The Ultimate Guide To Professional Acting Headshots
Everything You Need To Know About Acting Headshots
What are Actor Headshots and does every Actor need one? What should I wear? Who should I get to shoot them? What should they look like? Are there things I should avoid and how much should they cost? There are a thousand questions when it comes to Acting Headshots and in this post I am going to answer all of these questions and more!
My name is Matthew Bennett and not only have I been a professional Film and Television Actor for over 30 years I’m also a Headshot and Portrait Photographer and since opening my Studio my focus has been Actor Headshots and so I consider myself somewhat of a specialist in this field.
In this post I am going to cover everything I know about Actor Headshots - the “dos and don’ts” and everything in between and I’m pretty sure by the end of this you will have a clear direction and complete knowledge of not only what you should be looking for in your Acting Headshots but all the things you should do your best to avoid!
Table Of Contents
What Is An Actor Headshot & Do I Need One For Acting?
How Do I Get A Headshot For Acting?
Should I Pay For A Professional Photographer To Shoot My Actor Headshot?
How Much Do Actor Headshots Cost?
Why Are Actor Headshots So Expensive?
Should I Avoid Cheap and “Discount” Actor Headshot Photographers?
How Many Acting Headshots Should I Have?
How Do I Prepare Myself For My Actor Headshot Session?
What Types Of Clothing Should I Wear For My Actor Headshots?
What Kind Of Clothes & Colours Look Good On Camera And Are Good For Headshots?
What Kind Of Clothes And Colours Should I Avoid For My Acting Headshots?
Should I Hire A Makeup Artist For My Actor Headshot Session?
Should I Hire A Hair Stylist For My Actor Headshot Session?
What Kind Of Lighting Should Be Used For My Acting Headshots - Continuous, Studio Strobe Or Daylight And What’s The Difference?
What Kind Of Backdrops Are Best For My Acting Headshots And Which Ones Should Be Avoided?
What Are The Best Poses For My Actor Headshots And Is There A Difference For Men And Women?
Should I Smile In My Acting Headshot?
What Makes A Bad Actor Headshot?
What Are The Common Mistakes I Should Avoid For Acting Headshots?
Conclusion
FAQ
What Is An Actor Headshot & Do I Need One For Acting?
As an Actor, you absolutely need a Headshot. No matter if you are a Commercial Actor, a Stage Actor, a Film Actor or even a Voice Actor your Headshot is your calling card and probably the most important tool you have at your disposal.
Your Headshot is what you will submit when you are looking for Agency representation and once you've got an Agent your Acting Headshot is what is used when you are being submitted to Casting Directors in hopes of getting an appointment to audition for an Acting role.
In general, your Headshot should be just as the name says… a clear photograph of your head and shoulders without any distracting elements. The lighting should be relatively even and your expression should be neutral.
Overall your Headshot should be an absolutely accurate representation of who you are today without any dramatic or heavy makeup or overly done hair and it should not lead in any emotional direction… no huge smiles, no furrowed brows and no sad or “sexy” looks!
Your Headshot should be neutral, open and present. Any Casting person, Producer or Director should be able to look at your Headshot and be able to use their imagination to see if you would be a good fit for their production. Never lead anyone down the road with your Headshot… again, your Headshot should be an image that is present, open and neutral.
For example, never have a “tough guy” look in your Headshot, the “tough guy” look should be saved for when you are doing the actual audition!
How Do I Get A Headshot For Acting?
This seems like an easy question but there are a few things that go into getting the perfect Headshot for your Acting career.
First off, you can look at Actors you admire and see what their Headshots look like! And to be clear, this is not an “Editorial” image of them and by that I mean the type of photo that would accompany a magazine article or some sort of media presentation. As I said, a Headshot is essentially a shot of your head and shoulders so look for those.
A good place to start is “The Internet Movie Data Base” or the “IMDB” which is the “mothership” of everything to do with film and television. Here you will be able to locate your favourite Actors (and the ones you want to emulate) and see what their Headshots look like.
Once you have an idea of what you want your Acting Headshot to look like you’re ready for step two.
Next you will need to find an actual Headshot or Portrait Photographer. And to be clear here, not every Photographer is a Headshot Photographer. For example, if you have a Cousin or Uncle who is a Real Estate Photographer it doesn’t mean they will be your best choice to create your Acting Headshots.
Headshot Photography is a specific type of photography that requires specific skills as well as a unique approach and not all photographers can create a Headshot image that will make people stop and get you noticed so you need to do some research. And for this, a local internet search is a great place to start but so is “word of mouth”.
If you have any friends, acquaintances or know anyone in the Acting Business ask to see their Headshot and ask them about their experiences with their Headshot Photographer. It’s an intimate experience to get your Portrait taken so first hand experience is incredibly valuable… ask around!
Once you’ve got some feedback from anyone you know who’s had their Headshots taken start a search online using queries such as “actor headshots near me”, “acting headshots near me”, “actor headshots toronto” and “acting headshot toronto”. And if you’re not in Toronto then type in whatever city you live in!
Now this search will bring up a lot of options and names and may be overwhelming but keep in mind what I mentioned before… not all Photographers are Headshot Photographers even though they may be selling themselves as such!
When you are looking for a Headshot Photographer it’s best to rule out Photographers who also shoot Products, and Real Estate and shoot Weddings and Landscapes because while they may be capable of taking a photo of someone Acting Headshots are not their specialty and as I said before an Actor’s Headshot is the most important tool an Actor has at their disposal so don’t leave it up to someone who doesn’t specialize in Headshots!
Once you’ve made a list of potential Headshot Photographers to work with, (and seen their photographs and like them!), it’s time to move on to the next step of narrowing down your choices.
I think ultimately you want about three choices to work with so be honest with yourself and start the selection process by figuring out which Headshot Photographer shoots the type of photograph that appeals to you the most. Most Headshot Photographers have different styles so decide which style would represent you best with regard to how you want to be seen as an Actor.
Once you’ve got your top choices, pick up the phone and call them! Having your Headshot done is an intimate experience and if you don’t resonate with your photographer you will not have a comfortable experience and speaking with a potential photographer will give you a lot of information in that regard.
And if your potential Headshot Photographer doesn’t have the time or doesn’t want to speak with you then move on. Headshot Photography is about communication and if you can’t get a moment of your potential photographer’s time or if the conversation is awkward or weird, find someone else.
Should I Pay For A Professional Photographer To Shoot My Actor Headshot?
The short answer to this question is yes! Yes, you should absolutely hire a professional Headshot Photographer to shoot your Acting Headshot!
Again, (and I can’t stress this enough), for an Actor, and especially for one just starting out, your Acting Headshot is the most important tool you have at your disposal.
Your Headshot is the thing that is first seen before anyone considers meeting with you and that includes when you are looking for an Acting Agent as well as when you are submitted to Casting Directors to audition for Acting Roles and so it should be done by a Professional who has experience and produces the type of photograph you want to have represent you!
How Much Do Actor Headshots Cost?
Good Actor Headshots are not cheap and you need to be prepared to spend some money. Again, as I’ve said a few times, an Actor’s Headshot is the most important tool they have at their disposal and while you do need to consider price, keep in mind you usually get what you pay for.
Like any major city the price for Acting Headshot in Toronto can range from $50 to $1500 depending on who the Headshot Photographer is and while you usually “get what you pay for” there are times when going with the most expensive option is not necessarily the best idea.
When you are trying to figure out what price you are willing to pay for your Actor Headshots you need to consider a number of things such as, how much time is spent in the studio, do you get a downloadable Proofing Gallery, is this Proofing Gallery “Watermarked” or not, how many fully retouched finals are included in the session, how many wardrobe changes are included, is a Makeup Artist included, how much experience does the Photographer have, is that Photographer “approved” by the Agents and Casting people in your area, how fast is your Proofing Gallery delivered and how soon are your Final Headshot Images ready after you have made your selection?
In Toronto, average prices for a real Actor Headshot session will run from $325 to $750 and as I mentioned you really need to figure out what is included for that price because every Headshot Photographer approaches their pricing in a different way.
Some Photographers will charge $100 for the session but make you pay $150 for each final image and also charge you for any Wardrobe changes you want to make and limit your time in Studio.
Ultimately, there are no real deals so if a Photographer’s pricing seems “too good to be true" it probably is and you should pull out a calculator to figure out what’s what.
To clarify, if you were to go with the Photographer in the example above and you required 3 photographs (which you do - more on that later) your session alone would be $550 before any wardrobe changes. And if that photographer was charging $50 for each wardrobe change that would require an additional $100 to get the shots you need bringing your session to a total of $650 plus tax which suddenly doesn’t seem like any kind of deal at all!
Be clear with how much money you are willing to pay for your Acting Headshots and understand what your potential Headshot Photographer will ultimately be changing you for what you require.
In general, if a Headshot Photographer is not clear with their pricing on their website then you should steer clear because clarity in pricing is essential. A great example of how any Headshot Photographer should represent their pricing is on my “Services & Pricing” page where all of my options and pricing are clear and accurate.
Why Are Actor Headshots So Expensive?
Expensive is a relative term when it comes to anything to do with your business and before you start thinking about cost think about effect and what you can get from your Acting Headshot. As I’ve said a few times in this post, as an Actor your Headshot is the most valuable tool you have at your disposal so is this the thing you want to scrimp on?
Yes, good Actor Headshots are expensive and while there are many Photographers who charge at the lower end of the spectrum they usually produce lower quality images which reflect directly on you… and you do not want the start of your Acting Career to be represented by a terrible photograph!
There are a number of things that professional Headshot Photographers have to incorporate into their fee schedules and they should be considered when you look at their pricing. Business expenses such as Camera Equipment, Lighting Equipment, Studio Rental, Phone, Internet, Insurance, Advertising, Editing Software, Education and Transportation are all things that have to be covered.
A Professional Headshot Photographer is running a business like a Lawyer or Doctor or Accountant or Mechanic and they face a number of operating expenses just like any business does.
You also must consider experience when it comes to the price of Acting Headshots. In general, the more experienced the Headshot Photographer is the more they will charge because beyond their operating expenses you are paying for their skill… and it’s really their skill that produces the image that will make Agents and Casting Directors stop and look at you and so ultimately it’s that skill that will make or break you!
Should I Avoid Cheap and “Discount” Actor Headshot Photographers?
There is an idea that “good, fast and cheap” cannot be achieved all at once and there is certainly some truth to that statement. Good and fast does not come cheap and seldom are cheap and good ever a reality. There are fast and cheap Actor Headshot Photographers but the images are usually never good. So, while I haven’t exactly answered the question you get the idea.
While everyone is usually wanting to save money and get a “great deal” the time to do that is not when you are looking for an Actor Headshot Photographer.
There are Photographers who specialize in Acting Headshots and who will appear to be presenting you with a “discount”, but as I mentioned above you really need to price everything out to see if that deal is actually a deal. That photographer may be giving people a 100% discount on their session fees but their images are $250 a piece so there is no discount at all!
And when it comes to Photographer’s pricing you should be a little suspicious of pricing that is way below the norm for your location and also be wary of discounts. Both the “cheap” photographer and “discount” photographer are often ones who are either just starting out or may have been at it a long time but just aren’t that effective at what they do.
And remember, your Acting Headshot is the most powerful tool you have at your disposal and they are not the thing you want to compromise on so here’s a perspective that you may want to consider… if you needed Heart Surgery would you go to a discount Doctor? If you needed a brake job on your car would you go to a discount mechanic? Maybe, but when your brakes don’t work and you either crash or have to get them done again you’ll be learning a valuable lesson. It’s the same with your Acting Headshots… do it right and do it once… don’t jeopardize your career and don’t put yourself in a position of having to do another Headshot Session with another Photographer which happens more often than you would believe!
How Many Acting Headshots Should I Have?
While there is no definite number when it comes to Acting Headshot requirements from my point of view the short answer to this question is One is the minimum and Three would be perfect.
First off, at minimum, you need a “main headshot”. This is the one that will be submitted to the Casting Directors in order for you to get appointments to audition. This is also the photograph that you would use on the IMDB and any other Actor platforms out there. In essence this is your “brand” image… the one that’s “neutral, present and clear” and you feel represents you the best.
Next, it would serve you well to have a “contrasting” Acting Headshot… one that plays against your main Headshot but also compliments it. By this I mean that if you feel you are an Actor who leans more towards the “dramatic” side of things then you could have a second Headshot that shows you in a different light… perhaps moody or a bit dangerous… and this should be done with the lighting, not your expression. An example of this would be an image that produces the feel of a “thriller” or “dramatic” type of movie. Think of this one as more of a “movie poster feel”.
The third Headshot you should have is one that shows your body. Gone are the days of auditioning in person and since the Casting people, Producers and Directors rarely have the opportunity to see you live, this is your chance to show them what you look like from the knees up. This is also the type of photograph that has been suggested to me when I’ve asked Casting people what they’re looking for in an Actor Photo package so consider it important.
Overall and as I mentioned above, find the best Headshot Photographer you can afford and get as many photographs as your budget will allow. If you end up with more than three that’s great because they can be used to promote you on social media which is a definite must today.
How To Prepare Yourself For Your Actor Headshot Session?
You’ve done your research, you’ve figured out your budget, you’ve found examples of Headshots that you want yours to look like and you’ve hired a Headshot Photographer and have a session date booked… Now what?
At this point you can take a breath because the hard part is almost over and the real fun is about to begin.
It’s at this point in your Acting Headshot journey that you start thinking about what type of wardrobe you should be wearing, what kind of poses you should be considering, who is going to do your makeup (more on this below) and getting lots of rest and drinking lots of water!
There are a lot of “magic” tricks a Headshot Photographer can do in the editing process to make you look good but remember these shots should look like you do in the “real world” so it’s best to put yourself in the best position possible and get rest and hydrate.
Also… if you are getting your haircut before your photos make sure to do it at least a week in advance so you have the opportunity to work with it a few times before it really counts on your session day!
What Types Of Clothing Should I Wear For My Actor Headshots?
There are no hard and fast rules about what you should wear for your Actor Headshots but there are some things to keep in mind.
When prepping my clients I always tell them this… “if the viewer’s eye is going to see the shirt before they see your eyes then don’t bring it”.
You have to remember that you are creating an Actor Headshot so it should be about you! Every single person who will look at your photo should be drawn to your eyes and if they are distracted by what you are wearing and see your clothes before your eyes then your Headshot is a failure!
Also remember that you are paying good money to have your face seen! Don’t distract from your face with clothes that take focus or create questions in the viewer’s mind!
Remember that the Casting Director’s job is to limit choices because for every role they are casting they may receive hundreds of submissions just to audition for that one part and they have to limit that number which they will do consciously or subconsciously because they have to. If you wear something that takes the Casting person’s focus off your face then you will more than likely end up in the “no” pile. Don’t help Casting decide no!
Bring and wear clothes that you feel good in - clothes that compliment your face and shape and help enhance what the viewer should be seeing, which is your eyes!
And keep in mind, your Acting Headshot session is not a fashion shoot, you’re not selling the clothes you are wearing, you are selling you so make it work!
What Kind Of Clothes And Colours Look Good On Camera And In Headshots?
This is a great question and somewhat depends on the type of photographs your Headshot Photographer creates. If your Photographer shoots daylight images that will give you a certain set of options and if they shoot studio strobe that will give you another set of options to choose from.
Take a good look at your Photographer’s website and see what colours people are wearing and how they look… sometimes a subtle colour in a daylight studio will work and enhance your features however in most strobe situations you may want to keep your tones neutral.
Most people look good in darker tones, (blue, grey, black), and some look good in neutrals and darker earth tones, all of which shoot well with studio strobe.
Again, keep in mind your Headshots are supposed to be about you and not the clothes you are wearing.
As an Actor Headshot Photographer I shoot with strobe light in my studio and for the most part the colours my subjects wear reflect that. Have a look and see for yourself!
What Kind Of Clothes And Colours Should You Avoid For Your Acting Headshots?
Again, not a hard and fast rule but if you see the shirt before you see the face then it’s not a good choice.
Avoid bright colours and clothes with writing or weird stripes or patterns.
Wear clothes that fit and make sure your clothes are clean and pressed! No stains and no wrinkles - both of those things may give the viewer the idea that you just don’t care.
And overall… no jackets! It’s a pet peeve of mine but every time I see an Actor wearing a jacket I think to myself, “Is it cold in that studio? Is it winter outside? Did they come in late and forget to take their jacket off?”
All of those thoughts come into my head immediately and it’s what I’m thinking before I look at the face and I may not even get to the face because I’m so distracted by the jacket! Again, this is just my opinion however I think it’s valid. And no, I am not talking about suit jackets!
And one more thing I have to mention… no leather Biker Jackets! To me, they point in a really weird direction and the Casting Directors I’ve spoken to all seem to agree that they are not a good choice… ultimately if you’re wearing one of those you’re putting yourself in a very small box when it comes to casting opportunities!
Remember that your clothes play a very important role in your Headshot and serious thought should go into your wardrobe choices.
Should I Hire A Makeup Artist For My Studio Actor Headshot Session?
Yes, you should absolutely hire a Makeup Artist for your shoot! Whether you are male or female everyone should have makeup!
When you get an acting job on a TV show or on a movie you will have makeup on you so you should definitely have makeup for your Headshots!
Makeup makes your skin appear even and overall makes you look better and since your competition is wearing makeup you should as well just to level the playing field!
And yes, Photographer’s do retouch their images but I can tell you with absolute certainty that my retouching is so much more effective on someone who has had their makeup professionally done… and it also means I have to do less retouching… and when it comes to retouching, less is more!
What Kind Of Lighting Should Be Used For An Acting Headshot?
This is a great question and really comes down to preference however there are some things to consider and each have their pluses as well as their minuses.
First off, there are three types of lighting that a Photographer may use in their studio: Continuous, Studio Strobe or Daylight / Available Light. So, what’s the difference?
Continuous light is a constant light that gets turned on - an example of this would be a light bulb. However Continuous Light in a Studio is much more complex than a light bulb.
Continuous light is very powerful, has the ability to be turned up or dimmed and is for the most part colour corrected which means that it is usually the colour temperature of daylight which gives the subject a “natural” daylight look as opposed to a “yellow / orange” look of an incandescent light bulb.
Continuous light is a convenient type of light for a photographer to work with because essentially “what you see is what you get”... once the light is set and positioned there are no surprises when the photograph is captured.
As well, the “Colour Temperature” of Continuous Light can often be adjusted from cool to very warm tones which allows skin tone to be adjusted on the spot instead of having to do it in the “colour correct” and “retouching” phase.
Continuous light is what’s used on a film or television set when they are filming and while a photographer can get good results with these types of lights in my mind they produce a photograph that is lost somewhere between a daylight and studio strobe image and to me they have an unfinished feel which is why Continuous Lighting will never be my first choice as a Headshot Photographer.
Strobe Light is what I use in my Studio and is the choice of most Professional Photographers.
Think of Studio Strobe as a very, very powerful camera flash and it’s what is used in almost every magazine cover and editorial piece you see.
Strobe light defines an image and gives it crispness and power. Strobe light is sometimes mixed with daylight to give the subject greater definition and the image a more professional look.
In my Studio I use a variety of Strobe lights ranging from 200 to 600 watts and sometimes will use 5 or 6 strobes to light the subject as well as the background.
The last type of light that some Photographers rely on is daylight. Daylight only photographs are the easiest to produce.
Some Headshot Photographers rely heavily on daylight and it’s usually seen in their images when you look at the subjects who are often positioned in the same place in the studio in order to get the best light possible.
Daylight images are also reliant on the light that is available and so if it is an overcast day in the studio the images may be too dark which means the Photographer will have to dial up the ISO which in turn creates photographs with more grain and less clarity.
What Kind Of Backdrops Are Good For Actor Headshots?
This is a question that a lot of photographers will answer differently but here’s my take.
The background for your Actor Headshot should be neutral, lit, and not distract from you in any way. It’s that simple.
The backdrop could be seamless paper (which comes in many colours), a curtain, a wall, a board, a piece of fabric… almost anything will work for a background as long as it’s neutral, lit and does not distract from your face in any way!
Again, this is similar to my thoughts on wardrobe choices which I mentioned above… if you see the background before you see the face, then it’s a fail.
There are a number of Actor Headshot Photographers who use backgrounds that are supposed to make you look like you’re in a “back alley” or a “warehouse” or a “barn” or in some sort of “futuristic space scene” with lots of silver gold reflecting behind you… I’ve even seen a backdrop of a bookcase being used…and they’re usually shot with a very shallow depth of field which means the subject is in focus and anything behind them is blurry which certainly causes an effect.
And while all of these backgrounds and depth of field effects may appeal to whoever is getting their Headshot taken they do not help your cause in any way because of how distracting they are!
Consider this… you are going to be paying hundreds of dollars to have your Headshots done so make sure the resulting images are all about you and not the background which the viewer will look at first before they even take you in!
What Kind Of Backdrops Should Be Avoided For Actor Headshots?
As I mentioned above, in my opinion you should avoid all backgrounds that are intended to make you look like you are in a “warehouse” or “oil refinery” or “back alley” or “barn” or “in space” or inside some sort of “glowing space orb”.
Again, you are paying hundreds of dollars for your Actor Headshots so why take focus away from you?
If you work with a Photographer who keeps their backgrounds simple, neutral, well lit and not distracting you will ultimately get a much better response from Agencies, Casting Directors, Producers and Directors.
What Are The Best Actor Headshot Poses?
When it comes to poses for Acting Headshots there are a lot of options and while some are great there are some that are definitely not.
For example, arms crossed can work if the Actor’s face is inviting and open but if their face is neutral or stern it can make for a very uninviting photograph.
Another example would be hands on hips… one hip or both hips it doesn’t really matter because if it doesn’t come naturally to whomever is holding the pose it won’t look natural and when it comes to Actor Headshot poses the key is that every pose must look natural!
There are no hard and fast rules about posing and what works or what doesn’t work when it comes to Actor Headshot poses so the best idea is to practice and get a feel for what positions not only make you look good but what looks natural and is easy to maintain.
My website has so many examples of excellent poses for both male and female Actors so my advice is to have a look and steal what you can!
Should I Smile In My Acting Headshot?
Yes and no… but mostly no… that answer seems to be a none answer but here’s the feedback I’ve gotten from a number of Casting Directors… super smiley photos can appear a bit disingenuous and they also limit you because no one will really be able to see what you look like when you’re not smiling!
Warm easy soft smiles are fine but what ultimately works out best is to be present in front of the camera, connected to what you are doing and thinking about something that brings you joy which will be seen in your eyes… and ultimately it’s your eyes that are what your Headshot is all about!
What Makes A Bad Headshot?
When it comes to Acting Headshots there are a number of things that will make for a bad Headshot and should certainly be avoided. Here are some in no particular order:
Too Much Retouching.
Beware of Photographers who use a technique called “frequency separation” which “smooths out the skin” essentially leaving a flat image with no pores. This is often referred to as “airbrushing”.
Your photograph should be lifelike and your face should have texture and pores!
Too Much Lighting - Being Overlit & “Blown Out”.
Some photographers blast out the light which in turn minimizes retouching because all the skin texture and tone is lost behind the overpowering light. An overlit image also changes your features and how you appear which again should be avoided at all costs.
Bad Angles - Low or High!
While a lower angle shot will give the subject more “power”, too low of an angle will start to appear sinister and perhaps a little too much like a movie poster. Conversely, while a slightly higher angle can work great for creating a more open image too high of an angle creates an overly submissive image which serves no one at all!
Too Much Emotion.
Beware of looking too “intense”, too “sexy”, too “tough”, too “happy” or too “smiley”. All of these will make for one dimensional images that lead the viewer in a single direction which is not what you are looking for in an Actors Headshot.
Save these “looks” for your auditions!
Bad Wardrobe.
Ill fitting clothes - either too big or too small, creases or stains on shirts, distracting colours or writing and jackets!
Weird And Uncomfortable Poses.
Poses that involve hands on hips, arms crossed, chin resting on hand, etc. can all be considered but not if they don’t come naturally.
Remember that it’s so important to have a relaxed looking Headshot and anything that you feel uncomfortable doing (or just looks weird) will not translate well and ultimately not be of use.
Common Mistakes To Avoid With Your Acting Headshots
There are a number of other things to avoid before, during and after your Headshot session and here are a few in no particular order:
Not Having A Consultation With Your Photographer Beforehand.
I think it’s so important to get a feel for your Photographer before your shoot and to get that first introduction out of the way and all of your questions answered so when you arrive for your session you are ready to go!
Not Bringing Enough Wardrobe Options.
This should be covered during your initial consultation with your Photographer however I always tell my Clients that “more is better”... the more wardrobe options you have with you the more options you will have to photograph and often when an outfit is presented it will inspire a certain lighting and photo setups that weren’t necessarily considered so come prepared!
Being Late For Your Headshot Session.
This goes without saying… Actor Headshot Sessions can be stressful at times given their importance so limit the amount of stress you are putting yourself under by arriving early. There is a saying, “on time is late” which is totally true. Give yourself time for traffic and any other kind of issue that could make you late!
Not Getting Enough Rest Beforehand.
No need to explain this… get lots of rest leading up to your Headshot session because while your Photographer can make you look better in the retouching process, it’s always to everyone’s advantage to have the best “canvas” to work with from the start. Do everything you can to look your best on the day.
Not Being Present Or Connected During The Shoot.
Acting is hard work. It involves a physical and mental presence that is exhausting at times. When you are Acting you are listening and so there is no drifting off into never never land, you need to be present! And the same applies to your Headshot Session… you need to be present in the situation and connected to the camera and your Photographer.
Choosing The Wrong Photographer.
Unfortunately this happens all too often and ends up costing an Actor their time and money and ultimately negatively affects how they feel about themselves.
Just because an Actor Headshot Photographer is the “go to guy” or the “most popular” doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right choice for you.
Do your research and ask questions. Look at your potential Photographer’s Portfolios and see which ones resonate with you the most.
And make sure you have a pre-shoot consultation as this is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for your Photographer’s approach and sensibility.
I have had many actors come to me only weeks after paying high sums of money to get their photos re-shot because they “hate” their Headshots and feel they don’t represent who they are. Don’t make that mistake… do your work beforehand!
Paying Too Much For Your Session.
Just because someone charges a lot does not mean they are good! Don’t get fooled by the “expensive must be better” idea that so many people fall for. Quite often the Photographers in the upper middle pricing range are the best because they shoot more often than the “high end” Photographers who are usually seasoned veterans that have often lost touch with marketplace requirements.
Letting Someone Else Choose Your Headshot.
Keep in mind your Acting Headshot is your Headshot and not the Headshot your friends or Agent will use to represent themselves. And while it's a good idea to get feedback from the people you trust and who are supporting your career, your Headshot is what represents you to your potential employers and is key in getting you work so it has to be something you feel absolutely represents you and that you can get behind!
Conclusion
I believe I’ve covered everything I know about Actor Headshots and as I mentioned off the top these comments and the ideas I’ve expressed are based on over 30 years of experience as a Film & Television Actor and as a Headshot Photographer where my focus has been helping Actors create the type of Headshots that will get them noticed and ultimately get them work.
And as I’ve mentioned a few times, for an Actor, your Headshot is one of the most important tools you have at your disposal and something you have a high level of control over, so I advise you to do the work required to make it a successful journey!
Have a look at my “Services & Pricing” page for a reference as to what you should be getting for your money when you’re looking for a qualified Headshot Photographer and if you have any other questions that haven’t been covered in this “Ultimate Guide To Actor Headshots” then get in touch and I will do my best to answer any remaining questions you may have.
And if you’re a Toronto based Actor or will be in the city at some point and want to work with me to create amazing Headshots that will get you noticed then reach out and let’s book a session!
FAQ About Actor Headshots
What Is An Actor Headshot & Do I Need One For Acting?
An Actor’s Headshot is the most valuable tool any Actor has at their disposal. It is a clear, neutral and present image that should focus on the Actor’s head and shoulders and is the photograph that is sent to Casting Directors in order to be seen for auditions.
Should I Pay For A Professional Photographer To Shoot My Actor Headshot?
Yes you should pay a Professional Photographer to shoot your Actor Headshot and it should be a Photographer who specializes in Portraits and Headshots. Prices for Actor Headshots range from $150 TO $1500 however more expensive does not always mean better so figure out your budget and do your research!
How Many Acting Headshots Should I Have?
Three Headshots can cover everything you need to show Casting Directors. There should be your main Actor Headshot, then a contrasting or complimenting Headshot, i.e. a different angle of your face or a different lighting setup that brings new elements into play and finally a body shot that should be framed from the knees up.
If you can only afford one Headshot then it would be your main Actor Headshot and just make sure it really reflects who you are and how you want to be seen!
How Do I Prepare Myself For My Actor Headshot Session?
Define how you want to be represented and seen, do your research to find the right Photographer, select and practice your poses and what positions make you look natural and good, get lots of rest beforehand, bring lots of wardrobe options and don’t be late for your session!
Should I Hire A Makeup Artist For My Studio Actor Headshot Session?
Yes you should hire a Makeup Artist for your Actor Headshots! Makeup evens out skin tone, brings a vibrancy to your face and when you’re working on set they apply makeup before you get in front of the camera and so it should be the same for your Headshots!
What Kind Of Backdrops Are Best For My Acting Headshots And Which Ones Should Be Avoided?
Backdrops for you Actor Headshots should be neutral, lit, and should in no way be distracting. You’ll be paying good money to have your Headshot done so don’t let any background steal focus from your face!
Overall, avoid anything that is designed to make you look like you’re in a “factory”, or an “alleyway” or a “flashy orb” or any other unnatural setting that will make the viewer take in the background before they see your face.
What Are The Best Poses For My Actor Headshots And Is There A Difference For Men And Women?
When it comes to posing there are no rules but everything should look natural and feel comfortable. If you feel awkward in any pose it will look awkward and there is no hiding that.
Look for poses on Pinterest, check out my website for some incredible examples and practice your own to see what makes you feel and look good!
What Makes A Bad Actor Headshot?
There are so many things that can make for a bad Actor Headshot and they usually have to do with not enough research or planning, not enough practice finding your poses, trying to do things that make you feel uncomfortable and poor photography.
