What You Need To Know About Actor’s Headshots
As an actor you need a picture that shows off the best of you, what makes you unique, and something that catches the casting director’s eye. Headshots have always been incredibly important for actors. Now as we’ve moved online, these portraits have become important to all professions, but actors still need a picture that is special— something unique. That is where I come in. I’ve been working with performers since 2005, and I’ve learned a thing or two. So, let’s talk about what you need to know about actor’s headshots.
How Many Headshots Does An Actor Need?
All Photos of Actor Brianna Love
The short answer? Two, the long answer is a bit more complicated. Every actors needs, at minimum, two headshots. They go by different names, but I call them the commercial and dramatic shots. The is the minimum an actor can get away with. Alongside these shots, I always recommend an actor has a third shot that shows off a little more of their personality, something that just screams “Hi! I’m ______”. Actors often feel they need to take “character shots”. You, but in a lab coat, covered in fake tattoos. Now, this may be a portrait shoot you’ll want in your portfolio, but it’s not what you need when looking for a headshot. The online world might want promo images and portraits— but a headshot is something different. Casting Workbook has room for 18 pictures, but I don’t know a single actor using all of them.
The Commercial Shot
Your commercial headshot should be friendly. This is the shot you have for commercial auditions, but it is more than that. This is your girl next door, your Hallmark movie, your sitcom— this shot is what you need to sell yourself as the funny guy, the romantic guy, and the best friend. My biggest suggestion? Smile. Chat with me about things that make you laugh or make you happy while we are shooting. This way we’ll get your real and natural “commercial” self.
The Dramatic Shot
The dramatic or theatrical headshot is the shot you use when auditioning for the next big sci-fi, or that big Shakespeare company. This is the shot that makes you look like a movie star. This picture will look a bit more moody. You won’t be smiling, unless its a sly grin. Give me that America’s Next Top Model “smize”. Depending on who you are, and the characters you want to play this shot might be sexy, or angry— maybe even a bit of both.
What Makes You Unique?
The third shot needs to be all about you. We’ve already hinted at who you are, but this shot needs to scream it. What makes you unique? Are you a fight director, or an athlete? Let’s show off your biceps. Are you a huge nerd? Glasses, or your favourite Marvel T-Shirt. Are you the most glam of the glamorous? Talk with me about what makes you the performer you are and we’ll get a shot to represent the parts you WANT.
Want headshots that show off who you are?
Black and White, or Colour?
Gone are the days of black and white headshots. I’m going to say it again: Black and white headshots are dead, even in the world of theatre. Film and TV have changed it forever. Casting wants to see the colour of your hair, eyes, skin— everything. A photo of you in black and white might be stunning, but it will not get you an audition. My job is to get you the shots to get you the auditions you’ll be perfect for.
About Photoshop
Photoshop has gotten a bad rap over the past decade. So let me be clear: there is nothing wrong with choosing the right amount of retouching. A blemish can pop up the day of the shoot. The humidity can make your hair frizz. Your headshot should look like you at your best. It should look like you after hair and makeup is done with you and you walk on set. That deep crease between your brows? That mole on the side of your mouth? Those make you, you. Don’t remove them. Your headshot is not an idealized version of you, but an accurate version. Oh, and please do not FaceTune your headshots. Yes, we can tell.
Should You Pay for Makeup and Hair?
Do you need to? No. MUA DON’T CANCEL ME BEFORE I FINISH! You can do a session without hair and makeup, but it helps. Even if you are incredible at doing your own hair and makeup, having a professional there is going to help you look your best at every moment of the shoot. That way, you and I can both relax and focus on our jobs. I might not catch if your hair has moved out of place. You won’t know if you are starting to get shiny. A professional is there not only for the initial styling and application, but throughout the shoot to keep you looking your best. That way we’ll need less photoshop and you’ll get more options out of your session.
What to Wear for a Headshot Session
When picking your wardrobe for a headshot session simplicity is the way to go. Leave the loud prints, deep v, and puffy sleeves at home. Pick clothing that feels natural, feels comfortable, but also hints at the roles you want to audition for. There is one exception I’ve noticed since coming back to Canada, every Canadian actor seems to have a headshot in a plaid shirt— and it started long before Letterkenny.
How Often You Need New Headshots
You’ll need headshots at least every two years. We all change and grow. Getting headshots every two years will make sure your shots look like you as you are now. There are times you’ll need them more often. Did you change your hair colour? Did you lose or gain weight? Shave your beard? Or your head? These, or any other major change to your appearance, means you need a new headshot. After the last year of chaos— I can all but guarantee you’ve changed. Your headshots should represent the person you’ve become, not who you were.
Brianna changed her hair colour. New headshots will show casting what she looks like now.
Be The Best Version of You
The most important thing you need to remember about your headshots is: be the best version of you. The hardest thing for me when talking to actors is making sure you know the difference between the best you, and a magazine cover. This isn’t Loki, so your headshot can’t be the variant of you ten pounds skinnier, or with an extra 15 pound of muscle. Your headshot shows off who you are right now. That is the person casting called. Your headshot needs to show the incredible artist you are, which includes what you might see as flaws. Flaws make us different. They make us unique. The best thing about being unique? You stand out in a crowd, and that is what gets you cast.