A good acting headshot looks like you in real life. It also provides casting directors with an accurate sense of who you are as an actor and the characters you might play, so they can call you in for the right auditions.

What makes a good headshot for actors?

In short, a good acting headshot is one that works.

Ideally, your acting headshot will convey not just your general look, but your brand, your type, your age range, your possible occupations, your professionalism, your socioeconomic background, your personality traits, and even hints of your inner emotional life.

Casting directors have specific ideas about the roles they have to fill. They don’t have time to ponder your myriad possible characters; they will take you at face value. Even if you want to play against type, it’s important to recognize how you may initially be viewed. Especially when starting out, your headshot will determine what types of roles you get called in for.

A good acting headshot is one that works for you in order to secure auditions and get noticed. Acting headshots aren’t just pretty pictures of you. They need to convey specific things in order to work.

Here are 5 essential elements your acting headshot needs in order to work.

When it comes to marketing oneself as an actor, having a compelling headshot is crucial. Your headshot is often the first impression casting directors and agents will have of you, so it's vital to make it count. Here are five points to consider when aiming for a standout headshot.

1. Professionalism

Above all, casting directors want to know that you are good at what you do. You are a professional actor who takes their career seriously (and will take the role seriously). They want to cast actors that already know how to act and can take direction quickly and effectively. They normally prefer not to cast amateur actors with no sense of experience or professionalism.

To be considered a professional actor, you must invest in a professional photographer. Not only will a skilled photographer will capture your best angles and expressions, they know the acting industry. Lighting must be on point, the background must be just so, and even the composition of the headshot will help directors determine if you had your images done professionally. If you don’t take your headshots seriously, why should they think you’ll take the role seriously? Professional headshots with an acting-headshot-specific photographer is a must.
Proper Lighting is Key. Ensure your headshot is well-lit to highlight your features effectively. A professional acting headshot photographer will know how to position the lighting to best highlight your types, skin tone, hair and eye color, and to help you look your natural best. Professionally-lighted images also carry a strong sense of professionalism just naturally because you took the time to invest in your career.
Wardrobe Selection. Choose attire that enhances your personality and fits the roles you aspire to portray. Make sure your clothing is type-specific. In Orlando and central Florida, casting directors prefer a hint of the type, so don’t get too specific. This way your headshots will be versatile enough to market you for a wider variety of roles, while still speaking clearly to the role. Your clothing must look nice! Unless your type is street smart, make sure your outfits are new or newer, nice fabrics, and the correct colors and patterns.

Here are a few examples of actor headshots that exude professionalism with great lighting, and the right wardrobe.

2. Authenticity

Show Your Personality. Let your headshot reflect your unique essence and energy. The last thing you want to look like is… every other actor. You need to stand out in your headshots - and immediately! Bring your true self - come to your headshot session prepared to relax, and bring your unique quirks, talents, and expressions.
Expressive Eyes. Your eyes should convey emotion and draw viewers in. Practice posing in the mirror to see how to connect through each type through your eyes. Eye connection and a sense of “knowingness” is very important to feeling like an authentic you, and being able to portray and authentic character.
Avoid Over-Glamorization. Aim for a balance between polished and genuine. Do not wear much makeup, or have your hair too glam. Casting directors need to see the true you.

Here are some examples of acting headshots that reflect authentic, unique personalities with great eye connection:

3. Versatility

Multiple Looks. Include headshots with various expressions, styles, and moods. Looks are another word for “types,” which is a common phrase used in this industry to mean characters. Being typecast can be a good thing for an actor! What types of characters are you best at? Those are the looks / outfits that you need to bring to your headshot session.
Hair and Makeup Changes. Experiment with different hairdos and makeup styles to showcase your adaptability. Part of being a versatile actor is really selling the looks and types that you can play. Your styling should reflect your characters just as much as your outfits and expressions.
Background Options. Consider using different backgrounds to add variety to your portfolio. Each type should have a unique backdrop that helps sell the character you can play. Color and texture matter, but make sure that your professional headshot photographer knows not to have backgrounds that are too busy. They must be simple and not take away from your expression.

Here are examples of how versatile one actor’s headshots can be by adjusting their looks, backdrops, and styling:

4. True Appearance

Focus on Your Expression. Your headshot should mainly highlight your facial features. Your smile, communicative eyes, and overall expression needs to be very natural. Forced expressions, over-model-y poses, and seductive expressions don’t work well in the Orlando and Florida markets.
Minimal Retouching. Keep editing minimal to maintain a natural look. Casting directors have become VERY skeptical of actors’ headshots that look retouched. They want to see the REAL you, including your smile lines, tooth color, freckles, skin color, and lines that you may normally want a photographer to edit or change. The only exception to editing rules and temporary blemishes, which should be re-touched out, and any issue with the photo itself, such as exposure.
Resolution and Format. Ensure your headshot meets industry standards for clarity and size. Your photographer should provide you with a full resolution image for printing (to bring with you to in-person auditions), and also a web-sized version. Ideally, you will receive a cropped-in version (web size) as well, because casting directors need to see an up-close version of your headshot in order for you to stand out above the rest.

5. Branding

Consistency Across Platforms. Use the same headshot for your online profiles and marketing materials. While you should have a wide variety of looks according to your types, make sure your headshots reflect your current look (hair style and color should be the same as you look now, for instance), make sure that your appearance is easily recognizable from IMDB to Actors Access and Casting Networks.
Tailor Headshots for Different Roles. Adjust your headshots to suit the specific characters or genres you want to be cast in.
Seek Professional Advice. Consult with industry experts to ensure your headshots align with your career goals. If you aren’t sure how to best put yourself out there, get in touch with a coach or Actor’s Life Coach like Turner Talent. They will point you in the right direction on how to grow your acting career.

A compelling headshot serves as a powerful marketing tool for actors, making it imperative to invest time and resources into creating a standout image that captures your essence and versatility.

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What makes a good headshot?