Headshot Questions

<p>If D got headshots taken now for summer programs/auditions could she still use them for Fall college auditions? Or would it be better to get new ones at that time???</p>

<p>As long as she hasn't changed alot they should be fine. My S is still using the same ones that were taken the end of his senior year. He will probably get new ones sometime next year (jr year).</p>

<p>My dilemma is my daughter has changed her hair color about 4 times according to different roles in different plays. The face looks the same but the hair color isn't exactly what it will be when she walks in the room unless she changes it again. Do you think they expect this with girls?</p>

<p>For a college audition, a slightly different hair color or style shouldn't be a problem. When you are working professionally, it's wise to keep up with changes, but no one expects college applicants to invest that kind of money every time their look differs.</p>

<p>MomofaPrincess, here is what DoctorJohn has to say on the issue of headshots:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/55658-headshots-2.html#post3762481%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/55658-headshots-2.html#post3762481&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I happen to agree with him. The photo given at the audition, whether it's a headshot or a photograph, should look like the student at the time of the audition. When my D auditioned many years ago, there were two girls in her timeblock on audition day whose photos were not current (one a different length of hair and one a different color), and both were asked to go to another room to have a polaroid taken to be attached to their resume. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that many, if not most, schools do not require a professional headshot for college auditions.</p>

<p>I was wondering how professional do they expect your headshots to be at the schools? I have decent shots that my friend took of me (a future photography major). Are those good enough or should I look for a pro?</p>

<p>Hmmm...interesting ideas...thanks everyone!</p>

<p>alwaysaMom....Thank you. You made a believer out of me.</p>

<p>MTGomez: Depends on the quality of the shot. A photo major friend took my first headshots and I got a compliment on them and a callback for a fairly large theatre from them. I told the guy I developed the picture myself (true!) and we got into a conversation about it. So you never know!</p>

<p>As for amature vs. professional headshots, it really doesn't matter as long as they're well done. You'll probably get better shots if you pay $300 for a shooting session with a pro than if you paid a photography student $20, but the money you save is very nice.</p>

<p>As long as your look doesn't change much, you should be fine with the older headshot. I, for instance, at my first 2 auditions I had to use a headshot taken of me in the middle of my Freshmen year of high school, so it's over 2 years old. I haven't changed much (I have a lot more hair now than I did then), so I used it. Now I just got my senior photos done and we ordered 2 headshots and I'm using one of those. Just as long as you look vaguely similar</p>

<p>Thanks for this information! Does anyone have any updates on headshots? We are new to this process (though I have been lurking!) and are about to embark on this roller coaster for my D! We want to be as prepared as possible and thank everyone on this forum for their assistance!</p>

<p>We ran into many students at auditions who had what looked like "professional headshots," many who had what appeared to be senior portraits, and some who had what they described as good snapshots taken by friends or family. At least two schools my son auditioned for took polaroids no matter what you had submitted. I think that spending a lot of money on photos at this point might NOT be worthwhile. If you have another reason to go the professional route, then it makes more sense.</p>

<p>I agree that it's not necessary to spend a lot of money on professional headshots just for college auditions. It's an unnecessary added expense at a time when you're already spending a lot of money! My D used a photo that we had taken by a local photographer, quite inexpensively. It was perfectly fine. She is now going into junior year at Syracuse, and many of her fellow students STILL don't have professional shots. </p>

<p>Keep in mind -- it's not your picture and resume that will get you into the school of your choice. The most gorgeous picture and impressive resume won't make any difference if your audition isn't good. Better to spend the money on voice, acting, and dance coaching.</p>

<p>Thanks for your insight. We will be purchasing a CD with her Senior Pics so we can make as many copies as we need. Is Black and White or Color an issue?</p>

<p>We saw both b&w and color used for audtions. It seemed as though more were in color, and that seems to be what many professionals in the field were recommending if there was a choice.</p>

<p>Yes, the trend seems to be color headshots now. Some people are still doing B&W, but it's starting to look a bit old-fashioned.</p>