A headshot is often the only item that will get you into a casting room. That and a fairly decent CV but mostly, it is the headshot. Casting directors don't often look at showreels unless the headshot has piqued their interest so if you don't have a decent headshot, you're stuffed.
It is hard to know what kind of headshot will get you noticed:
Option 1
Is it a headshot that makes you look as good as you possibly can (with amazing lighting, makeup, a stylist and a hairdresser)?
Option 2
Or is it a headshot that makes you look like you on a good day. You know those days: you get up and your skin looks clear, your hair is behaving itself, you don't see the extra pound or two (your zips do up without strain) and you have a spring in your step. No make up and no bleaching studio lights are involved but you still look like you have a sparkle in your eye.
I have considered both. Wouldn't it be great to go with the first option - to look as good as you can? This is all well and good until you walk into the audition and are met by quite a disappointed casting director who complains (and quite rightly so) that you don't look much like your headshot.
Wouldn't it be better to have the You On A Good Day headshot on his/her desk so even if you walk in 2lbs heavier, hair between cuts, and sweating from being under hot stage lights all day, you still look quite like the guy in the photo.
That's my take on it.
So I'm watching my diet, I'm going to the gym as soon as this cold of mine clears and on 6th November, I will be shot, in natural light, outdoors, warts and all and with grey sideburns at the ready. Watch this space!
