Actors Can Showcase Their Versatility and Capture the Attention of Casting Directors with the Right Headshots 

Creating compelling actor headshots is essential for actors aiming to highlight their range and capture the interest of casting directors. Whether you are looking to land an agent or your next role, your headshots are critical because they make your first impression to get you to the next step: the meeting or audition. Don’t let bad headshots impede your progress in the entertainment industry.

Toronto Talent Agent Shari Quallenberg’s Advice for Actor Headshots

To give you the insider’s perspective of why your actor headshots are so important and what you should consider, we spoke to Shari Quallenberg, President/Owner/Talent Agent of AMI Artist Management, one of Canada’s most respected and sought after agencies.

Why are headshots so crucial for actors?

Shari Quallenberg says…

“In the acting business, your headshot is your business card. You need a great photo to stand out in the crowd. Remember that casting directors are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands of headshots for every role. So, you need to make sure that your headshot allows you to stand out in a sea of faces. Also, keep in mind that headshots are usually viewed now on-screen, so updating your headshot regularly will allow you to stand out since they will be more likely to overlook the headshot they’ve already seen 20 times. You want your headshot to be fresh and current and represent you well.”

What are the most important things you want actors to think about when getting their headshots done?

Shari Quallenberg says…

“Since most casting is done online, child actors can usually get away with cheaper, mini-sessions for their headshots. Parents can even do a great photo with iPhone. Since kids change in such a short period of time, it’s most important to have current photos than to spend a bundle on headshots that will only work for 6 months.”

“One of the greatest challenges talent agents face with headshots is variety of looks. When we ask for 6 looks in your headshots, that doesn’t mean doing shots with 6 different colour t-shirts. It means trying to capture several different realistic representations of roles you can play.”

“Know who you are as an actor and what roles you can realistically play. The looks you choose to photograph for your headshots should complement those roles. It doesn’t make sense to do an edgy, tough shot for your headshots if you can’t pull off that type of character. That doesn’t speak to your acting abilities, it speaks to how casting will see you in terms of demeanor and your physical look. Some teen actors are never going to play a bully or a brooding teen because they exude the look and essence of a kid who is destined to be shoved in a locker. Ask your agent what kinds of roles they would submit you for. The most successful actors on my roster know who they are, embrace it, and play into it. Remember, there is a place for everyone in this business. Find yours.”

“Last but not least, my biggest pet peeve: nail polish! Nails should be natural, but the absolute worst is half-picked off nail polish in an otherwise great shot. So distracting!”

What is your advice for when actors are going to print their headshots?

Shari Quallenberg says…

“Printed headshots not as commonly used today, especially in film and TV casting – the industry has gone mostly digital. However, headshots are still regularly requested in the theatre casting world. So, my advice is to discuss printing headshots with your agent; they will be able to give you an idea of how many and which headshots to print. I would also recommend that you don’t print too many headshots at one time – limit your headshot printing to 20 or less because you are going to update your photo every year or two, so you don’t want your headshots to go to waste because you haven’t used them.”

13 Tips for Actor Headshots

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips for actor headshots to help you ensure you are putting the right foot forward with casting directors and agents:

1. Choose the Right Photographer: Invest in a professional photographer who specializes in actor headshots. Look at their portfolio to ensure they have experience capturing the essence of actors. Speak to your agent or others in the industry for recommendations of the best actor headshot photographers in your area.

2. Natural Lighting: Opt for natural lighting whenever possible. It brings out the best in your features and creates a more flattering image.

3. Wardrobe Selection: Wear simple, solid-colored clothing that complements your skin tone and doesn't distract from your face. Avoid busy patterns or logos.

4. Keep it Simple: Headshots should focus on you, so keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered. A neutral background or a blurred outdoor setting works well.

5. Expressive Eyes: Your eyes are the windows to your soul, so ensure they're the focal point of your headshot. Maintain good eye contact with the camera to convey confidence and connection. Remember, you are an actor – so in your headshots, consider how your eyes can communicate warmth, fear, mystery, or wickedness.

6. Multiple Looks: Consider taking headshots with different expressions and outfits to showcase your range as an actor. This allows casting directors to see the various characters you could portray. Your agent can recommend different character types that are sought after and match your look. Again, as with your expressive eyes, your expressions should be able to convey different casting types to allow your agent to submit you for a range of roles and make it easier for casting directors to see you as a strong option for specific roles.

7. Hair, Makeup, and Props: Keep hair and makeup natural and polished. Avoid heavy makeup or extreme hairstyles that can distract from your face. Avoid props in actor headshots as the focus should be on your face and eyes and your hands should generally not be in the headshot. The only exception would be if you have a particular skill or talent that is important to highlight for specific casting situations.

8. Relax and Be Yourself: It's natural to feel nervous during a photoshoot but try to relax and be yourself. Authenticity shines through in headshots and makes a lasting impression.

9. Update Your Actor Headshots Regularly: As you evolve as an actor, so should your headshots. Aim to update your headshots every 1-2 years or more often if there's a significant change in your appearance or style. Remember that not only have you changed, but the industry’s actor headshots trends and expectations can also shift over time.

10. Consult Industry Professionals: Before finalizing your headshots, seek feedback from industry professionals such as agents or casting directors. Their insights can help you choose the best images to represent yourself.

11. Online Presence: Once you have your headshots, ensure they are prominently featured on your online profiles, such as your acting website, social media accounts, and casting platforms.

12. Consistency: Maintain consistency across all your headshots in terms of lighting, composition, and style. This creates a cohesive professional image that reinforces your brand as an actor.

13. Headshot Retouching: Photographers should limit retouching of headshots to ensure the photos represent you well. Retouching should be used judiciously to present a natural version of you that will match how you would present in an audition.



11 Tips for Printing Actor Headshots

Printing actor headshots is a critical step in the process of presenting yourself professionally to casting directors and agents. Although the casting industry primarily uses digital headshots, printed headshots are still valuable on occasion in the casting process.

Here are some tips for actors when it comes to printing headshots:

1. Choose High-Quality Paper: Invest in high-quality, thicker photo paper stock for your headshots – generally medium to heavy weight photo paper stock is recommended. 

2. Select the Right Size: Standard headshot sizes are typically 8x10 inches in the North America. Stick to these sizes to ensure compatibility with industry standards. So, ensure your photos are 8X10 because sometime photographers might deliver them differently.

3. Consider Color and Resolution: Ensure your headshots are printed in high resolution and full color. This helps to accurately represent your appearance and captures the nuances of your expression. Ensure you download the high resolution, retouched files from your photographer to submit for your headshot printing.

4. Work with a Reputable Headshot Printing Service: Choose a reputable actor headshot printing service that specializes in headshots or professional photography prints. They will have the expertise to produce high-quality prints that you will be proud to hand out at auditions.

5. Proofread Carefully: Before printing your actor headshots, carefully proofread all text, including your name, contact information, and any additional details you choose to include. Spelling or formatting errors can make you appear unprofessional and can cause you to have to reprint your headshots at additional cost.

6. Consider Different Finishes: Matte, lustre, or semi-gloss finish are typically preferred as they feel more professional and durable and reduce fingerprints that show up easily on glossy.

7. Print a Variety of Looks: If you're printing multiple headshots with different looks, consider printing them as a portfolio package or a comp card. This allows casting directors to see your range and versatility in one cohesive presentation. This is especially relevant when you are new to the industry and your agent wants to formally present you for the first time. However, today comp cards and portfolios are much more common in the modelling industry than the entertainment casting industry.

8. Order in Bulk: It's often more cost-effective to order headshots in bulk rather than printing small batches. However, be mindful of the potential need for updates or changes in the future.

9. Maintain Consistency: Ensure consistency in the printing process to maintain the integrity of your brand. This includes consistent color reproduction, paper quality, and overall presentation across all copies of your headshots.

10. Store Headshots Properly: Once printed, store your headshots in a protective sleeve or portfolio to prevent damage from handling, moisture, or bending. This ensures they remain in pristine condition for when you hand it over every time you get to meet with a casting director.

11. Actor Headshot Templates: Many headshot printing services offer headshot templates. However, often talent agents have their own templates and work with the photographers within those templates. So, you may just receive a pre-templated image for printing from your headshot photographer, in which case you can just order 8X10 prints of your pre-templated headshot image.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your printed actor headshots accurately and professionally represent you, increasing your chances of making a positive impression on casting directors and industry professionals.

Actors Headshots Are an Important Thing to Get Right

We hope that providing you with these tips for actor headshots have been helpful for you to create photos that capture your unique essence and increase your chances of landing auditions and being memorable to casting directors.

If you need any assistance with printing your actor headshots, reach out to the photo printing experts at Annex Photo in Toronto.