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A professional photographer is a must. Unless one of your friends or relatives is a professional photographer, don’t even consider having them take your picture. Trying to save money by using a phone and having your friend take the picture is pointless, because a poor head shot will ultimately cost you when nobody takes you seriously as an actor.

Of course, not all professional photographers are equal, either. What you need is a professional photographer who specializes (note the emphasis on specializes) in theatrical or commercial shoots.

The best way to find and hire a qualified photographer is word-of-mouth from fellow actors and/or your representation. If you notice a head shot that you like from another actor, you can reach out to that actor for a recommendation to that photographer.

In addition, if a particular agent is interested in representing you, ask the agent for a list of several photographers the agent trusts and recommends. If you already have an agent, ask to scan through the head shots of other actors that your agent represents. Not only can you get a rough idea of the types of head shots this particular agent prefers, but you also get a chance to look for actors who may look similar to you, so you can see what your competition’s head shots look like.

Even the best photographer in the world isn’t right for you if you don’t feel comfortable working with that person. Talk with the photographer and get a feel for the photographer’s personality and how he works. You’re essentially conducting a job interview for a photographer, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You want to find the photographer who can capture your best look at a cost you can afford.

Some questions to ask a photographer include the following:

 How much will a head shot photography session cost?

 How much time will the photography session take? (Make sure that the photographer will give you sufficient time to portray different looks.)

 Will you be allowed to change into different outfits during the photography session?

 Does the photographer offer any extra services for an additional price, such as a makeup artist?

 How long until you can see your pictures?

 Make sure you get all your photos as digital files.

Price isn’t always a measure of quality. The cheapest photographer may not be the worst, and the most expensive photographer may not be the best. Although price is important, keep in mind that a great head shot will more than pay for itself in the long run, and saving money on a poor head shot will only hurt your chances of getting agents or casting directors interested in you.

Be sure to ask to study the head shots that they’ve taken of other people. Do these head shots impress you? (If you don’t like the head shots that the photographer’s done for others, you probably won’t like any heads shots that the photographer may do for you.)

Make sure that the sample work from the photographer you’re interviewing are photos the photographer has actually taken.

Don’t let any photographer try to rush you into making a decision. Your head shot is one of the most crucial stages in your acting career, so you need to take the time to choose the photographer you like best.

You may want some studio shots and maybe some outdoor shots. Make sure that the backgrounds are non-intrusive. Lighting is essential and schedule photoshoots only when you’re feeling your best. (If you feel sick, you won’t look your best.)