First off let me say, I am NOT a photographer. This is merely one actor's opinion from an acting standpoint.

I don't often give advice on the headshot forum as people who know WAY more than me about photography almost always have it covered. The one thing though that cannot be repeated enough, though, is that YOU HAVE TO CONNECT TO THE CAMERA!!

"I think I'll smile in this one" or "I'll make this my sexy pose" or I'm gonna do my tough guy face" is NOT what should be going through your head.

Just like acting without dialogue, even though you aren't saying anything you should be thinking something. It's called acting between the lines.

If you going for a sexy appeal, look into the camera, and think to yourself that you are going to jump across the room and rip the photographers clothes off.

If you have a tough guy thing going don't "try" to act tough by making some sort of tough guy face. All you have to do is have a nice inner monologue that if he doesn't put down that camera you're going to shove it down his throat. Trust me, your thought's will show up on camera.

It's the same as acting, don't frown, be sad, don't grit your teeth, be angry.

At the very least HAVE AN OPINION. Don't just stand there and think I hope this looks good, or surprise surprise it's going to look like a photo of someone who is hoping the shot looks good. Conversely if you thinking to yourself that you just cant wait to throw your arms around the cameraman, it going to look like a photo of someone who can't wait to get her arms around me. Which photo do you think would be more appealing to a CD.

This brings up a point that is mentioned a lot here. It's one of those facts that everybody knows and one that so many people ignore. Sometimes it's shrugged off as silly nonsense.

You have to trust and be comfortable with your photographer. 100%!!!

If you are not, it WILL SHOW. No matter how beautiful you are, and no matter how talented the photographer the shots will lack.

There is a reason actors like to work with the same director. And there is a reason almost every actor worthwhile at one point or another talks about trusting your director. Photography is no different.

I just read something else that also makes perfect sense not only for acting but headshots.

Limber up.

Do some stretches, loosen-up. Again, if you're tense, it will show.

Excellent post, Zenial!

I agree with all your points ... and a good photographer, like a good director, can help you get those thoughts going!

Good luck.

Best,

Ron

Thanks. The only reason I posted my opinion at all was that, I see so many headshots on here and lighting, color, makeup, hair, etc can all be argued, but if you having nothing going on BEHIND you eyes or if it's forced forget it. But when I feel like the person in the photo is looking right at me and is about to tell me something, THAT'S (to me) when it pops.