The Art of the Headshot

No matter what career field you eventually wind your way into, you'll most likely need a headshot for some type of publicity material. But getting around to finding a photographer, scheduling a session, and anteing up several hundred dollars is something that many of us put off. When the need arises, we often opt for the cheapest and fastest solution: calling home and scheduling a session with Uncle Ernie.

Many of the headshots we review in the Office of Career Development are of the Uncle Ernie variety. They were shot by a hometown photographer—often, a friend of the family. The hometown headshot is not always bad, but it is seldom good for the performing artist. I don't mean any disrespect to the many outstanding and extremely professional photographers who have established reputations and practices in their communities, but I am attesting to the most obvious factor that often influences a student's decision: money.

Here in New York and also in Los Angeles, fierce competition between headshot photographers has helped keep prices relatively sane. That isn't to say that you are going to get a good headshot for less than $100. But you shouldn't expect to pay more than $600 for one, either. A healthy middle ground exists between those two price points, and many photographers produce outstanding photos within that range.

The major difference between a photographer in your hometown and the work done by an established New York photographer is style and quality. Performing-artist headshots are much more than just a representation of your appearance. When you compare photos from a photographer whose main clientele consists of brides-to-be with those of a photographer whose work is used primarily to capture interest from casting agents, directors, conductors, presenters, and choreographers, you can see a multitude of differences. One has the patina of family warmth; the other exudes the performer's personality.

So what are some tips and tactics for choosing a photographer and getting the most out of the session? New York headshot and fashion photographer Jeffrey Hornstein (www.jeffreyhornstein.com) says, "It is very helpful if the photographer has a strong, comprehensive Web site showing his or her work." Spend some time reviewing the portfolios of several photographers; there will be considerable stylistic differences between them. Hornstein also recommends calling the photographer on the phone and getting a feel for his or her personality. Your session with that photographer will be quite intimate. He or she will be attempting to elicit looks, emotions, and thoughts in each frame. You should feel comfortable with the person.

Comparing photos from a photographer whose main clientele consists of brides-to-be with those of a photographer whose work is intended to capture interest from casting agents, you can see a multitude of differences.

Veteran headshot specialist Nick Granito (www.nickgranito.com) says, "Every time we look in the mirror, we see a different side of ourselves. We must determine what is more marketable. If you can't look at yourself objectively, ask your teachers, friends, directors, and agents." Objectivity is essential, but almost impossible when it comes to your physical appearance. What qualities are conveyed in your appearance, both good and bad? Seek honesty from those who won't simply tell you that "you look fabulous" in everything you do and wear. Be willing to share these observations with your photographer. This will help him or her capture and accentuate your more captivating attributes. Before a photo session, Granito sits down with the client over a cup of coffee and talks freely about anything that comes to mind. His goal is to get the client comfortable with him and the studio, while determining what features he wants to capture.

According to Peter Schaaf (www.peterschaaf.com), a Juilliard alumnus who has photographed many celebrity musicians, "Many of the headshots we see every day look totally interchangeable and boring. The most information they give is hair color, approximate weight, and fondness for makeup (or beards). So the great challenge for me is to make one that gives more—one that has personality in it, that is somehow unique. As Rosina Lhévinne, my Juilliard piano teacher, said about headshots of me a million years ago: 'Mr. Lhévinne always said—a picture has to look arteestic!'"

For more information on listings of New York photographers (many of whom offer discounts to Juilliard students), please visit the Office of Career Development in Room 476.

Derek Mithaug, director of career development, is a Juilliard faculty member and alumnu.