Your Guide To All Things Headshots – Actors Addition
It’s officially 2025 and it’s time to get your dreams off the ground and your face in front of agents and casting directors. You’ve heard that you need headshots but… why, how many and what’s the best style for me? Let’s unpack that together in the ultimate guide to actors’ headshots.
But wait, who are you?
Well hello there, I’m Andrew a headshot photographer based in Wimbledon London who specialises in creating authentic and compelling images. I believe your headshot is much more than just a photograph—it’s a reflection of your true self and professional identity. It is one of the most important documents you will hold and update as an actor.
Why do I need headshots?
Your headshot is your actor’s business card, your LinkedIn profile. It acts as the first impression, your introduction, a first audition – if you will, it demonstrates your range as an actor (versatility), professionalism & personality. It will no doubt be one of the first things your agent will ask from you and is often the first thing the casting director gets along with your profile, so it’s important you stand out for the right reasons. Remember, they’ll be seeing hundreds of profiles every day, so make sure your one catches their eye. Your headshots are also the cornerstone of your brand as an actor, it will likely be everywhere, Spotlight, IMDB, Google, Instagram, everywhere. You want the image of you online to be professional, no matter where you’re found. You want to showcase your skills on all platforms, so when a scout or agent looks you up, they see a well-rounded professional.
What are the different types of headshots?
Within the creative sphere there are a number of different headshot styles, but in the acting world there are two types you’ll want to focus on depending on your career path, Commercial & Theatrical. While these styles have two very different target roles, they can and should be used interchangeably to showcase your range and mastery.
Commercial headshots are traditionally more approachable and friendly, they have warm smiles and invite connection and trust with the viewer. You’ll typically see these types of shots in advertising and marketing campaigns. If you’re aiming to showcase your skills in television commercials, online advertisements or newspapers, this is the headshot style for you.
Theatrical, on the other hand, are generally more stoic and edgy; while both styles are approachable (you need people to connect with you) you’ll want to adopt a less smiley façade. These types of shots are more likely to land you a role in a movie, theatre or TV show.
Theatrical Style Headshot
Commercial Style Headshot
Where should I get my headshots done? In a studio or outside?
For best results, we’d recommend getting your headshots done in a studio. While outdoors can yield good results, studio headshots allow for greater creative influence. It gives the photographer control over all the variables including lighting, background, wind, rain, etc., while also minimising any distractions from both the shot and the surroundings making sure you are the focus of the frame and ensuring your focus is where it should be, and not the pink fluffy unicorns. We want to ensure you look your best when your headshot is stapled to a resumé.
How many headshots should I have?
The straightforward answer is at the bare minimum, you should have two. One commercial and one theatrical. You want to show your agent and the casting director some of your chops. But as I said, that’s the bare minimum, which is not where you want to be. I recommend having between four and eight headshots with a heathy mix of commercial and theatrical styles, with more leaning towards the role you’re aiming to land. If you’re going for a commercial role, aim to have a mix of five to six commercial and two to three theatricals. You’ll want the headshots to have you in different clothing, expression and backdrops to further highlight your versatility.
How often should I get headshots?
It’s important to keep your headshot up to date and an accurate reflection of you. As a general rule of thumb, we’d recommend updating your headshots whenever you’ve had a significant visual change, what do we mean? If you’ve recently cut your hair, you’re sporting a new beard or lost a few pounds, we recommend updating your headshot. This is especially important if you’re a young actor as you’ll experience dramatic changes year on year. However, and arguably more importantly if you want an edge above the competition, you’ll want to have headshots that showcase your ability to play the part you’re going for. Therefore, we’d recommend taking new headshots for each major role you’re aiming to land.
Secret from the source
I asked experts two questions to make sure you have the edge. Here is what they had to say:
What is the main thing they look for when casting?
The number one thing they look for is seeing you in the role. We’re looking for our next Harry Porter, Cinderella or Hamlet. We want to see the hunger in your eyes.
So how do you demonstrate this? Be the character in one of your headshots. If you’re going for a nerdy teen, get a broccoli haircut, throw on a hoody and a backpack over one shoulder. If you’re going for a successful lawyer who puts her work first, family second, get the blouse and blazer ready. Remember this is your first audition, use your headshot to show them you were born to play this role.
I asked, what will have you write-off a candidate immediately?
If the candidate walks into the audition room and I have to second guess if it’s the same person from the headshots, they can kiss the role goodbye. We don’t have time to play guessing games.
Therefore, make sure your headshots are recent and do not overdo the makeup. You want to present the best version of yourself, not the best version of someone else.
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do wear clothes that are comfortable and well fitted | Don’t wear clothes with large logos or overly distracting patterns |
| Do get headshots that represent you and your uniqueness | Instruct your photographer to not over edit your photos – make sure they don’t remove features that make you you |
| Do wear light complementary makeup, I’m also talking to you too boys! No one want to see that shiny forehead | Don’t contour your face to look like a fashion model, it’s the wrong headshot type |
| Do find a photographer that makes you feel comfortable | Don’t wear too much jewellery, the focus is you, not your bling |
| Do look into the lens. While completely opposite to the rules of acting, your headshots should have you looking down the barrel | Don’t use an image from your holiday or birthday dinner |
In conclusion
There is no getting around it, your headshots are the most important element of your brand, your marketing, especially if you’re an up-and-coming actor. As you can see there are lots of elements that contribute to creating a good headshot and making sure you hit as many as you can will put you in the best position for landing your dream roll this year.
If you’re ready to get some great headshots which will make you stand out? Book in a call today and get one step closer to your dream role.
