actor headshots


Professionals and creatives alike know, that industry standards are constantly changing, and they are expected to keep up with these standards if they want to stay ahead of the curve and find success in their field. With most of casting, and even some performance acts recently moving online, headshots have become one of the vital tools that can effectively help you stand out in the casting process. So, are you in, or out?

Frequently Asked QuestionS

When selecting a headshot photographer, opt for a photographer who specializes in headshots for actors. Consider their experience, knowledge of the industry, their body of work, and their approach to capturing your unique personality and type. We highly suggest creating a shortlist of potential photographers and interviewing them to get a sense of their professionalism and compatibility. And, don’t forget to ask them what is the success rate (and specific examples of it) their clients have with their headshots. Also, pinky-promise us not to choose based on the price alone – never a good idea!

The frequency of updates should depend on factors such as your career stage, changes in your appearance, and the type of roles you’re pursuing. The best practice is to update your headshots every 1-2 years to keep them fresh and up to date. With that said, with significant changes in your appearance, such as a new hairstyle or weight loss, it may be necessary to update sooner. Rule of thumb: when entering the audition room, you always want to look exactly like your headshot…

  • Over-posing. Never mix up acting and modeling images. Actor headshots must reflect your most natural self, not you-trying-too-hard-to-impress photos.
  • Forgetting the purpose. One too many times actors stray off the course and use portraits as their actor headshots. Remember: it’s about simplicity and, quite literally, showing yourself in the best light making sure that all your facial features can be seen in your headshots, from your eye color to the color and length of your hair. And remember: NO filters!
  • Using costumes or props. While it’s tempting to show off your ability to play a nurse or a police officer by wearing a full outfit, it is, in fact, not a good idea. Have faith that casting directors can imagine you playing these roles when they see your headshot, – that’s their job after all! You are welcome, however, to wear something that has a slight hint of a specific role type, but without overdoing it.

Choose outfits that complement your natural features to make them stand out in headshots. Consider the purpose of your headshots (theater? film and TV? commercial work?), your actor type, and the roles you get called to audition for most often. Pick your headshot session wardrobe based on all these factors for the best results. Remember, that your headshot photographer can help you prepare for the photoshoot by providing a more detailed suggestion to tailor your session to your current needs.

Contact Us

Have questions? Interested in working with us? Interested in interviewing the artist or the studio team? The CONTACT button below will take you to the contact form. Fill it out, provide a few details, and voilà, – we will be in touch with you practically with the speed of light. Or very close to it. Want to give it a try?