Question by purplecrayonsx3: What are the differences between commercial, theatrical, and high fashion head shots?
Thank you guys so much!
Those 2 answers really help me a lot, because I have an assignment to find 3 head shots of each of those types
but before I could I needed to understand the differences
Thank you!!!
Best answer:
Answer by Foques
Commercial – typically (not always) has the person smiling and projects warmth and friendliness.
Theatrical – usually serious, focused and actors are not smiling.
Glamour (fashion) – More artistic and idealized images.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Depends on what you mean by “commercial” – if it’s for business or like a profile in Fortune magazine – then the head shots vary based on the point of the story and the publication it’s in – but often try to portray the subject as serious and credible in their field. If it’s in the business’ ‘hall of fame’ (like of past chairs of the board or CEOs) it usually is a bust shot or full body, not just a head.
Theatrical – usually tries to convey some personality, emotion or flair so the actor stands out and looks emotive – typically theatrical shots are also used for resumes, with the resume of theater experience printed on the reverse side of the photo. The actor tries to portray a “type” that they want to be seen as – youthful, glamourous, girl next door, leading man, quirky, etc.
High Fashion – usually for editorial work can use extreme close-ups, models more heavily made up, extreme hairstyles or makeup, may have backdrops that pop more than the plain backgrounds typically used in the other two; so there may be a vibrant color behind the model.