What makes for a successful actor headshot? It might not be the photo where you look the most glamorous or polished – or even the one you like the most.
Instead, think of your headshot as a marketing tool, and often the first thing a casting director sees. Before they watch your reel or invite you to audition, your headshot needs to give them a sense of who you are, what you bring to the screen, and what kinds of roles they can imagine you playing.
So the goal of a great headshot is to make you look castable. But what does that really mean?
In this blog post, we’ll break down what makes for a great headshot, how to prepare for your photo session, and how to create images that accurately represent you and set you up for success.
9 Actor Headshot Tips
1. Know Your Role Types Before the Camera Comes Out
A common mistake actors make is treating a headshot session like a general photo shoot. Before you book a photographer or start planning an outfit, take some time to think about how you’re most likely to be cast.
To get started, ask yourself:
- What roles am I consistently called in for?
- What roles do people naturally see me as?
- What age range do I realistically play?
- What types of projects am I targeting?
Your answers might point toward role types like:
- Young Professional
- Mom or Dad
- Teacher
- Nurse
- Detective
- Small-Town Neighbor
- Corporate Executive
- Best Friend
- Athlete
- Blue-Collar Worker
Rather than try to convince casting directors that you can play everything, your headshots should support the types of roles you want to pursue. A corporate executive headshot calls for a different wardrobe and expression than a small-town neighbor, for example.
At the end of the day, being castable is more valuable than being generic. A strong headshot gives casting directors a reason to think, “I can see this person in the role.”
2. Treat Your Headshot Session Like an Acting Session
While a headshot session can look like an ordinary photo shoot, you should approach it more like an acting session. As you move through it, each look should connect to a role type you’re targeting.
Before each look, ask yourself: “Who am I in this image?” This doesn’t mean creating a fully developed character. Instead, think about the kind of person you’re trying to channel. What’s their energy? What might they be thinking as they look into the camera?
Allow your expression and energy to shift so you can show different sides of your casting range, while still staying connected to your authentic self.
3. Wardrobe Should Support the Story
Ultimately, your headshot should draw attention to your face and expression rather than your outfit, accessories, or background. But what you wear in a headshot can help your face stand out, and can also nod to the role types you’re interested in.
Here are some tips.
Good choices:
- Solid colors
- Simple layers
- Clean necklines
- Classic pieces
It’s best to avoid:
- Large logos or brand names
- Busy patterns
- Distracting graphics
- Trendy pieces that could make the photo feel dated
These wardrobe guidelines can help ensure your face stands out while also providing casting directors with a visual cue about your interests (i.e., wearing a blazer if you’re interested in an executive role vs. a more casual button-down for the role of friendly neighbor).
4. Avoid Overly “Character” Headshots
Your headshot should give casting directors enough information to imagine you in a role. Instead of trying to look exactly like a detective, doctor, or police officer, think about the qualities that make you believable in those roles.
For example, you might want to communicate that you’re:
- Professional
- Approachable
- Confident
- Tough
- Warm
- Intelligent
- Quirky
Those qualities leave room for casting directors to imagine you in different roles and projects. The more room you leave for casting directors to use their imaginations, the more versatile and useful your headshot becomes.
5. Choose Colors That Work With the Background
Color can have a bigger impact on a headshot than you might expect. As a general rule, choose clothing colors that create contrast with your background. If you’re shooting against a light backdrop, a darker-colored top can help separate you from it, while a dark background likely calls for lighter clothing.
You should also consider colors that complement your natural features, including skin tone and eye color.
Here are a few combinations to consider:
- A dark shirt against a lighter background (and vice versa)
- Rich jewel tones
- Earth tones
- Soft neutrals
The goal is simple: When an agent looks at your headshot, your face and expression should stand out immediately, and carefully considering wardrobe and color can go a long way in achieving that.
6. The Eyes Are Everything
As actors know, eyes can communicate a surprising amount without a single word. When a casting director looks at a headshot, one of the first things they’re likely to notice is your eyes.
Strong headshots often feature:
- Direct or natural eye contact
- Relaxed facial muscles
- An authentic expression
- A clear emotional point of view
To achieve the desired impact, think about being present in the moment. Give yourself something to think about, react to, or connect with during the session. A good photographer can help you find expressions that feel genuine to you.
7. Simpler Angles Usually Win
When you’re trying to create an interesting photograph, it can be tempting to experiment with dramatic angles or poses. But when it comes to an acting headshot, simpler is usually better.
Generally, effective headshots use:
- Straight-on angles
- Slight turns of the head or shoulders
- Natural, relaxed posture
Conversely, it’s best to avoid:
- Extreme head tilts
- Looking up or down at the camera
- Overly stylized poses
Always choose primary headshots that prioritize clarity over creativity.
8. Commercial vs. Theatrical Headshots
Depending on your career goals, you may benefit from having both commercial and theatrical headshots. While the fundamentals remain the same, the two styles can serve different purposes.
Commercial Headshots
These headshots generally have a more approachable, upbeat, and relatable feel. Think about the kinds of people you’d expect to see selling a product, appearing in a family-friendly ad, or representing a brand.
You want to communicate qualities like:
- Approachable
- Friendly
- Warm
- Relatable
For a commercial look, consider:
- A genuine smile, often with teeth
- Brighter wardrobe colors
- An open, expressive look
When someone in casting sees the image, you want them to think, “I could see this person in a commercial.”
Theatrical Headshots
These headshots tend to give casting directors more room to imagine you in dramatic roles and stories.
When creating theatrical headshots, think about:
- Story
- Personality
- Depth
- Character possibilities
For a theatrical look, you might consider:
- More subtle expressions
- Neutral or understated wardrobe
- Emotional specificity
The best approach is to create headshots that clearly communicate different casting possibilities while still looking like yourself.
9. Headshots for Kids
When it comes to child actors, the most important rule is simple: kids should look like kids. It can be tempting for parents to create a highly polished, formal image, especially when they want their child to make the right impression. But an overly styled or adult-looking headshot can work against a young actor.
Strong headshots for kids tend to capture:
- Personality
- Confidence
- Energy
- Authenticity
That means keeping the styling simple and allowing the child’s personality to come through.
It’s best to avoid:
- Heavy hair or makeup styling
- Excessive retouching
- Forced poses
A great headshot for a kid doesn’t need to look perfect. In fact, a little personality and spontaneity can make the image more compelling.
Common Mistakes We See at Devise
At Devise Talent Agency, we’ve seen a lot of headshots. Here are some actor headshot tips based on the most common mistakes we see:
- Using outdated photos: Your headshot should accurately represent what you look like today. If casting directors wouldn’t recognize you when you walk in the room, the photo isn’t doing its job.
- Over-retouching: Smoothing out every line or pore can make you look noticeably different from your real-life appearance.
- Wearing logos or distracting graphics: Clothing should support the image (aka your face!), not pull attention away.
- Too many accessories: Jewelry, hats, and glasses are some examples of accessories that can distract if overused.
- No clear role type: Your headshot should communicate where you fit in the casting landscape.
- Trying to look younger than you are: Your headshot should represent your realistic casting age. Trying to appear younger can make the image feel less authentic.
- Overly posed expressions: Your expression should feel like you’re in a genuine moment.
- A distracting background: Make sure your background doesn’t compete with your face and expression.
A great headshot doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be current, authentic, and intentional.
Getting Started with Devise Talent Agency
An actor headshot does more than show casting directors what you look like; it gives them a glimpse into who you can play.
At Devise Talent Agency, we’ve seen actors book television, film, and commercial work using headshots and other marketable tools that set them apart from the competition.
If you’re ready to get started and looking for representation, submit to our agency!
