Hi, guys! Nora here. My friend, Oliver, recently used his awesome photography skills to take my headshots. I’m still pretty new to everything here in LA, but one thing I have had experience with is BAD headshots. I thought I’d share some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way, so that you guys don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
#1. No matter how zealous your photographer is, never, and I repeat, NEVER, “give the tiger claw.”
You are not a model. And even if you were a model, I’m pretty sure they don’t do that. Your headshot is supposed to give the casting director a glimpse of your everyday spirit, not your freaky, drunken inner animal (unless you’re my friend Rain, because her everyday spirit is a freaky, drunken animal).
#2. When the photographer gives you direction on where to position your head or body, do NOT move in large units.
Move as little as possible or else you have “completely ruined the pose” and “will not make it in Hollywood.” If they say tilt your head to the left, essentially stay in the exact same place, and you’ve done good.
#3. Look up the definition of “ethereal.”
I know this sounds ridiculous, but I’m telling you. Time and time again, the photographer asks me to look “ethereal.” I’m pretty sure it’s something about heaven … or the ocean … okay, to be honest, I haven’t looked it up yet, but do as I say, not as I do!
#4. When getting your headshots taken, it seems intuitive to follow the time-honored Tyra Banks “smize” (smile with your eyes).
But let me tell you something: you will only end up looking like a serial killer, and directors will only cast you as the psychotic girl next door (think Kimmy Gibbler from “Full House”). So, I suggest relaxing and thinking about spending a day with someone you love (like my wonderful bf, Matty!) Your smile/eyes will look a lot more natural, and fewer casting directors will ask if you were in pain during your photo shoot.
#5. Forget the open mouth smile.
Just don’t do it. First of all, I don’t think any of us are really that excited to be taking headshots. And, second of all, when have we ever been that excited about anything? We haven’t. The open-mouth smile was invented only for dirty purposes, as I quickly learned after multiple calls from an adult video production company. So, just trust me on this one, and smile with your teeth.
