The Importance of Headshots For Actors

1. Choosing the right photographer

   One of the most important things I can suggest is finding a photographer that does headshots. Like, SPECIALISES in headshots. Photographing weddings, food, or commercial products is a different skill set than working with and communicating with a client in a way that elicits specific expressions. Knowing how to light a face to get the look that you want, and knowing how to coach someone to get their expressions just right for the role they want to land is a specific skill. Find someone, like ME, that does this every day and knows how to create visual variety in lighting and expression so you’ll be well prepared for whatever audition comes your way. Here is a blog post that goes more into how to pose for a headshot.

2. Authentic Expressions

   The expression in your acting headshots is the cornerstone of your headshot. Gone are the days of stuffy, posed, and boring headshots. We want to capture your true personality. We want to show some range too in your acting ability. You want to give the casting agent a sense of the characters you can play. I always suggest shooting for the roles that you want to read for, this is your dream role, then include some images that show some range. This way you can be better prepared for whatever audition comes your way. You don’t want to pigeonhole yourself with one look.

3. Choosing the right outfits

   Alongside shooting expressions that fit the role you want to land is choosing the outfit that’s that compliment that role. If your dream role is to play an agent on CSI, wearing pastel colors and bright solid colors is probably not your best bet. Go with a black T-shirt and maybe a leather jacket to layer on it. You want to choose colors that complement you, don’t choose anything that is too close to your skin tone. Solid colors or simple patterns are okay but stay away from wild patterns and logos. We don’t want to date your images with logos. Your face is the centerpiece so choose a wardrobe that doesn’t distract. Read more about what not to wear in a headshot.

4. Location, Location, Location

   The Washington D.C. area has a wealth of beautiful locations to shoot outdoor acting headshots. From the steps of any of the memorials in D.C. to the tree-lined streets of Georgetown we let these backgrounds help amplify your acting style. The other option is taking your acting headshots in a studio. The benefit here is that I have total control over the light, and there aren’t 1000s of tourists flocking my space. I also have a variety of backdrop colors that are easy to switch out, another way to create visual variety. Take into consideration that if you want to shoot on any of the memorials or park spaces in D.C. we’ll need a permit so plan ahead if shooting outdoors in Washington D.C. is your plan.

5. Professional Presentation

   Your professional headshots will definitely be viewed online before anyone sees them in person. I make sure to provide my clients, not just actors, but everyone with high and web-resolution headshot files. This ensures that you are prepared to showcase your headshots in the right way. If you’re going to print the 8x10 with your name on it, use your high-res files to print that to make sure you get as much clarity and quality as you can. To keep your load speeds fast on your social media and website, use the web-res file. Just don’t try and make a large print from the web file or it will look like something out of Minecraft.

So, whether you’re going for the silver screen or the rush of being on stage for a live performance, a killer professional acting headshot is your ticket to success. Find a professional photographer that understands working with actors to create a variety of expressions to better prepare you for the auditions that will come your way.