are some basic things to think about:
1. Consider your character type. This, I think, is the most important. You really want to be sure that your wardrobe choices complement your character type. Knowing your market is key to getting a successful headshot. For example, what is your age range? Are you aiming your headshot at blue-collar or upper-class roles? Are you playing sexy roles or are you more of the girl/boy next door? I have had guys bring three-piece suits yet tell me that their marketing is more the college slacker type. I’ve also had women only bring sexy dresses with plunging necklines only to tell me that their agent wants something that could help them land salesperson-type commercial auditions. Watch the characters you would play on TV or film and take note of their wardrobe as inspiration.
2. Do not wear costumes. Getting too specific with wardrobe can be limiting.
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