The evolution of Hollywood glamor shots, acting and head shots have been around since the early 1910s. These photographs featured lovely starlets and leading men shot in soft lighting, coiffed hair, glamorous makeup and clothing. Back then, black-and-white photographs were developed into silver gelatin prints -- a process that produced an image with a silvery hue and velvety black tones. Black-and-white photography can still be used for contemporary actors' head shots, though color images are the norm, according to the book "The Actors' Handbook" by Marnie Hill.
The types of head shots requested reflects the industry the person is working in, as they can range from friendly to glamorous. Commercial head shots usually show a well-groomed person that is smiling or projecting warmth. A more serious mood tends to be depicted by actors' head shots, which can help project the attitude or true character of the actor. Glamor shots, featuring more fashion-forward styling, are often used for model shots, to show the modeling range of the person.
The head shot boils down to portrait picture that largely features a person's head and shoulders. An 8x10 inch (20x25 cm) photograph, the actor's face is kept in focus (sometimes a slightly blurry soft focus), with a plain or muted background. The picture can be shot in the studio or outside in natural light. Sometimes other entertainers, such as models, might use a wider shot that shows more of the body and occasionally a more in focused background. This is also common with non-entertainers, like writers, motivational speakers and business professionals.
Other formatting specifications include a matte finish, and in the entertainment industry the name of the individual is sometimes printed on the bottom of the picture.
Actors use head shots like an 8x10 business card, which usually has their resume affixed to the back. These are brought to castings to impress casting directors and industry professionals, and can help them to recall the person after their audition has passed. Similarly, modeling agencies use head shots for composition cards. This card has all the model's details, including height, age and measurements, and are used to help promote the model, and can be left behind after the "go-sees" or interviews. Head shots can also be used to help promote or book entertainers and public speakers, and is often included in press kits and media kits.