How many headshots do actors need to get started?
As an actor in Florida, you may only need a small set of headshots to get going in the industry! In general, I recommend 2-3 looks and a total of 4-7 images for a strong start that will showcase your abilities, appearance, and help you stand out as a professional actor.
It’s standard to have a more serious theatrical shot for actors going for film and TV, and of course, a wonderful, smiling commercial shot.
Orlando Actors Need 1-2 Strong Commercial Headshots, and 2-3 Theatrical & Character Headshots.
Orlando has a thriving commercial market, so if you are ready to get opportunities that pay, having an excellent commercial headshot is essential.
You should shoot at least one look for commercial work, but for the most opportunities, bring two outfits for commercial auditions so we can get different types of commercial characters. If you can get 1-2 standard, bright commercial headshots, and also a full-body digital in a different outfit (little-to-no editing, very friendly and fun), you will be set for commercial auditions for many months!
Here are the important elements your photographer must know in order to provide a working commercial look for your career:
Commercial headshots in Orlando need to be brightly lit, but still look natural and approachable.
Your smile needs to feel genuine, warm, and like you’ve got nothing to hide.
Commercial headshots need to be authentic. Smiles have to be real! This is easy to do when you have a headshot photographer that interacts well with clients, helping them feel at ease and natural. Make sure your photographer’s work represents true personalities, joy, and showcases each actor’s unique expression and talents.
Your outfit should be colorful, casual, sunny, and youthful (or “eternally youthful” for older actors :). The best outfits for commercial actors will be quite simple, with little to no patterns, and strong, engaging colors. You’ll need to avoid too many neutral colors, like olive green, tan, black, or gray for commercial work. We want casting directors to be drawn in by the joy and ease that your headshot represents.
Hair and makeup for your commercial headshots need to feel natural - like you might look going out for a lunch date.
Here are some examples of the two types of commercial headshots that you need to be a successful actor in Orlando, Florida -
Close-up headshot, full smile, fun appeal, simple background:
2. Full body and 3/4 shots taht have little-to-no editing. These are considered digitals and will be requested often.
Orlando actors may also need theatrical headshots for film and TV auditions.
If you plan to jump into film or TV, you will need a more serious headshot, and potentially another headshot that represents your type.
For instance, a well-rounded set of headshots for Orlando actors who want to move into film would be:
1-2 commercial headshots
1 strong theatrical headshot
Neutral, serious headshots go a long way for different types of film auditions. Every actor should have one.
1-2 more specific character / types
Your type may be college nerd, girl-next-door, office manager, FBI director. All of these headshots need to be specific to the type/character. That way, when your agency submits you for an audition, the casting director can immediately envision you in the role. You would never want to submit a commercial headshot for a serious dramatic role.
Here are some examples of neutral theatrical headshots that can be used for a variety of semi-serious roles, or leading roles:
And here are some more specific headshots to types that these actors tend to audition for. Make sure you know your types, so you know how to dress for your acting headshots in Orlando Florida. Usually they are a strong hint of the type, but sometimes can get very specific if it’s an added look to your portfolio.
Another type of look to consider if you are looking to jump into the industry fully:
If you have a niche skill or bookable talent, you’ll want a few snaps that reflect that. For example, if you are a bodybuilder, you should show off your guns. If you’re a musician, your instrument can play a supporting role. But be careful. If you take an acting headshot holding a guitar, you’d better know how to play if a casting director asks in an audition.
Having 3-5 different headshot looks can help show who you are as an actor, your personality, and your essence, making you more memorable to casting directors.
If you have questions about how many headshots you need to start your acting career in Orlando, get in touch to see what might be the right choice for your headshot session!
If you are with an agency or coach, get their input, which will be invaluable. But if you are truly just getting started, we are happy to offer everything we have learned about this industry so you can get education, representation, and get going on this fun, rewarding career!
Are you ready to book a session for your headshots? We are near Universal Studios in Orlando Florida and specialize in headshots for actors. You can book directly online, whichever package you’d like (we recommend the 3-look session!), and we will take a look at our calendars and get you booked in.
This is an investment that is worth every penny when you start seeing the auditions roll in from your professional headshots.