Headshot tips for actors

Headshot tips for actors

As an actor, your headshot is your most important marketing tool. It’s the first impression that casting directors have of you, and if yours is professional, you’ll already be ahead of the game. So many actors don’t know how to get a professional looking headshot, so here are some tips to make sure you’re getting auditions left and right. Here are my top four headshot tips for actors.

Be willing to pay

I know you’re probably not thrilled that this is tip number one, and I get it. I’m an artist balling on a budget as well. But unless you’re best friends with a portrait photographer who specializes in headshots, you’re going to want to consider paying. Your cousin who just got into photography isn’t going to know the ins and outs of headshot photography, and you’re going to want a professional to guide you. Not only will a professional take stunning pictures of you and make you look your best, they’ll also know the industry standards for headshots and be able to give you tips that aren’t in this article. A good headshot is worth its weight in gold, so this marketing tool will help you get a return on your investment!

Look like yourself

Look like yourself. This means don’t do a bunch of airbrushing or pile on a huge amount of makeup. I understand you want to look like the best version of yourself–and you’re right to feel that way–but you also don’t want to catfish the casting directors! I don’t recommend professional makeup for headshots, because you want to look roughly the way you would for an audition. Do your makeup yourself, do your hair the way you do for auditions, and make yourself look like you on your best day: not someone else entirely.

Get a few options

You’re a versatile performer, so you’re probably going to be going for a wide variety of roles. Think about that when you’re having your headshots done. You don’t want to be in costume or playing a character, but you do want to be acting. Think about different moods and genres (is this a comedy or a drama?) and different types of roles that you may be asked to embody. Get photos that are in line with the tone of different projects so that when it’s time to submit you have options and show range!

Keep it simple

Don’t go overboard with clothing, props, and accessories. Your background should be simple and professional, not distracting. Of course you want to stand out, but you shouldn’t do gimmicky things to make casting directors remember you; a professional, well-composed headshot is going to stand out, even if you’re not pulling some crazy stunt. Wear a simple, solid shirt in a color that’s flattering. Don’t do white or anything with graphics on it. Remember, you shouldn’t be wearing a costume or playing a character in your head shots. You should be embodying yourself as an actor.

You also don’t want to do anything crazy with the lighting or posing. Your headshot should be chest up with the focus on your face. The lighting should be natural, without dramatic shadows. Basically, don’t let anything steal the focus of the photo from your beautiful face!

Actors, have you joined the Self Tape Club? Once a month on Indie Empire, industry professionals review self tapes submitted by real actors to give thoughts, tips, and tricks for an even more eye-catching performance. Join today!