Thank God the coat and tie look, and it’s Garanimal-like low margin of error, is still as common today as it was a century ago. Let’s face it guys: just because something’s in style doesn’t mean it looks good on you.Okay – so at this point in the “Get Your Butt to LA” tutorial, you’ve gotten the apartment, the day-job and a bunch of classes under your belt, and you’re ready to take those great, new acting skills out for a test drive. It’s time to get headshots.
First off, two disclaimers: 1) This is such a crucial element of your success that I’ve got a shitload to say about it, and since short increments are always better (that’s your blogging lesson for the day), it’s going to take me three entries to get to it all. 2) It’s difficult to write about this topic without using the word “headshot” incessantly (I put the over/under at 78), so bear with me.
Let’s begin:
Any jerkoff can call himself a “photographer.” There are hundreds to choose from. When you get an agent, they’ll suggest one of their favorites, and you will absolutely go with that one, because agents love you when you listen to them. But for now, while you have no representation, ask other actors which photographers they like, and Google as many you can. You’ll suddenly stumble upon one or two whose styles really stand out. I think Armen Asadorian is one of them, and Angie Hill, who was recommended to me by my agent, is another. Angie is also a drop-dead hottie who will call you “Handsome” the entire time you shoot, and you’ll start to believe she truly is in love with you until she hands you her bill and you go into therapy for six months.
The damage. The photography alone will run you anywhere from $150 to $1000, depending on who you choose to shoot it. Normally, 350 bucks is about right. The real bitch is the added costs of touchups, layouts and printing, which will tack on several hundred more. But this is the best investment you can make in yourself – grit your teeth if you must.
Let’s take a break. Coming up tomorrow: assorted cursing, satisfying each of your multiple personalities and good old-fashioned anti-Semitism.
