This has probably been asked tons of times before, but I need help fast.
I've just been asked by not one, but TWO friends for professional acting headshots because they either don't have the time nor funds to go to a proper shoot.
I just need to know any possible tips you guys have, I don't have any equipment other than my Sony A390 with 18-55mm lens and a Joby Gorillapod. I'm doing the first guy tomorrow, and a girl on Sunday.
Any tips at all would be appreciated, especially ones in laymen's terms as I still consider myself a complete newbie with regards to manual settings.
I'm guessing I'll need a sheet for a white background at least? Or does that depend on hair colour?
EDIT; just to be clear, the guy is not an "acting" headshot as such, it's for a formal job application, the girl is for an audition. I also have editing software in the shape of photoshop CS2
After doing a lot of school phototgraphy, not the same but similar, you will definitely need a sheet/backdrop, white usually works best. Make sure there are no creases in it and it is a crisp white, not an old greying sheet!
Also you may struggle without having any studio lighting set up, Have a look at this site for very reasonably priced equipment to hire (a lot of things are from £20 for 3 days and that includes delivery and collection) http://www.camerent.co.uk
If you hire lighting equipment make sure you use a light meter too.
If you go down the hiring route prehaps add a tripod to your list and look at any lenses that are compatible with your camera, I'm sure people here can help identify what is a good portrait lens for a Sony.
I know you have said the first person is tomorrow but if you can delay it a day or two to have the right equipment it will be worth it to produce good quality rather than average.
For posing them I reccoemnd you have them sit on a backless stool (think school science lab!) or improvise with something of a similar height. Have your friend sit side on to you (90degrees) and have them turn their head to look at you as it is much more flattering than front on.
I can't advise you about your camera as I have only ever used Canon.
Good luck!
I don't know about professional head shots and would probably google it to see what others are doing. Just wanted to mention that it would be in your best interest to charge something because they will be using them to further their careers.
@emmar84 Thanks for those tips. As a student with them myself I'm not sure if I would even stretch to hiring anything whilst still being able to pay rent but everything else like white sheets I can do. Annoyingly doesn't seem like "camerarent" do alpha mounts either.
The guy on Saturday isn't for an acting job thankfully, just a job application where they need to "see what he looks like" so there isn't too much pressure on that. But the girl's ones are for an audition so they'll need to be as good as I can get them.
I've seen a lot of headshots of current 3rd year students have been done outside so if the lighting is good then I'll try that too.
@dmortega Thanks, I wasn't thinking of charging for either but maybe I should charge the girl a very small sum considering the circumstances
One tip for women, is to take the shot with them looking up just a tad as the from above angle is more flattering. There is a lot more that other's can tell you, but this is one I have heard often.
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Also you may struggle without having any studio lighting set up, Have a look at this site for very reasonably priced equipment to hire (a lot of things are from £20 for 3 days and that includes delivery and collection) http://www.camerent.co.uk
If you hire lighting equipment make sure you use a light meter too.
If you go down the hiring route prehaps add a tripod to your list and look at any lenses that are compatible with your camera, I'm sure people here can help identify what is a good portrait lens for a Sony.
I know you have said the first person is tomorrow but if you can delay it a day or two to have the right equipment it will be worth it to produce good quality rather than average.
For posing them I reccoemnd you have them sit on a backless stool (think school science lab!) or improvise with something of a similar height. Have your friend sit side on to you (90degrees) and have them turn their head to look at you as it is much more flattering than front on.
I can't advise you about your camera as I have only ever used Canon.
Good luck!
If I think of anything else I'll let you know
The guy on Saturday isn't for an acting job thankfully, just a job application where they need to "see what he looks like" so there isn't too much pressure on that. But the girl's ones are for an audition so they'll need to be as good as I can get them.
I've seen a lot of headshots of current 3rd year students have been done outside so if the lighting is good then I'll try that too.
@dmortega Thanks, I wasn't thinking of charging for either but maybe I should charge the girl a very small sum considering the circumstances
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