Actors: How to Choose the Right Headshots

Actors: How to Choose the Right Headshots

Okay, you’ve got your contact sheet back and are overwhelmed by hundreds of photos of your face glaring at you. How do you even attempt to narrow down your choices? The first thing you should do is email the contact sheet to your agent. It is very important they see it as they have a professional view on which type of headshots are best.

If you aren’t currently represented by an agent, where do you start?

The most important thing to remember is that you want your set of headshots to be an honest representation of you. This means not focusing on which flaws are hidden best and choosing headshots based on which ones you think you look best in. You want to look like the best version of yourself while still looking like YOU. I often have actors come to me saying that the biggest reason they need new headshots is because they don’t look like their current headshots and casting directors are complaining about that in auditions. Not good!

Another important aspect to help you narrow down your headshots is choosing a wide range of looks for casting. This does not mean that you need to play casting director and decide which headshots you look best for an English Rose, an evil step-mother or a nerdy librarian but rather just  includes a range of tops, facial expressions, hairstyles and backgrounds. It is best to  include a classic poised headshot, a serious expression and one that exhibits warmth to suit all casting needs!