What You SHould Wear
Thanks to online casting sites like Actors Access headshots now have to be close up (from your chest up). All they usually look at is thumbnail photos 1 1/4” tall so clothing doesn’t matter as much as you might think it does. It’s mostly about neck lines. Agents usually want the three basic “looks” (or wardrobe changes): 1) Professional/Upscale, 2) Casual and 3) Casual Nice (see below). Here are some suggestions for what to bring to your headshot session with Mark:
1) Professional/Upscale –
Think of age appropriate clothes that make you look successful and confident. Bring something you might wear to interview for a new job (but not overdressed). Think Banana Republic, H&M, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Zara, Topshop, etc. Ideas include:
– nice business suit
– nice pressed button down shirt
– nice upscale jacket
– nice upscale dress
– nice sweater
– fashion top (not too sparkly)
2) Casual –
What you’d wear when you are hanging out, having casual fun with friends. Think Old Navy, The Gap, Forever 21, Target, Macy’s, Athletica , Urban Outfitters, etc. Ideas include:
– tee-shirt or sweatshirt
– hoodie
– jeans jacket
– casual leather jacket
– polo shirt
– casual layered look
– loose button down
– flannel shirt
3) Casual Nice –
What you’d wear if you went out with friends to a decent, but not fancy, restaurant or a day on the town. Think Banana Republic, H&M, Forever 21, J. Crew, LL Bean, Macy’s, The Gap, Target, BeBe, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, etc. Ideas include:
– nice layered look
– sweater
– camisole
– fun button down over a nice tee shirt
– nice polo
– sweater
– nice leather jacket
– nice button down with rolled up sleeves
Since headsets are chest up, anything below that generally doesn’t matter. But, wear what you want to “get into the part.” Bring a couple of options for each of the three looks. Mark will go through your clothes when you arrive. Stick with simple clothing. No big patterns, logos, pictures, big stripes, etc. Avoid white and very bright colors, except under a suit, sweater, etc.
Jewel tones are always best on camera (emerald, jade, garnet, sapphire, etc.). For example, darker shades of red, blue, green, purple, brown and even black. Pick colors that work best with your eyes, skin and hair. Avoid anything distracting. The same is true for jewelry. Little and subtle is fine. You want all the attention to go to your eyes, nothing else. Here’s a little secret, the best color to bring out your eyes is usually the color of the outside ring on the iris of your eyes.