The following article was reprinted from ActorSite [originally pritned in 1999], during whcih time Tory was a talent agent:

NOTE: In the past decade, actor photos have gone from black and white to color, from 35mm film to digital and from hard copy to electronic, so portions of this article are outdated. However, the basic principals remain the same.

Headshots that WORK/and other stuff

By Tory Christopher:

I have seen many headshot questions, so while I take my "breakfast break", I thought I'd share from my point of view.

DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind, as always, this is MY opinion, from my last 19 years experience. This opinion may not reflect that of the agent or casting director to my right or left. This opinion is not meant to work for everyone. Tax, title, license, dealer prep and option are not included in this opinion.

Now... first... should your photo be headshot or a 3/4? Personally, I don't care. It should, however, and PLEASE listen to this part VERY closely... it should actually look like YOU! I tend to prefer 3/4 because it gives you the added advantage of "body language", but I would never make a decision regarding an actor based on whether the shot was of head or 3/4.

Should your headshot be vertical or horizontal? Again, I don't care. It is the quality of the shot itself I'm looking at... not whether I look at it in 8X10 or 10X8. It should, however, and PLEASE listen to this part VERY closely... it should actually look like YOU!

Should the photo have a boarder or not? Should it be a solid border or one of those cool kind? Should the boarder be black or white? Here's a subject I truly couldn't care less about, although I kind of like the "cool" boarders. Again, this would have NO bearing whatsoever in my opinion of the actor. It should, however, and PLEASE listen to this part VERY closely... it should actually look like YOU!

Should your name be on the right or left? In bold or italic? In Ariel or Letter Gothic? So long as I can read it, I don't care. The photo should, however, and PLEASE listen to this part VERY closely... should actually look like YOU!

Should you get 8 1/2 X 11 so that your headshot will stand out from the others? NO!!!!!! The industry standard is 8X10. 8 1/2 X 11 photos do not fit in files, bins, books or envelopes designed for 8X10's. 8 1/2 X 11's are simply a royal pain in the butt to handle, and don't get any more [often less] recognition that an 8X10.

Should I get lithos or photos? AH!!! here's an important subject...headshot QUALITY! Quality is important. But... I put much more stock in the "artistic" quaility of the shot itself than in the "physical" quaility of the reproduction. Follow me here? I have had some amazing fortune with great quality photography, no matter if the reproduction was photo quality or a Xerox copy. Alternatively, with a "boring" headshot... who cares if it's a print or litho or the original... if the shot itself doesn't work... spending a bunch of extra money on top quality reproduction isn't going to miraculously change the impact of the photo. It should, however, and PLEASE listen to this part VERY closely... it should actually look like YOU!

Here's what I suggest: If you're rich, always get the best quality reproductions no matter what the cost... why not, you're rich! If you're on a budget, shop around. You can find lithos with very near photo quality at a fraction of the cost. Then, have a few "true" photo quality reproductions made. Give a few to your agent for  special occasions. Keep a few for yourself to give to directors and producers on call-backs.

That's MY suggestion. Did I mention that the picture should look like you? Okay.

How do you get your headshot to stand out from the crowd? Okay... here's where people are going to get all up-in-arms and start yelling at me... so please remember this is MY opinion [please read disclaimer at intro].

Everyone seems to be trying for that "really great headshot". Result: thousands upon thousands of "really great headshots" out there. Really great headshots that make you look terrific and boy do they look good hanging over Mom's kitchen window... but they lack individual personality.

To me it's the difference between listening to a technically perfect singer, who lacks soul and a mediocre singer who "lives" the music. I'd much rather spend the time enjoying an entertainer who's voice is not beautiful, but who truly feels the mood of the piece, who has depth, personality, and interest.

I feel the same way about headshots. Remember that agencies see hundreds of photos each week... casting offices see thousands. What is going to stand out?

Picture yourself up on Mullholland drive, looking down at the Hollywood Freeway. Thousands of cars are passing by. Which do you notice: The maroon 1997 Lexus Coupe or the purple 166 convertable VW?

Now I know somebody out there is going to have a cow and start telling everyone that I'm asking you to be some kind of "freak" in your headshot. Not true. I'm asking for your unique personality. Do you really think you're going to get noticed without stepping out from the flock?

What about the question of a specific "personality" causing you to be type-cast? Isn't it better to be middle-of-the-road to avoid type-casting?? Oh, heffer-dookie! Listen real close here... let yourself be type-cast. Uh, oh!!! Did he just say what I think he said???

Okay... for those of you still with me and not kicking at your monitor for that comment... let me explain.

Once you have a "name"... then a great middle-of-the-road headshot is perfect. Poeple already know who you are. The headshot is simply your calling card.

But... for developing actors trying to get a break... why on earth would you want to be a clone?? Pick a specific character that you do well... and go with it!!!! Sell that character in your personality and in you headshots! Again, I'm not saying be a freak... I'm saying be unique. This is a people/personality industry.

Once you let yourself be typed into a certain character... you will begin to get more readings, auditions, offers... whatever... because now people will start to know what you "do".

Once you begin to be cast and perhaps play your specific type in a few roles or for a few years... then, by all means, spread your wings and fly into other roles.

But... if you just sit home determined to be the all-encompassing actor who can do anything and expect people in the business who don't know you to somehow be psychically aware of your abilities... you'll be sitting at home for a long time while casting [and the parade]passes you by.

Yikes... I've got to go!!!

Bottom line from me on headshots: Spend more time concerned with a shot that truly represents you and has personality. Did I mention it should absolutely LOOK like YOU? I though I did.

Spend less time concerned with where your name should be or what the border should look like.

And... the question of lithos vs photos is a moot subject if the shot itself doesn't "sell". No amount of money spent on the quality of the reproduction will fix a dull picture.

Hope this information will be useful to you.

Back to work... now I'm late!!! ooops. :-]

Tory