7 Ways to Use Your Headshots
Congratulations on getting new headshots! Now that you have them, the next step is figuring out what to do with them.
The obvious thing to do with headshots is submit them for roles. First, that's not as simple as it sounds. Second, there are loads of other things that you can do with your headshots as well.
So, what can you actually do with your Headshots?
1. Submit them to casting calls. This is the most basic and acceptable thing to use headshots for. Remember, they are your calling card. You want a great one to be able to submit to casting calls so that casting directors will call you in to audition for the role. The main purpose of getting headshots taken is to print them out in 8x10 format and then mail them along with your resume to casting calls. Many casting calls take online submissions now as well, so be sure to get a high quality digital file of your headshot so you can submit it.
2. Send them to agents. Mailing out to agents is a great way to increase the possibility of getting selected by one for representation. Remember, however, that most agents hate unsolicited headshots and resumes and will often just throw them out. Your best bet is to make friends with other actors who have representation and then ask them if they'd be willing to mention your name to their agent. Only then should you send your headshot and resume to them.
3. Use them on your website. Uploading your best headshots to the main page of your website and "About" page is a great way to build your brand. Remember that people want to see a face before they decide to book you, and if you don't have your headshot on your website, they will be less trusting of you. Additionally, adding a headshot to your website makes you more memorable. Imagine if you told someone to go to your website, and a few months later they finally got around to checking it out, but they forgot who you were. If they saw a professional photo of you on the homepage, they'll remember again!
4. Use them on your Facebook page. Continue to build your brand by using the same headshots on your Facebook page as well. Along with looking more professional, you will also start getting comments and "likes" from your friends, which is a great way to spread your name since when someone comments on your photo, it shows up in their newsfeed and all of their friends can see it as well.
5. Use them on your business cards. Using your headshot on your business cards will make you memorable and professional. You don't want to hand someone a business card and then they put it away for a long time and forget who you are, right? If your headshot is on the business card itself, it will instantly remind them of you.
6. Make a comp card and print it on postcard paper. Making a small postcard with a few different images of yourself (known as a comp card) is a great way to increase your exposure and your professionalism. You can hand out comp cards if agents ask for them, and you can use it along with your business card to help people remember you. It's always good to have at least one full body or three-quarter shot in addition to your headshot because it will give agents and casting directors an idea of what you look like below the waist.
7. Upload it onto all your different online portfolios. Uploading your headshot to other portfolios and websites is just as important as uploading it to your main site. Remember that if you have multiple listings, such as Actor's Access, Model Mayhem, and Mandy, you may want to write them all down so that you don't forget. It can get difficult keeping track of thirty different websites you might have a listing on, and you want to remember to upload your new headshot to all of them.
The obvious thing to do with headshots is submit them for roles. First, that's not as simple as it sounds. Second, there are loads of other things that you can do with your headshots as well.
So, what can you actually do with your Headshots?
1. Submit them to casting calls. This is the most basic and acceptable thing to use headshots for. Remember, they are your calling card. You want a great one to be able to submit to casting calls so that casting directors will call you in to audition for the role. The main purpose of getting headshots taken is to print them out in 8x10 format and then mail them along with your resume to casting calls. Many casting calls take online submissions now as well, so be sure to get a high quality digital file of your headshot so you can submit it.
2. Send them to agents. Mailing out to agents is a great way to increase the possibility of getting selected by one for representation. Remember, however, that most agents hate unsolicited headshots and resumes and will often just throw them out. Your best bet is to make friends with other actors who have representation and then ask them if they'd be willing to mention your name to their agent. Only then should you send your headshot and resume to them.
3. Use them on your website. Uploading your best headshots to the main page of your website and "About" page is a great way to build your brand. Remember that people want to see a face before they decide to book you, and if you don't have your headshot on your website, they will be less trusting of you. Additionally, adding a headshot to your website makes you more memorable. Imagine if you told someone to go to your website, and a few months later they finally got around to checking it out, but they forgot who you were. If they saw a professional photo of you on the homepage, they'll remember again!
4. Use them on your Facebook page. Continue to build your brand by using the same headshots on your Facebook page as well. Along with looking more professional, you will also start getting comments and "likes" from your friends, which is a great way to spread your name since when someone comments on your photo, it shows up in their newsfeed and all of their friends can see it as well.
5. Use them on your business cards. Using your headshot on your business cards will make you memorable and professional. You don't want to hand someone a business card and then they put it away for a long time and forget who you are, right? If your headshot is on the business card itself, it will instantly remind them of you.
6. Make a comp card and print it on postcard paper. Making a small postcard with a few different images of yourself (known as a comp card) is a great way to increase your exposure and your professionalism. You can hand out comp cards if agents ask for them, and you can use it along with your business card to help people remember you. It's always good to have at least one full body or three-quarter shot in addition to your headshot because it will give agents and casting directors an idea of what you look like below the waist.
7. Upload it onto all your different online portfolios. Uploading your headshot to other portfolios and websites is just as important as uploading it to your main site. Remember that if you have multiple listings, such as Actor's Access, Model Mayhem, and Mandy, you may want to write them all down so that you don't forget. It can get difficult keeping track of thirty different websites you might have a listing on, and you want to remember to upload your new headshot to all of them.