Headshots are often the first thing a client will ask for during a casting call, before choosing from a gallery of photos which actors they want to request self-tapes from.
A good photo can be your one chance to make a good impression.
You will need, at the very least, one headshot and one full body photo—which can be either knees-up or ankles up.
Headshots are an investment, and there is certainly an element of getting what you pay for.
Because they are the first things clients see, understand that they need to be of the highest quality, and your agents will hold your photos to a high standard.
If/when your agent asks for new headshots, it’s not a slight against you.
A good agent or manager will know the industry inside and out, and be aware of trends/recognize when you might benefit from for updates!
General Guidelines
Your agent or your chosen photographer should be able to give you tips for style but, from what we’ve seen, the current general guidelines are:
- Bring at least 3 outfits with you to your shoot.
- Avoid red, white, and black clothing.
- Avoid logos/text/graphics/patterns.
- Wear “natural” makeup and make sure your hair is upkept.
- Do NOT use filters/smooth pores/etc.
*Note: Some agents have strict requirements on their accepted headshot styles—this helps ensure the portfolio they offer their clients remains cohesive. If you have an Agent, be sure to ask them if they have any specific preferences—and be sure to inform your photographer!
For Commercial Actors:
Actors pursuing primarily commercial work need to be “personable.” General guidelines for at the time of this writing are:
- Make sure your photographer is using a solid, bright colored backdrop that contrasts well with your outfit and pulls the attention to you. (Avoid white for adults, generally fine for children.)
- Lighting should generally be soft/flat. (Minimal shadow)
- Framing should generally be “tit to top” (mid-torso up).
- Generally, the actor will be best suited standing slightly off center in the frame.
For Film Actors:
Actors pursuing primarily film work, especially drama/action, are almost the same… but with 2 key differences:
- The background is generally a “darker”/”moodier” color—but not black.
- Lighting can be slightly more stylized/shadowy, as the goal is to show off the shape of your face in a more “cinematic” enviroment.
For Kids:
Children/teens grow up so fast that keeping their headshots up to date might not be feasible. Clients tend to know this and provide a bit more leeway—both in terms of accuracy and style.
For younger children, it’s also generally okay to include more stylized poses or outfits.
For their portfolio in general, be sure to include photos of any hobbies they might have—whether that’s in a baseball uniform with ball in hand; in a dance leotard striking a pose; or in a gi kicking a board in half!
Showing off the child’s skills and interests give potential clients a glimpse of their personality.
Keeping your photos current
Keeping your photos current is essential! Change your hair, grow your beard, shave your beard, gain or lose a lot of weight, get new glasses, or finally get those braces off? Make sure you schedule yourself for a new set of headshots!
Your headshot is why/how the client booked you—what they’re paying for—so if you don’t resemble it, that’s false advertising… which is a problem.
If there’s ANY discrepancy, be sure your agent/client is aware and provide a “current selfie” if needed. Even if they still go through with the shoot, leaving a bad impression can affect future opportunities for you…
