"Nay, but make haste; the better foot before." - William Shakespeare, King John (1596)
No doubt you have heard the saying “put your best foot forward” in reference to presenting yourself as best you can, to make a good impression on others. Even Shakespeare alluded to it! In theatre especially, having a solid headshot that, in an instant, gives people a sense of who you are, is an important tool of the trade. Never underestimate the power of the human connection: to borrow another saying - “a face to a name”. A headshot that captures the essence of who you are is a powerful tool in promoting yourself, your project, and your story. Even those artists whose product is physically separate from them, such as visual artists, a good headshot further connects you to your audience, as the photograph gives them a sense of who the person is behind the art. A headshot facilitates a sense of familiarity, even if you’ve never met, and underlines the fact that art is not some abstract ethereal existence, it is about humans reaching out to each other.
On a more practical level, having a good headshot means you’re ready to provide it whenever promotional or recognition opportunities arise. If you have a social media page, or a website, a good headshot is a solid foundation to introduce the rest of your information. Involved in a production, a show, an exhibition, a book fair, an album launch? Your headshot is a valuable piece of the promotional puzzle and will almost always be used. Featured in an interview? Your headshot is a great visual component, along with any other photos you may have of your work. Recognition, such as awards, usually ask for a headshot as part of the overall nomination package as it rounds out the information you provide about yourself and your work - again, it gives the selection committee a person to connect with. Basically anytime you are part of something where written information about yourself is needed, a headshot is the complementing piece. Be ready!
The best part about being an artist is you can be a little creative with your headshot as well, let it truly reflect who you are! I recommend you work with a professional photographer, maybe even one who has headshot experience. This is an investment in yourself, work with someone who sees it that way. A great headshot photographer will also know how to bring YOU out in the photograph, to alleviate the worries of all of us who believe we don’t look good in pictures. They will also be upfront about limited editing of the photograph, so the final image looks like you on your best day, not a Photoshopped imitation. A good quality headshot should last you a number of years, as long as you don’t go through any drastic changes, so take the time to get it right.
And remember - the best way artists can make a better environment for themselves is to support other artists. Pay for a photographer or make meaningful partnerships, and promote each other’s work. Happy headshots!
In 2019, Theatre; Just Because were sponsored by Crystal Mercredi of Life and Portraits, adding professional headshots to the actors portfolio. Thank you, Crystal!