Getting the Most Out of Your Headshot

Actors need to sell themselves. Not only do they sell themselves on their talent and ability to role play but based on their appearance as well. Your headshot is an important part of your marketing package when you want to attract interest from potential talent agents and casting directors. It makes the first impression and can make you look like a professional actor.

This section will help you determine how to get the best headshot possible and how to use that to your advantage so that you get more auditions and ultimately more acting roles.

Making the Most of Your Headshot to Land More Roles

You can’t always get in to see the casting directors and agents you want to see, so the next best thing is to send them an eye catching resume and headshot. 

Unlike a regular job resume where you can’t be discriminated on based on your appearance, your acting resume needs a close up photo with information about you. This can help the agents and casting directors determine roles that might suit you. Your headshot showcases your best features so it needs to be well done.

A headshot is an 8x10 photograph in black and white. It should feature your head and shoulders only and it should feature you at your best.  Along with your headshot, you may include other photos but the headshot is the main tool that, in your absence speaks volumes about you.

A head shot should feature:

• You at your best, the way you look today
• A natural, relaxed pose
• With expressions that exhibit friendliness, likeability and approachability

Important!

Although you may have gained weight or grown wrinkles, it’s still wise to use a current headshot, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time and the director’s time. Part of the purpose of the headshot is to fit the role you are auditioning for now. If you change your hair color or make a dramatic appearance change, you need a new and up to date headshot.

Your goal with your headshot is to:

1. Provide agents with what they need to help you get work. A good head shot can get you a good agent who can help you get into more auditions and increase your chance of being cast in roles you are seeking.
2. Provide casting directors with your details so that they can determine whether or not you are suitable for a role. After an audition the director will likely have taken notes and put that with your headshot to help trigger memories of your audition so they can decide whether or not to do a call back.

Important!

Perhaps the most critical element of a headshot is your eyes.  Your eyes should draw a viewer in, which is why you should always look directly at the camera and not off to the side.  You also want to avoid wearing sunglasses or striking a pose in which you’re winking.

The old adage about the eyes being the window to the soul applies with the headshot. Look right at the camera and try to act natural. A good photographer can help you feel relaxed and we will review tips to help you find the right photographer as well.

Caution:

Again, a simple close up snapshot at 8x10 size of your head and shoulders in black and white by a professional photographer is going to give you the best results. It’s worth hiring a professional for because this picture is going to be what’s used to get you an agent and get you auditions. Try to rest the night before the photo shoot and look your best for the picture.

When getting ready for your headshot photograph, your goal is to look like you do at your best. This doesn’t mean dressing up with excessive jewelry or too much make up and you shouldn’t wear anything too trendy or too datable. Classic clothing, neatly groomed hair and minimal jewelry are advisable. If you are too overdressed or overdone casting directors and agents won’t take you seriously. You want to appear professional even if you’re a beginner.

Recommended Resources:

Reproductions - LA and NY

Headshot Photographer Match - All States