Photo by Amazing Headshots, Newport Beach, California
Here is the latest trend in headshots in the windy city. The format is a horizontal landscape like a movie or an HD TV screen. Maybe the idea is that the producer and director can better visualize the actor in a movie.
In order to accomplish the horizontal format, the nose is centered between the top and bottom of the frame resulting in the top of the head is being cropped off.
For decades all actor’s headshots were B&W glossy 8×10’s shot vertically in the portrait format. In the past ten years the film industry has transitioned to full color headshots. With printed headshots submissions, the horizontal format was frowned on. But today since so many submittals are electronic, it looks like the landscape format is becoming accepted. (I don’t know the breakdown between printed and electronic submittals. I believe that the major Hollywood talent agencies and casting directors for union projects still rely on printed headshots. Anybody care to comment?)
Check out the work of one of the top Chicago headshot photographers James Banasiak at JB Headshots
Notice the composition and cropping off of the top of the head. Also observe the choice of backgrounds in the photographs. They are mostly neutral-colored industrial interiors–bricks or concrete walls, stairs, etc. with rough finishes–like in a factory or warehouse. Colors are neutral grey or brown.
Overall excellent work. Clear, sharp pictures that have a look of realism. They show what the person looks like on film. Study them and use for reference when getting your headshots done. Prices are about 400 U.S. dollars.
