A Headshot is an 8x10 photo taken of a model or actor. A headshot commonly encompasses a subject's head and shoulders, with the focus being almost completely on the subject's face. However, some "headshots" can often include as much as 3/4 of the subject's body - called a 3/4 shot. There are two types of headshots: Commercial headshots (which is commonly in the 3/4 style) and Theatrical headshots.A Commercial headshot is typically warm and friendly and often (but not always) shows the actor smiling. Commercial headshots are primarly used for commercial related projects. Theatrical headshots are generally more “serious” and have a less “commercial” look & feel. Actors typically take on a more focussed and serious tone and are not smiling in theatrical headshots.
Get a professional headshot.
You'd be surprised how many people send Polaroids, Xeroxes, or other photos in place of a professional headshot. Don't; they go directly into the trash. If an actor doesn't have the commitment to get a headshot done professionally, how can we expect him or her to act professionally on the set?Acting headshots are one of the most important tools for any actor or actress. It is, after all, your calling card — your first introduction to casting directors, agents, and managers. While there's no magic formula for getting the perfect headshot, two things make a difference: (a) finding a good photographer, and (b) making sure your photo conveys the real-life, up-to-date you. Remember: This is not a glamour shot; the purpose is to get an interview or an audition as an actor, not a model.
A good head shot will get the attention of the casting director. These images should capture the essence of the actor or model at his or her best, but not look too posed, polished, and perfected that they detract from seeing the real person. A relaxed, candid pose is best. Casual, but not too casual clothes in mid tone colors should be worn to the shoot. Accessories and jewelry should be on the small side.
What should the picture look like? YOU!!!
Women: Please do not try to look like the next Miss America. "Ordinary" is very much in these days. A pretty woman trying to look glamorous has fewer chances/fewer roles than a pretty woman who presents herself as she is: pretty. Or plain. Or intelligent. Or humorous. Or whatever she is. Teenagers, please look teenager-ish. If they want someone who looks 22 there are thousands to choose from. If you look 15, then look 15. The more your headshot looks like you, the better the headshot. 
Men: one nice outfit and one casual. If you aren't the Wall Street type, go for tee or sports shirt only. It used to be one legit (soap, theatre) shot and one commercial. (That is, one glamorous pose and one girl/woman/boy/man next door.) Today I would strongly suggest that if some of your roles will be business types, then men wear a tie and jacket and women wear a suit and blouse as one pose and tee shirt or more sporty outfit for the other pose. Whatever you wear, LOOK LIKE YOU. Try as truthfully as you can to figure out what kinds of roles you are likely to get cast in. Chances are if you are not a hunk or a model, you are not going to get hunk/model roles. Unless you are stunning, please do not have your face all glamored up, unless you are willing to pay a make-up artist every time you audition.
That is why it is so terribly important NOT to pay a fortune for headshots. You do not have to use the biggest name photographer. Your headshot is not about the photographer. It is about your face. And if one picture isn't working, move ON TO THE NEXT.
How much do headshots cost?
This is sort of a trick question. Why? Because you can pay a little or a lot for headshots. It just depends on your budget, the quality of the headshots you want, and the number of options you’d like to have, such as: number of “looks”, number of wardrobe changes, number of photos taken, number of hours you wish to shoot, and whether or not you wish to hire a hair stylist or a make-up artist. Different photographers provide different options at different prices.
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Recommended Local Photographers:
Greg James Photography: http://www.gregjamesphoto.com/
Will Shively Photography: http://www.shivelyphotography.com/
Nicole Marie: http://www.nicolemariephotography.com/
Scott Cunningham Photography: http://www.scottcunninghamphotography.com/Site/Home.html
Susan Jarvis - Waterkopf Photography: http://www.waterkopf.com/
John Branham Photography: http://www.branhamphotography.com/
Rycus Photography: http://www.rycusphoto.com/
Will Shively Photography: http://www.shivelyphotography.com/
Nicole Marie: http://www.nicolemariephotography.com/
Scott Cunningham Photography: http://www.scottcunninghamphotography.com/Site/Home.html
Susan Jarvis - Waterkopf Photography: http://www.waterkopf.com/
John Branham Photography: http://www.branhamphotography.com/
Rycus Photography: http://www.rycusphoto.com/
