Don't even have photos shot if you don't know what you're going for. You'll end up with pictures that don't do anything for you, and you'll have only spent money to learn what not to do. Hopefully you can avoid that painful step. Knowing what you're going for is essential. If you can put it into words, a good photographer can understand what you're saying and see it in front of him or her as you speak. Ask other people, whether actors or strangers, what quality in you is most evident when you talk to them. You'll start to get a sense of how other people perceive you. That is what you want in your photos, not what you think you look like, or what you'd like to project. You want casting directors to call you in for the right roles, and the only way they can do that is if they have some sense of who you really are in that photo. If you try to be something you're not, you'll only waste their time and yours, and could burn a contact if the circumstances are bad enough.
Do get as many referrals as possible. I try to look at the headshots of every actor I see. If I see a picture that really looks just like the actor, maybe even suggests what special qualities that person has, and is extremely well lit and framed, I usually get the name and number of the photographer to interview the next time I get pictures done. Sometimes a photographer's name will come up more than once in this context, and I will put that person at the top of the list. Interview several photographers before deciding. Only go with the recommended photographers. Be willing to pay whatever it takes, but try to get a referral discount. Find out what payments are accepted. Though Visa would be loath to mention it, most photographers do not accept credit cards. Make sure you get to keep your negatives. See if you can bring your own tunes to listen to during the shoot. And discuss your wardrobe with the photographers. Get a feel from the start if they're picking up a certain vibe from you, and make sure you feel comfortable with that person telling you what to do to achieve a shot. If you're not comfortable, you'll waste your time.
