How to prepare for your acting headshot session

I would always dread getting my acting headshots taken. They were expensive, high pressure, and I often left feeling disappointed, knowing I could have done better. A missed opportunity, ruining the chance to announce myself to the world as an actor. At the time I didn't realise why. I thought if I could act on stage, or cry in front of a camera and crew then a few photos would be a breeze. When in reality, I didn't know what I was doing, or how to prepare.

Below I have put together a few tips that I use as both an actor, and an actors headshot photographer to get the most out of a headshot session.

INDUSTRY TIPS

Find the right photographer!

It’s not just about finding any professional photographer with a great portfolio, affordable rates, and a convenient location. It’s crucial to choose someone who specialises in acting headshots — not just general photography. The right photographer will make you feel at ease in front of the camera, giving you the confidence to play freely within the space.

Plan in advance

It’s essential to have a clear idea of the looks you want to achieve before your headshot session. Time can fly by, and it’s easy to draw a blank during the shoot. To avoid this, plan your character types with your agent or discuss your ideas with your headshot photographer beforehand to ensure everyone's vision is aligned.

As a photographer, I often have conversations with actors prior to the session. This helps me prepare the right backdrops, lighting, and colour schemes for each character look, making sure we capture the exact images needed for their portfolio.

What to bring

Bring outfits that subtly embody a character. This is a great way to get past the stumbling block of what to wear. Bring outfits that align with your current casting types or roles you aspire to play. This approach helps casting directors easily envision you in specific roles.

When choosing what to wear, follow these general guidelines:

Avoid large logos (if you can)
Choose complementary colours
Steer clear of distracting patterns
Iron your clothes (if necessary)
Avoid heavy makeup
Avoid the same colour - mix it up!
Bring a variety of fabrics.
Use your hair!

Once you've got these basics covered you can start styling your outfits toward characters. Remember, we are only hinting at character, so please don’t buy an authentic pirate outfit from your local costume shop. Instead, wear a cotton shirt, roll up the sleeves and adjust your hair more fitting with the time period. This helps envision other characters that this look may also inspire.

Embrace yourself!

Don't be afraid to show who you are in your actors headshots - in fact, you should! Casting directors and agents want to see the real actor who will be showing up on set, as well as the characters you portray. It is in these authentic moments that can reveal the subtle, nuanced expressions that only you as an actor can achieve.

Act the Scene

I have never reacted well to throwing random faces at a lens, or being told to play an emotion at the snap of someone's fingers. Instead I tend to use the camera as my scene partner, and create scenes that align with characters I wish to portray. This has helped me find the needed variety in both mine and my clients headshots.

I tend to create scenarios that evoke genuine emotions. For example, I might say,“You're exhausted, you’ve come to the end of a tiresome battle, however as you look to the hill behind you see yet more enemies approaching”. Playing this scene will give an energy to your headshots - while also being a really fun way to create different casting types.

What headshots should I choose

It is crucial to limit your actors' headshots to five at most. Remember, casting directors won’t sift through an overloaded profile on Spotlight, so avoid uploading too many images.

Instead, tailor your headshots to each specific job or maintain a solid set of five that effectively showcase your range. This focused approach will give casting directors a clear sense of your versatility.