Hey actors - How do you know if you need multiple looks for your headshots?
Different types of actors have different needs and may or may not need to change their look during the acting headshot session.
Let’s talk about it!
When is it important for actors to have different looks in their headshots?
Do you relate to any of these?
You would like to get work in not only commercials in Orlando, but also film or TV.
You have changed your appearance.
You are a more seasoned actor with an IMDB profile.
You are looking to sign with an agency.
You like to play different characters and would like to audition for different types of roles.
If you answered, “yes” to any of these, then you are likely in need of at least 2 looks for your acting headshot profile in order to succeed in this industry.
It has become increasingly important for actors to showcase their range and be more specific in this digital world.
Casting directors can see hundreds, and often even thousands of thumbnail headshots when looking to fill a role. Having a specific type represented can give casting directors an immediate opportunity to see if you would be a good fit/look for the role… and when they are glancing through headshots that quickly, if your look doesn’t match the part, they may pass on you before you have a chance to show them what you’ve got!
What two looks are the most important to have for actors in Florida?
Sometimes two looks is all you need to get going, or update your online image.
Headshot #1:
The most important type of headshot for Orlando, Miami, or Central Florida actors is the commercial headshot.
With the opportunities that we have here in Florida, it’s extremely important to have an excellent, dynamic commercial headshot, as Orlando is the country’s 3rd largest commercial market (aren’t we lucky to have so many job opportunities?!).
Commercial headshots needs to be vibrant, natural, colorful, and very friendly. We need to communicate through your commercial headshot that you’ve got nothing to hide, love life to the fullest, and are kind and confident (and of course… an excellent actor who is going to do very well at the role).
For this look, you will need to wear clothing that is colorful, but neutral (nothing quirky or too loud, which would be more appropriate for a character shot). Your outfit must be modest and clean-fitting, and you can layer carefully if you like. In general, simpler is better for Orlando, specifically.
Commercial headshots usually need to be face-forward, have full, real smiles, and showcase confidence and approachability.
Here are some examples of commercial actor headshots that you will need to be a successful working actor in Florida -
Once you have secured a winning commercial look,
Headshots #2:
The second most important type of headshot to have in Orlando is a neutral theatrical headshot.
(…but we don’t mean for theater or stage work.)
A Theatrical headshot is a semi-serious headshot that has a bit of “weight” to it and a feeling of expertise.
Theatrical headshots are incredibly versatile, and important for actors who want to go for film and TV work.
With theatrical headshots, we need to capture your look accurately, and somewhat dramatically (which we will do in lighting, posing, and expression). We also want casting directors to feel a sense of strength and innate talent from you, while being instantly drawn in by your eye contact and emotion.
To keep your second most important headshot effective and versatile, we need to do a few things:
Wear clothing that is simple, pretty neutral in color, and not too specific (such as a leather jacket, which is reserved for more specific types)
Keep hair natural, and not too glam
Keep makeup natural, but you can go a bit heavier than your commercial headshot
Expression should be serious or semi-serious.
It’s ok to look at the camera with a bit of a side-eye, which can indicated power and strength.
Here are some examples of neutral theatrical actor headshots:
Once you have your two most important looks nailed down, you can get more specific and add more unique types to your portfolio.
Some common types for adult women actors are roles like:
The professional (FBI Director, Cop)
BBQ mom
Country club / wealth
Sinister / villain
Quirky artist or creative professional
Your agency can use these type-specific headshots to give casting directors a better understanding of what types of characters you play best.
Headshot #3:
I recommend that every film or TV actor has at least one type-specific headshot.
If you aren’t sure what your types are, check out this article about how to know your types as an actor.
From lawyer to artist - teacher to 1800s period, each type should clearly showcase the role. You can provide a hint of the type, like the 4th image here of the “pioneer type,” or you can go full-send like the quirky artist with colorful overalls and glasses.
If you are only going to do one extra type-specific headshot, I recommend keeping the look on the side of “hint of the type” rather than going fully specific.
Here are some examples of headshots that are type-specific:
Headshot #4:
The 3/4 and full body digitals
It is become more and more common for casting directors to require full body shots and 3/4 shots with little-to-no editing.
This can be daunting for an actor to accomplish on their own! Even a cell phone shot (which they often say is ok?) can create an unflattering image that feels warped and poorly lit.
Many agencies are require their talent to provide full body and 3/4 shots because of this new concept.
We will photograph you on a plain, seamless paper background for these shots, in excellent lighting, so you still look great with no editing. We want your eyes to pop, your skin to look great, and your smile to shine! We will use a camera lens that helps you look accurate and flattered.
Here are some examples of 3/4 and full body headshots / digitals that your agency will likely need to market you:
So, let’s recap. How many headshot looks does an actor in Orlando need to succeed in the industry?
A: A minimum of 2 different looks
One look that is commercial
One look that is neutral and theatrical for film and TV auditions.
Then, if you are serious about getting your career moving, add on 2-3 more:
One or two looks that are more type-specific
One look for full body and 3/4 shots that are very natural in appearance.
I’m a theater-only actor. Do I also need different looks for my portfolio?
A: NO! You can get by just fine with one or two strong theater headshots in the same outfit.
Headshots for stage actors are actually quite different than what you might need for commercial, film, and TV auditions.
Theater actors need an outfit that is medium to dark in color, classy, not too revealing, and neutral.
These headshots are normally created with a semi-serious expression, though a smiling shot is also a welcome addition. During your theater actor headshot session, we will capture both types of expressions.
Your background should be very simple and aligned with what is typical of the New York market. We will likely shoot on a gray or solid colored background with little to no texture.
Examples of headshots for theater and stage actors:
I’m ready to book my multi-look acting headshot session!
What do I do next?
You can book a session online! Then, once we see your order come through, we will get in touch via email or text to talk dates, goals, and get you booked in to the schedule.
Still have questions? Get in touch! We would love to chat about your session and see how we can design a headshot session that is best for your needs as an actor in Florida!