I have seen this question asked more then a few times so I thought I would respond to them all here. I have only been acting for a little over a year, but I have learned so much in a short time. Use Social Networking sites like Facebook and Myspace and friend as many local actors,filmmakers,producers, and most importantly Casting Agencies as you can. You want to get your name out there and some of these people may very well help you out when you need answers to questions.

Headshots, if your just begining your career then don't waste your money on photos. Cameras today take great pictures. Use a digital camera and have someone take a few photos of you. For a headshot, its just that, a headshot. From the top of your shoulders up, nothing more. Be yourself, don't try to look like someone else. Cheap cameras take fine pictures and as a beginer why throw your money away before you know if this is something you really want to pursue. I have gotten a ton of work with my photo that was taken with a $50 digital camera. I am preparing to have my photos done by a pro now because I am at a point where it is nessasary. Be sure that you photoshop your email address and phone number on the front of your headshot, usually at the bottom of the photo. Use a photo editing program to touch up your photo but don't make so many edits that the photo no longer looks like you. I have gotten paid work with the same photo and I get invited to about 80-90% of the casting calls I submit to. I print my own photos to, I do have a photo printer so they look no different then if done by a photo company. If you don't have a good printer then pay to have them printed. Your headshot is very important and its important that the places you send it take you serious. If your photo looks like you don't care then thats what casting agencies may think. Keep in mind that I don't send out many photos as most are done by email, take a great photo with your cheap digital camera. Pay for better headshots when your ready,you'll know when that is. If you can find someone just starting a photography business you can usually get them at a very discounted rate or even free if you allow them to use your photo for their portfollio, could be an established photographer looking to update their portfollio. Again, don't buy to many because most will be sent electronically, buy a few as you need them.