Beginner’s Guide For Actor Headshot Looks

An actor’s headshot needs to be more than just a pretty picture of yourself – we already know you’re pretty! It’s a strategic marketing tool to help agents and casting directors see you in specific roles. When casting directors  are scrolling through thousands of submissions for a single role, they need to immediately envision you playing that part based on just a tiny headshot. A generic photo simply won’t cut it. 

How do you figure out what your most castable character types are? It’ll be based on your appearance, your personality, and how others perceive you. Look for actors or characters who have the same essence as you and note the roles they play. That’s not to say you should always limit yourself but as a new actor you should take the path of least resistance to get your foot in the door.  You can get opinions from fellow actors, friends, strangers, or from the type of scripts you’re assigned in acting class. 

To get the most out of your session, come prepared with a clear plan but we’ll keep it fluid. It’s then my job to help you execute it. It is just like putting in the work and preparing for an audition. 

Identify 3-4 different character types suitable for you. Watch them on TV to see how they’re dressed. Their outfits were put together by a professional costume designer and approved by a director to tell the viewer who they are. Think of the lines that character would say and the expressions they would have saying it. You can even bring a music playlist for each character.