If you have dreams of becoming a model, then you need to get headshots taken. They are going to help you develop your own personal brand.

Headshots are close-up photographs of your natural-looking face. The focus is entirely on you, which means your background should be simple. There should not be anything distracting behind you, taking away the attention from your features.

When you attend auditions, you are going to bring hard copies of your headshots to show clients in the hopes of booking a show. When you start looking for representation, you are going to send digital headshots to agents in the hopes they will help further your career. You can also use your headshots for your websites, your marketing materials, and your casting profiles. It is safe to say you are going to be using your headshots a lot, which is why you need to make sure the ones you take are captivating and high-quality.

When you are first starting out in the modeling industry, you won’t have much on your resume, which means your headshots are your main attraction. They are going to be the deciding factor between whether you end up getting work or end up getting rejected.

When you are taking headshots, you should keep your makeup to a minimum. You are not trying to showcase how well you can apply your contour and eyeliner. You are supposed to be showing clients a blank canvas so they can easily picture what you would look like in the products they want you to wear. You should stick to the basics: foundation, concealer, blush, and lip gloss.

You should also keep your hair and your clothing simple because you do not want to get pigeonholed as a certain character (like a leather jacket wearing rebel) when a brand is looking in a totally different direction. You should stick to solid, neutral colors. A form-fitting pair of jeans and a white t-shirt will work perfectly fine, as long as they do not verge on provocative. Remember, clients do not need to know what you dress like on the weekend. They only want to see the shape and proportions of your body.

When you are having your headshots taken, you should try two different versions. One where you are smiling and one where you are not smiling. Make sure you include both the left side of your face and the right side of your face, even if one side photographs better, because the clients will want to know what you look like from all angles.

If you can, use diffused lighting during your photoshoot, because it will hide any blemishes and wrinkles. You should also keep your head forward and your chin down slightly because it will extend your jawline and make your facial structure appear more defined.

If you are working with a photographer, then make sure you communicate with them. Ask them for ideas and tell them about your own. Establish a connection so you feel more relaxed and your pictures come out looking more natural.

When you are first starting out in the modeling industry, you do not need professional headshots. You can take your own — as long as you are knowledgable about what you are doing. You cannot send selfies to clients. You cannot send blurry photographs to them, either. You have to take the time to snap professional looking headshots on your own or you have to find a photographer who can do the work for you.

If you want to be a model, there are no shortcuts. You are going to have to put in hard work — and that starts with taking picture perfect headshots.