Guide for Actor/Performer Headshots
So you’ve just booked your actor headshot photoshoot with me! Thank you so much! And I’m sure you’ve got loads of questions buzzing around your head now for me. So I’ve put together a handy guide below that will hopefully answer all of your queries. Firstly lets start with...
Why do I need professional headshots?
Actor headshot are absolutely a MUST for any serious actor or performer. They are usually the first impression you can make to a casting director and it may sound obvious but it shows them exactly what you look like.
Like it or not the acting world is possibly the only industry left where you can be employed based on your appearance… and they won’t get in trouble for it. Not only that but if you choose to send a bad quality headshot, you probably will not be not taken as seriously as someone who has put time and money into making sure they have professional looking headshots. Casting directors may only see your headshot for a brief second whilst flicking through potentially hundreds of photos, so its important that yours stands out and connects with them.
Do I need to do anything before my photoshoot?
Yes please!
So we know that acting headshots are your first opportunity to show a casting director exactly what you look like. The casting director will see your photos and decide if they think you could fit the part they are looking to fill before deciding whether to offer you a audition or not. It’s important you have a range of different photos to be able to send to show all the different types and ages of characters that you feel you can play. So it’s really handy for you to come along to your headshot photoshoot with ideas of these different characters in mind.
You need to think about:
The age range you can play. (For example you may have a playing age of 16-24)
The different characters you would be able to play within this age range. So this can be quite vague like a period drama character, children’s show presenter or could be more specific like a builder, a lawyer or a prison inmate if this helps you more.
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​It often helps to write these down and bring them along with you to your photoshoot so you can get into character and I can help direct you to achieve the look each of your characters are going for.
Also, I’m going to talk about this a lot during your photoshoot, but your headshot needs to look like you! So be confident in you!
Misleading a casting director with special lighting or editing to make you look slimmer, straighten your teeth etc will only really annoy the casting director when you turn up and you don’t look like you did on your headshots. They could then not even consider employing you as you have wasted their time. So this is why its important to get your headshot done regularly especially if you have any major changes to your appearance for example changing your hair.
So please come to you’re headshot photoshoot feeling confident in yourself. Remember you are perfect as you are and there is a place in the industry for everyone!
What do I need to bring with me?
A range of different outfits (top half only needed, unless you specifically need full body shots) that you can relate to the characters (or types) you have chosen. No, you do not need to bring a full builders outfit for example, but a more casual t shirt will relate to the character more than say a full suit would.
Neutral colours tend to work best. Nothing too white or brightly coloured as we don’t want anything to distract from your face, just compliment it. No distracting patterns or low cut tops.
Layering is recommended. So for example a leather jacket is always a firm favourite to show more of a moody character. Cardigans, jumpers or jackets are good too.
Make sure the clothing fits nicely and comfortably. If you don’t like what your wearing you won’t feel confident or look confident on camera so make sure you bring clothes you like. ​
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If you have your own theatre company for example bring along a t shirt with your logo on to wear which you can then use for your websites and socials.
We want to show as many looks as possible in your photos, so ladies come with anything you need to change your hair. Only light make up is recommended, but you can bring along anything you need to touch up and change your make up. Remember the camera will pick up EVERYTHING! So make sure your hair and make up is done well, any eyebrows/upper-lip hair that you may want to remove is done etc.
Avoid big jewellery or accessories, these are often distracting.
If you wear glasses bring these along so we can get some looks with and without them on. But just remember if you send a photo to a casting director with you wearing glasses they will probably expect you to turn up to an audition with them on and potentially play the part whilst wearing them if you get hired.
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This is the same for men with beards. If you send a casting director a photo of you with a beard, chances are they will be expecting you to show up with said beard!
What happens during the photoshoot?
When you arrive we will firstly have a discussion about what you are wanting to achieve today at your photoshoot, the characters you have thought about above, and look at the outfits you have brought along with you.
Then we will take lots of beautiful headshots with direction from myself with a few different backdrops with time to change outfits to get different looks. Depending on how many looks you are wanting to achieve the photoshoot will normally last around 2 hours long (but may be shorter if you need less direction or less looks.)
What happens after my photoshoot?
After your photoshoot I will lightly edit your photos. Remember the casting agent wants to see exactly what you look like, so I won’t be removing anything that is permanent. Spots and blemishes will be removed and skin lightly smoothed but any moles and scaring should be left in. Please let me know if there is anything permanent that you do not want me to remove.
Once I have finished professionally editing your headshots, I will send you a link to your gallery where you can choose and download your 5 images. You can also purchase the whole album too if you need more photos or can't decide which ones to choose!
Then they are yours for you to use however you like! And hopefully you will watch the auditions come flooding in!
A little note for child actors and performers...
This may be your very first time getting headshots done, or maybe even the first time having a photoshoot at all!
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I know it can make you feel a little nervous but I want you to show up and be your best self so you can shine in your photographs, so a parent or carer can be with you for the entire photoshoot to make you feel more at ease. And I will guide you through everything you need to do. And we can take lots of breaks too if you need it!
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Parents I know it can also be a little bit stressful for you guys too. With children I totally go at their pace. Please still bring a few outfit choices for them in neutral or jewel shades. Make up is not recommended (Older teens may use a small amount if they would like) Style your child's hair in a way that we can easily change up for different looks. For example come ready with your childs hair neatly down and loose but bring hair ties in case we want a few shots with it tied back.
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For children it will be mainly happy and joyous shots, with a few neutral ones thrown it too. I'm always realistic with how long the photoshoots can be as childrens attention spans are much shorter. So your photoshoot may be closer to the hour mark, but it can be longer if your child needs a little more coaching or breaks between looks.
It can be useful to get your child to practice different faces in the mirror at home (happy, neutral, etc) and talk to them about what will be happening during the photoshoot and why before you come.
Any other questions please let me know!
Thank you for choosing me to take your headshot, I am really looking forward to meeting you soon,
Ashton.