Your Ultimate Guide To Headshots For Actors
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? professional headshots for acting. But what actually makes good headshots for actors? How many do you need? And how often should you be updating them? As someone who’s been photographing actors for years, I get asked these questions all the time. If you’ve been left scrolling through actor headshot examples online and feeling a bit overwhelmed - this guide is for you.
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.
What Are Headshots For Actors
At its simplest, a headshot is a professional photograph of you, usually cropped to the shoulders, designed to be used for casting. But a true acting headshot is more than just a nice picture. It’s your introduction to the industry. Before you’ve said a single line, your headshot is doing the talking for you.
These images are used everywhere - Spotlight, your agent’s submissions, casting sites, theatre programmes, even PR material once you start landing roles. And unlike portraits or lifestyle photos, headshots are deliberately stripped back.
Why Do You Need Headshots For Actors
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 Makes Good Headshots For Actors
Good headshots for actors are the ones that land you a call back. You’ve probably scrolled through endless portfolios and wondered why some headshots stand out immediately while others just feel… flat. But there are some tricks behind this. Good headshots for actors share a few key traits.
For one, they have to look like you. Not an airbrushed, heavily edited version that casting directors won’t recognise when you walk in. The goal of professional headshots for acting is that they need to be stripped down. You want casting agents to be able to picture you in the role, and if your headshot is too polished it’ll be difficult for them to envision you as the character they’re casting for and could cost you your audition.
Second, the eyes matter more than anything else. When you look at great actor headshot examples, what you’ll notice isn’t the outfit or even the background - it’s the eyes. They're alive. They tell a story without having to say a word. That’s the moment a casting director leans forward and thinks, “yes, I could see them in this role.”
Lastly, good headshots for actors are versatile. They work across platforms, they print well and they upload neatly to Spotlight without distortion. They give you options without looking like five completely different people. When done right, they create consistency in your brand while still showing range.
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.
Here are some actor headshot examples so you can see the difference between commercial and theatrical:
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.
Acting Headshots Dos And Don’ts: 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.
Acting Headshots Dos And Don’ts
| 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 |
Tips For Headshots For Actors
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few practical tips for headshots for actors that can make your session go far more smoothly.
Bring more outfits than you think you’ll need. The shirt you love might look flat under studio lights, while something you weren’t sure about could end up being perfect. Having options means you’re never stuck.
Think about the roles you actually get called for. If you’re often seen as the “serious type,” make sure you’ve got a polished look in your headshot selection. If you’re usually considered for more whimsical, creative or casual roles, show that side too.
Get some rest and drink plenty of water the night before. It sounds obvious, but tired eyes or dehydrated skin will show up on camera.
And most importantly, trust your photographer. A good photographer won’t just click a button - they’ll guide you, chat with you, and help you relax so the photos feel natural.
Headshot Ideas For Actors
If you’re struggling with inspiration, here are a few headshot ideas for actors to bring variety into your session without overcomplicating things.
You could try mixing up your expressions. A soft smile in one shot can feel approachable, while a neutral expression in another suggests seriousness. Both are useful depending on the role.
Another idea to help you get good headshots for actors is changing up your hairstyle. Letting it down for one shot and then tying it back for another gives casting directors more variety. Or layering clothes can add texture too. A plain tee on its own works fine, but add a jacket and suddenly the photo has more depth.
You can also use background to your advantage. A plain studio wall creates focus, but an outdoor shot with subtle texture can give a more interesting energy. But remember, the goal isn’t to create a costume gallery; it’s to show small shifts that hint at your range you can bring to the table.
How Much Do Headshots For Actors Cost
Now comes the big question you're probably itching to know the answer to. Professional headshots aren’t cheap, but they’re one of the best investments you can make. In London, good headshots for actors can cost anywhere from £150 to £500. But you will come out of a session with photos that you’ll be proud to send to casting agents, and ones that will land you your dream role.
The three packages I offer that I recommend for actor headshots are Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Gold starts at £139 which includes a 60 minute session and you’ll get 8 retouched images. But my Platinum (£219) and Diamond (£479) packages are where you really get to shine. For Platinum you’ll get 12 retouched images but with Diamond you’ll get 20. For actors these are the packages I recommend the most as it gives us time to get the perfect shot. I will give you the confidence to feel comfortable in front of the camera, so your best version shines through.
What To Wear For Acting Headshots
Before you turn up, you’re probably wondering what to wear for acting headshots. You might think this detail doesn’t matter much, but you couldn’t be more wrong. You want to find the sweet spot between not wearing something that takes attention away from your face, but also not wearing something that blends into the background. This can be one of the most stressful parts of prepping for a shoot, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re stuck, wear something that feels like you, only slightly polished.
What works well: Sold colours don’t tend to distract and they let your face be the focus. Dark colours and neutrals are popular choices, but make sure they suit your skin tone.
What to avoid: Logos, bold patterns and neon colours. They will all pull focus away from your face and can even date your photos more quickly.
Above all, wear something that you actually feel good in. If you’ve never worn a blazer in your life, don’t buy one just for your shoot. You’ll spend the whole time fidgeting, and it’ll show.
Acting Headshot Poses
This is the part that makes most people nervous. Even actors aren’t immune to getting camera shy especially when the spotlight is directly on your face. Your photographer will help with this, to help you feel relaxed and direct you into some acting headshot poses that will work!
What you can do is focus on relaxing. Keep your shoulders loose. Let your chin rest naturally - you don’t need to crane it upwards or tuck down dramatically. Most importantly, engage your eyes. Your expression doesn’t need to be big. Sometimes the smallest shift in your gaze can create an entirely different energy. That’s what makes a headshot so powerful.
But remember: this isn’t a performance. This isn’t the time where your job is to act out a character in front of the camera. This is where your only job is to be yourself in a way that casting agents can connect with.
How To Choose A Headshot Photographer For Actors
Choosing the right photographer for your acting headshots can be the difference between you landing a call back and you getting overlooked. When you’re looking, don’t just scroll through portfolios. Read reviews, ask for recommendations from other actors, and pay attention to whether the photos feel authentic. Have a conversation before you book. You’ll know quickly whether you feel comfortable with them. The best photographer isn’t necessarily the most expensive - it’s the one who makes you feel relaxed and understood.
That’s where I come in. I don’t just set up a backdrop and tell you to smile - I create a space where you actually feel comfortable enough to be yourself. Because here’s the truth: if you feel stiff, awkward, or unsure during your shoot, that’s exactly what’s going to come through in your photos. My job isn’t just to take the shot, it’s to guide you through the process so you can walk away with headshots that feel authentic.
Final Thoughts On Professional Headshots For Acting
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.
