Actor Headshot Photography

Kiren has worked in the film, theatre and television industry for over 25 years. His portrait list includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Judy Davis, Julie Delpy, Olivia Newton John, Billy Connolly, Dame Darcey Bussell, Miranda Otto, Greta Scacchi, Mark Cole Smith, Bojana Novakovic, Alyssa Sutherland and Naomi Watts.

Kiren’s clients include The BBC (London), Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, SBS Television, Channel 10, Channel 7, Foxtel, ICM Actor’s Management (Los Angels), CED (New York), Beyond Films International, Fox Searchlight, Ford Models (New York), Opera Australia, Belvoir St Theatre.

Investment

Actor Headshots - This session provides you with professional on-camera direct, up to 3 looks/outfit changes plus 50 individually graded high-res image files. Total cost is $550 + gst.

Actor Portfolio - This session provides you with 100 individually graded high-res image files from which you can showcase a more diverse range of looks from. It includes both studio headshots along with a location shoot in Paddington where we create various full length set-ups based on up to 5 outfit changes. Allow up to 1.5 hours for your session. The total cost for all 100 images and the session is $889 + gst.

Hand Retouching

A lot of the time your headshots are fine as they are. Hand retouching is available though for those wanting a more finished look - price $24 + gst per image.

How does the process unfold?

Actor Headshots are available at my studio space located in the fashion district of Paddington. Your photo shoot is done with high-end studio lighting. During the shoot I will provide you with professional on-camera direction to help you look confident and relaxed.

Generally we start with a casual chat to discuss the best way in which to approach your headshots. We then go through your styling and wardrobe options. During the shoot we create a series of images around each look or outfit. 3 working day after your shoot your images are uploaded to a private on-line gallery where you can view and download them from. You can also share this with your acting agent.

Kiren, what is it you love about shooting actor headshots?

While I’ve spent almost 3 decades shooting actors for magazine editorials, film posters and television productions, I still get an enormous buzz out of discovering new talent and creating headshots for aspiring acting students. There's something about being there at the beginning of someone’s career, capturing that abundance of energy and tapping into that unlimited potential. For this reason I alway try to set aside time each week to help promote new talent.

Can you describe the method in which you work?

To me, good actor headshot photography is about giving the actor the space to be present and play with ideas. When I work with actors I like to let the photography session develop organically. I find this method more conducive in terms of creating spontaneity, which of course is where you do your best work.

Is it true that most actors hate having their photo taken?

Absolutely, haha. When it comes to headshot photography, even experienced actors can be somewhat reluctant. Suddenly you're not in-character, it's just you; completely raw and unscripted.

As an actor, if you struggle with headshots, one of the things that’s going to make everything fall into place for you and give you that confidence is good on-camera direction. I've spent many years myself working as a professional model which, as a photographer has helped give me a genuine understanding of the process from both sides of the lens.

Do you cast actors and model for various jobs?

Yes. For those interested in auditioning for some of the advertising and editorial campaigns I shoot, it’s always handy to have people on file.

Have you any hair & make up tips?

It’s important to keep in mind that although you may be used to applying make up for film, video and stage productions, make up for photography shoots can differ in a number of ways. Firstly, it only requires a very light application. Secondly, photography images are often produced with retouching in mind. This means that issues such as skin blemishes are less of a concern as they can easily be fixed in post production, where as with film this would be a lengthy and expensive process. 

For men, a make up artist is not necessary. Instead I recommend bringing along hair product and lip balm. It's also important that you're well hydrated and that you moisturise your skin ahead of time. 

For women, make up comes down to personal choice. If your focus is film then I suggest keeping it quite natural and real. Consider using little to no foundation on your skin while slightly enhancing your eyes and lips. If musical stage is more your thing then you can afford to go stronger. The important thing to keep in mind for actors is that make up for stills photography is much lighting in terms of application than it is for video, film and stage. If you have even skin you may not even need foundation. Small blemishes or spots don't really need to be covered as they can be retouched afterwards.

 Consider using things like freckles to your advantage, as these can be very much a part of your personal appeal. If you are worried about skin blemishes it's better to have them retouched later rather than trying to cover them up with copious amounts of concealer.

What should I wear for my actor headshots?

As a working actor you'll probably want at least two different looks in your repertoire. A commercial look to cover TV commercials and presenting roles (if that's your thing) and a natural look to cover dramas and feature films. Consider bringing clothing along that you think will be appropriate for these roles. If possible avoid wearing white clothing as it can sometimes blow out and lose details in the picture (a white shirt under a dark jacket is fine). White also has a tendency to dominate the tonality of the picture and make the subject wearing it look larger. Another things to avoid are shirts with busy designs and logos. You want the person viewing your actor headshots to be drawn to your face not your clothing.

If you're concerned that your arms are not as toned or as slim as you would like them to be it may be worth avoiding sleeveless tops and short sleeves. In general, avoid tops with shoe string or spaghetti straps. Because actor headshots often get cropped at the collar bones it can look a bit odd having 2 strings left floating in space.

Consider layering your clothing with jackets and scarves. With others accessories like jewellery, it's best to keep things quite minimal. Often a great headshot can be spoiled by the wrong choice of earrings or neck chain. If you're unsure of something, leave it out. In some ways it's better to be a 'blank canvas'.  

Copyright © Kiren Photography 2024