Headshot Size Ratios - Huh?

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I've combed through the Texas Photo Forum archives for information related to headshot size ratios, and I've come away a bit confused. I've seen recommended sizes in the 4:6, 4:5, and 3:4 range, and I was wondering if there was an industry standard. I am taking acting/performance headshots later this morning, and am curious about what my eye should be aiming at ratio-wise in terms of composition. I see in 4x6, but I'll definitely widen the frame a bit to accomodate any of those ratios. Would love to know what everyone's experience was with this. Also, if presenting a 3:4 or a 4:6, do I border to an 4:5? Yikes.

I actually took my first set of headshots on Friday (for a dancer). It was a four-hour turn-around, I just (reluctantly) cropped to 8x10. You can see that shot below. The shots this morning will be more classic shoulder/head headshots, primarily in black-and-white.

Signed,

Confused in the Heights ;)

[brad]

Actor headshots are always 8x10, and 98% of the time in portrait orientation... the 8x10 size is AFTER a border gets added that has their name.



(Notice that the ratio on the image itself is not 4:5, only the crop with the borders is.)

Borders are usually white or black as well.. I like to mix them up, depending on the photo itself.

[srwatters]

Model books are very often 9x12 to accommodate tear sheets as well as photographs.

Many hair stylists, makeup artists, and photographers use 11x14.

Yes, it's confusing!

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Brad: Thank you! So can I shoot in any of the ratios as long as I get the final image with border in an 8x10 frame?

Scott: So models are different from actors then? I would have never known. This is clearing a bit up for me. Does it also work like Brad stated with models -- the final image w/border is a 9x12? Or is there no border when it comes to models? Thanks!

[brad]

Generally, there is not a border or name on a model's shot that goes in the book... I also don't think there is a "standard" for models like there is for actors. Actors are 8x10, 8x10, 8x10 always... if you submit anything other than an 8x10 to a casting director, your shot goes in the trash pile.

[srwatters]

Models will typically have a comp or 'zed' card containing two to four images and their abbreviated resume with stats on one side and a single image on the other. Consider that their 'calling card'.

Their model book is quite different from the actors single headshot. While an actor may have many different shots, showing different 'looks' they typically submit the best one for the role they are auditioning to get. The model will have images and tear sheets in their book showcasing their looks and previous work experience. The images are typically full bleed and are carefully arranged to lead the viewer into the book with the strongest images in the front, center, and final. At least so I have read and been told by others.

[carrbowl]

My daughter had a modeling portfolio and all the images in her book were 8 x 12...I thought the size was a little strange, but since they shot film I guess they were trying to keep from having to crop photos. The rest of what Scott said is true about the modeling part...they use the comp cards to try to get an interview, then once they get an interview, the person looking to hire them, looks at the portfolio which has their photos and previous jobs in it.

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Wow...thanks again, everyone!

So here's what I have decided to do with the actor headshots. I've decided to crop to a 6.5x 8.5, the I add 1.5 border in white, slightly altering the top and bottom border to give more room on the bottom for the actor's name. Does that sound okay?

Again, thank you so much for the information you have given me. It really help, and I appreciate it!