7 Simple ways to create Actor's Headshots that stand out from the crowd.
In any business, a great professional profile portrait can be the difference between getting the work you want, or not. It’s no different with actor’s headshots. But is a simple head and shoulder’s snap in front of a plain background enough?
In my opinion actor’s portraits should showcase YOU. Your photo session should give you the opportunity to demonstrate your range, versatility and type. I feel like you should walk away with a portfolio of images in which you shine.
So how do you make the most of your actor’s photo session and stand out from the myriad other headshots landing on a casting director’s desk?
Here are my top tips…
Tip 1: Pay for professional photos
Ok, so this seems obvious, especially coming from me, but hear me out.
Yes, your friend has a phone with portrait mode and they can take a shot of you with that nice blurry background. But what does that friend know about lighting or posing you? If you just ask a mate to take “a few quick snaps” that’s exactly what you’ll get. A few quick, likely stiff looking, probably badly lit, snapshots.
Professional photographers know about light and, if they’re doing their job right, they know how to relax you and direct you for the most flattering angles and variety. Your headshot is arguably your most crucial marketing tool and first impression as an actor. So don’t cheap out! Even if that means eating 2-minute noodles for a bit to cover it.
Tip 2: Use natural light for a more authentic look
A studio lit portrait against a solid backdrop can give you a very polished, high end look. It can also, sometimes, look very staged and plastic.
If you’re hoping to show the real you, and demonstrate the characters YOU are perfect for, consider the versatility and authenticity of natural light.
This could be indoors or outdoors. If it’s outdoors you will need to work with your photographer to agree upon the best time of day to suit the look you want. Hint: you’ll likely need somewhere that offers some shade.
tip3: Take a less is more approach to editing
This might sound counter-intuitive, after all you want to put your best foot forward. But if you turn up to a call looking 10 years older than your super-airbrushed headshot no one will thank you.
So cool your jets when it comes to Photoshop and opt for a more naturally polished image that actually looks like you. As you are, right now!
Choose the most flattering light and angles for sure. Edit out blemishes and temporary marks. But don’t remove every wrinkle.
And to that end - plan on updating your headshots once a year so that you keep reflecting who you are right now.
tip 4: Consider environmental images too
The bulk of your images will be from the chest or torso up, focused on emotive, lively eyes. But there’s a benefit to also capturing a range of three-quarter shots or wider shots as well.
Including some more “editorial” looking images in your portfolio supports your versatility and makes your shots look different to every other actor shot against seamless roll. It also gives you a little fodder for your social media accounts, which can be an invaluable resource for building a profile. You might opt to have half your session shot at the beach or a park or an urban environment, as well as some simple indoor portraits.
Whatever the case, make sure your photographer is giving you images in which you stand out from or within your chosen background, paying plenty of attention to lighting, framing and depth of field.
As a result you should have a range of images so that you can choose the appropriate one to use in each circumstance.
tip5: Keep your clothing choices simple
You don’t need props or costumes. You do need simple, classic outfits that allow people to envisage you in a variety of roles.
Steer well clear of heavily patterned fabrics, neon or ultra-bright colours, and prints or graphics on t-shirts. These date, wreak havoc with the camera and create colour casts that your photographer then has to try to mitigate.
Instead, choose classic designs and simple colours that you know look great on you. What’s that outfit that people always tell you that you look amazing in? Which shirt always brings out your eyes? White or black are ok, but remember black attracts lint and white has a tendency to blow out in brighter light.
Keep accessories simple so they don’t distract from your face. Only wear glasses if you need them (and if you have non-reflective lenses that will make things 10000% easier for your photographer).
tip6: Keep make up natural
Remember the aim of the game is to show people who you are and what versatility you have. The last thing you want is a series of fake, plastic looking images with make up that is way too heavy. For actor’s headshots you don’t need any more make up than you would ordinarily wear.
Blend foundation well. Use a little anti-shine powder or bring blotting squares if you have a tendency to ‘glow’. But keep the overall look simple, neutral and timeless.
As for hair, wear it the same way as you would to a casting call. Tamed and controlled, but no need to get extravagant.
If you really want to make sure you nail timeless, classic beauty, book one of my fantastic hair and make up artists for your shoot! For a small additional fee you get the hassle free experience of knowing a professional is making sure you look your absolute best.
tip7: Find a photographer that “gets you”
You know what you’re looking for and what you want to project. You know the types of roles you’re getting and those you’re missing out on.
If you want highly polished and studio lit, find a photographer that does that. If you want more editorial or relaxed images look through photographer portfolios to find those examples. You want to be on the same wave length so that your photographer can help you to relax and shine.
Show the photographer the types of headshots you like - so they know what you’re looking for of yourself. Let them know if you’re looking for something dramatic and editorial, or something more “girl next door”.
You want to work with someone who you can trust is going to tell you if your eyes look dead and vacant, or you need to lift your chin. That easy relationship comes when you feel like you gel and you have a common goal. That goal being to make some kick-arse authentic, unique portraits of YOU.