Step Two: Headshots and Casting (very important)

In acting, headshots are the foundation for your business (study and practice is the foundation for your craft). Getting headshots is the first place to start because they act as your business card, resume, and foot in the door. It is usually an 8x10 portrait in color (5 years ago, color headshots were very rare but now they are a must). Headshots should be updated every year or every 10lbs lost/gained.

"Step One: Research the Industry" made me understand that before i do anything in the biz, i've got to have my own calling card. this led me to a very good website:

1) Headshots
[headshots101.com created by experienced L.A. photographer Jessica Pettyjohn]


this website really is amazingly informative for the starting actor. i cannot recommend it enough. it provides a detailed account of the purpose and types of headshots (commercial vs. theatrical) as well as the process before the photoshoot, during and after the shoot, and what to do next as an actor.

2) Casting

Casting was an abstract concept for me. I have no experience in the industry so how would i even know what casting i should try to fit? Casting is what you would be cast as. It would be what you are personally aiming for in your career. It would be what a casting director would see fit for you. It would be what you show the casting director what your are fit for. -Pettyjohn

A good exercise that is enlightening and helpful to determine your own casting (my answers shown):

1. Name three or more actresses that you admire and want a career similar to theirs.
1. Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Leighton Meester, Kristen Bell, Amanda Bynes
2. Name three rolls in three different films that you feel you would have been perfect for had you had the chance.
1. She's the Man (amanda bynes' role), Model Behavior (main girl), Hunger Games (katniss)
3. Name three TV shows that you would be thrilled to be on.
1. Gossip Girl, Fringe, Psych, New Girl, SNL, (old: Smallville, Buffy, Charmed, Friends) 
4. On the TV shows listed above name what type of characters. (i.e. if you named "24" then would you be a terrorist, a field cop, or someone in the actual office? If you named "CSI" would you be a victim, the bad guy, a new detective? Would you be the lab tech, etc?) Shape it. Name it. 
1. My answers for any show: 
1. 1. Competition (girl who seemingly does everything the same or better than main character--presents main character with lame competition); 
2. 2. Schemer (helps pull off a scheme, plot, and can manipulate well); 
3. 3. Funny Sidekick (comic relief but actually has it all cool underneath the surface); 
4. 4. Vulnerable Newcomer (to be shaped up and transformed); 
5. 5. Kick-ass Newcomer (has it together, other characters admire)
2. for Fringe, it would be fun to play another FBI agent like Olivia Dunham, or a person who dies in a really weird way
5. What are your strengths in acting? Are you better at comedy that drama? Are you able to laugh and smile naturally? Are you more of "an actors actor?" Take a look here. And answer honestly.
1. i have good comedic timing and whit. i can smile and laugh naturally. i aspire to be an actor's actor. i am very coordinated. i have an artistic eye. i am a fast learner.
6. What age ranges are you able to play easily?
1. late high-school to college-age and post college (about 17-25)
7. What is your body type? Are you bald? In shape? Out of shape? Thin? Fat? Gorgeous? Pretty? Unique facial characteristics? Not so pretty?
1. athletic, 5'8", muscular, in shape, can be ugly and gorgeous, unique facial characteristics: two dimples when I smile, good-length eyelashes

Right now, i am just studying and learning still, so i haven't fully come to terms on my casting. I know who and what i like, but i need to figure out if i am fit for it. who says i'm not fit? i am the only one who can determine what is most natural and best for me. But for now, i know enough of my casting to pull off my headshot photoshoot... oooh me so excited!