Actors Headshots - Stuff you should know…
Actor headshots represent the most pivotal marketing tool in your arsenal when it comes to securing acting roles.
These images provide casting directors with an initial glimpse of your appearance, aiding them in the pivotal decision of whether to invite you to audition or consider other options.
In a somewhat challenging but intrinsic aspect of the industry, actors are frequently chosen not solely on their acting prowess, but rather based on their physical attributes.
The casting director bears the responsibility of identifying the most fitting actors for each role. They laboriously sift through a deluge of actor headshots daily, seeking individuals who perfectly embody the character's essence before extending an audition invitation.
The initial impression conveyed by your headshot carries immense weight in the eyes of casting directors. A mere glance at your headshot provides insights into:
Your level of experience.
The depth of your commitment to acting.
Your proficiency as an actor, as your expression can convey whether you possess a well-honed skillset or not.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Actor headshots can be taken either indoors or outdoors, and this choice typically doesn't significantly impact casting directors' preferences. Indoor headshots are typically captured using studio lighting, with backgrounds that are either blurry or have a flat appearance (commonly gray, white, or black, but occasionally featuring colored backdrops). Conversely, outdoor headshots should feature a blurred background to make you stand out within the frame.
Smiling vs. Serious: Ideally, you should include both smiling and serious expressions in your headshots. Even if you have concerns about crooked or discolored teeth, taking some smiling shots is advisable since retouching can address these issues. Smiling shots, often referred to as "commercial headshots," are suitable for comedic and friendly roles or TV commercials. On the other hand, serious shots, encompassing a range of expressions from confidence to subtlety, are known as "legit shots" and should be used for more dramatic roles in TV shows and films.
Specific vs. Generalized: Many actors mistakenly believe that a generalized headshot is suitable for a wide array of auditions. However, it is far more effective to have a few specific type headshots and submit the most relevant one for each audition. For instance, a headshot for a psychologist role should differ greatly from one for a blue-collar construction worker role.
Framing: For your headshot, framing should typically include at least the waist up, with an ideal framing capturing from the chest up. A shot extending further out is considered a body shot, which may have its uses on websites and social media but is less likely to catch a casting director's attention when reviewing numerous photos on a small screen. Closer shots enable them to see your face more clearly.
Horizontal vs. Vertical: In general, vertical headshots are more versatile and preferred by most casting directors. Although horizontal headshots were popular from 2005 to 2012, they have waned in popularity due to the preference for vertical shots on online casting websites. Unless your outfit necessitates a horizontal shot (e.g., revealing cleavage), opt for a vertical headshot.
(Note: This blog post may use horizontal headshots for layout reasons.)
Natural vs. Studio Lighting: While some actors prefer natural light and others favor studio lighting, casting directors are primarily concerned with clear visibility of your face. Avoid specialized lighting that drastically alters your facial appearance, as casting directors dislike disparities between your headshot and real-life appearance.
Background: The background should not distract from you. If you have a real-life background, ensure it's heavily blurred to prevent distractions. The sharper the background, the less professional and more distracting your headshot appears. Your clothing should contrast with the background to make you stand out.
Props: Avoid props, and keep your hands out of the shot unless it's being taken from the waist up. For standard chest-up actor headshots, your hands should never be visible. The only exceptions are glasses if you typically wear them. Keep jewelry and other non-essential items out of the shot.
Cropping and Dimensions: Actor headshots are typically printed on 8" by 10" paper, so they should be captured with a high-resolution camera to ensure sharpness when enlarged. It's common to crop the tip of the hair in actor headshots, so don't be concerned if your photographer does this.
Color vs. Black & White: In the past, black and white headshots were more prevalent due to cost considerations, but with digital photography, color is now the standard. Casting directors prefer color headshots because they provide essential information about your hair and eye color.
Should Capture Your Type: A successful headshot should immediately convey your casting "type" to a director. Are you best suited for detective roles, portrayals of young mothers, or business CEO roles? An unclear headshot or a lack of understanding about your casting "types" can reduce your chances of getting called in for auditions.