When you take those first steps in becoming an actor in Tampa; you should not just let anyone take your headshots or the first photographer you come across take your headshots. Especially don’t sit there and take some selfies and think that will qualify as a headshot. This is your professional life when you start as an actor, your headshots should be done professionally as well. When you show that you can present yourself as a professional; casting directors will notice that and being professional makes a better impression and shows that you will work hard at any role you land.
Research the photographers in the area and make sure that the photographer you are looking at in Tampa specializes in headshots. Since your headshots need to have a professional polish to them, you need and should be picky. Anyone in the entertainment business considers taking headshots to be a bit of an art; so you should be sure that the photographer that you are looking for is the best one that suits your needs in Tampa.
When you are checking out photographers be sure to look at the portfolios of the photographers first and you should choose someone that has a portfolio that stands out to you the most in Tampa. It is also important that you choose a photographer in Tampa that you can get along with. Comfort with your photographer is extremely important and will ensure that you are showing your best side in your photos. This will also help the photographer too when deciding the best angles to take your headshots in and what your preferences may be so there can be collaboration and a great finished product. When coupled with your headshot, your resume is the fuel to the fire so to speak when you are putting together what you need for your actor’s toolkit in Tampa. A resume will let any possible employers in Tampa know about all the experience and acting work you have done until that point and keep in mind that the poses that are done in headshots are either ¾ shots or a close up.
When putting together your portfolio, you should make sure to check around to see what the trends are at the moment in Tampa. It can not be stressed enough that when you have your photos done, they should look like you. It isn’t unheard of to hear complaints from casting directors about the actor that they hired not looking anything like their headshots. Don’t rush around and hire the first photographer that you come across, shop around and look at photographers' portfolios. You want to be sure that the photographer that you hire will make you look good for your headshots because hiring a photographer is not something that is cheap, but you can find photographers that are reasonably priced with research in Tampa.
When you start making a list of everything that is to go on your resume in Tampa, make sure that you also include a list of all the teachers you have come into contact with when you took your acting courses along with the courses you have taken to become a trained actor and to hone your skills. Your resume needs to be honest and sincere but also to the point in Tampa. When you are working in the entertainment industry it can be very similar to living in a small town where everyone knows everyone. This being said, honesty is really important as you start your career in acting and you don’t want to have any bad marks on your reputation as an actor in Tampa.
Having great grammar when you create your resume can not be stressed enough, make sure to look over the document for any or all typos; you don’t want to look illiterate on your resume. You can even have a friend or family member look it over as well just in case you missed a mistake yourself and get their input on the resume that you plan on sending out all over Tampa. Having a second set or even a third set of eyes looking over your headshots and resume can really help you figure out if there are any weak points in your resume.
It is also important that you couple your headshot with your resume. When you start going to auditions in Tampa, have your resume neatly attached to your headshot and make sure that the resume is trimmed to fit the back of your headshot and be sure to attach it with staples; one in each corner. Keep in mind that there are also companies that will print your resume on the back of your headshot if you have the budget for it. This allows for you to consolidate your own marketing tools. Your headshot and resume need to be pretty much perfect in Tampa, especially since these are your calling card as you start your career in the entertainment industry.