Headshots need a variety of expressions, not just "looks"
If you are an actor, model, or a professional who needs new headshots, you will find that many photogrpahers talk in terms of “looks,” which in simple terms refers to different clothing options. Some photographers also consider lighting and background choices as part of their different looks.
Clothing, hair, lighting, and background/backdrop are certianly all very important parts of a great headshot, but there is one ingredient which trumps them all, and it is expression.
Think of it like this - you may have a variety “looks” in your headshots, but if you have the same expression in every photo, or worse yet, no expression at all (deer in the headlights syndrome), than you are not giving casting directors much to work with. When casting directors or talent agents are perusing your portfolio, they need to be able to immediately picture you in the role they have, or may have in the future, and if all your photos look like the same one dimensional person, you are making their job extremely difficult and ultimately losing work.
This philosophy extends to professional headshots as well. It’s always better to have a few expressions to choose from as a business person, teacher, artist, etc., because you may want one for LinkedIn but another for your website or Facebook.
Also, if you have more than one profession (which many of us do nowadays), you might want to convey a different aspect of your personality in the photos you use for your specific jobs. The simple fact is, variety is a must with headshots, and key when developing your personal brand.
Take my recent shoot with Jacob, an actor. Jacob is currently building his online presence and resume. My goal with Jacob was to give him not only technically excellent photos with great lighting and a variety of looks, but to make sure his personality came through in the photos by capturing as many of his expressions as I could. Jacob has a big personality, so he had a lot to give in the expression department and made my job easy for me.
Armed with these photos, Jacob now has a huge advantage over other actors who have mono-expression or expressionless photos. Casting directors looking at Jacobs portfolio can easily picture him in a variety of roles and immediately see his versitility. Also, if they need a very specific look, they will be able to find it in his portfolio. It’s truly a win-win for him as he looks for work.
Here are a few more shots from my session with Charles, an actor and voice over guy. Just like with Jacob, I wanted to make sure Charles left my studio with a varity of expressions (and looks too) that showcase his versitility as an actor, and make it easy for him to get work. Charles’ cool expressions were the goal, and the lighting, clothing, and backgrounds enhance and complete the final product.