Get Noticed: An Actor’s Guide to Prepping for Headshot Photos

There’s a high demand for actors in California—and the competition is fierce. With so much talent, getting noticed ultimately comes down to your personal brand and how well you market yourself. Talent agencies and casting directors will ask to see your portfolio before considering you for a role. No portfolio is complete without some killer headshots. If you want to put your best face forward, then make sure you’re prepped and ready for your professional photoshoot. Here are some tips and advice for making the most of your session. 

Make a Brief for Your Photographer

One of the worst things that you can do is bombard your photographer with last-minute requests. As an act of courtesy, provide your photographer with any helpful information pertaining to your upcoming session ahead of time. This would include location requests, backdrop preferences, special requests, and example headshot photos you like or have a look you are going for.

You should also communicate your acting type and industry since there are key differences between commercial and theatrical headshots. A proper brief will allow your photographer to collect additional items needed for the shoot. A good photographer wants to capture an image that feels alive and true to your in-person self. Taking the time to answer questions and briefing your photographer will help you connect better with the camera during your shoot. 

Choose a Wardrobe

Pack for your headshot session just as you would for a mini vacation. Have a couple of favorites in mind, but be sure to bring extras just in case they don’t photograph well. The focus of a headshot should be your face—not your clothes. 

Avoid distracting jewelry, turtle necks, vivid patterns, logos, and anything else that may distract your observers. Simple yet fashionable attire is best. Always bring one white top and one black one. Black and white are the most universal colors and can give you a casual, dressy, or professional appearance—depending on your pose.

In terms of dressing, don’t place too much emphasis on your lower body unless you are planning to take full-body photographs. Focus more on solid colors, preferably those that will draw attention to your eyes. While single tops usually give more of a clean, pure look for women, simple layers, like a jean jacket or light sweater, tend to work well for men. 

Stay away from bulky clothing and puffed coats. This should go without saying, but double check that all your tops are free of stains and ironed to perfection. Planning your outfits and prepping your clothes will ensure that you capture the look you are going for during your shoot. 

Style Your Hair

Like your wardrobe, it’s best to keep it simple when styling your hair. The perfect hairstyle will show off your jawline and the details of your face. Loose hair usually works well for women, but a clean updo can also be glamorous. Messy buns typically aren’t the best option. Men should aim to get their hair cut at least a week prior to the shoot to avoid any awkward stages. 

In general, you should stay away from funky cuts and dramatic colors—unless the gig that you are going for will support these types of hairstyles. It’s also a smart idea to bring along a hairbrush and any products that can be used to tame stray hairs and frizziness. 

Practice Your Makeup

When it comes to makeup, less is best. Much like hair and wardrobe, makeup is subjective. However, you should be careful not to cover up too much. Heavy makeup can give your photos an unauthentic feel, which is the last thing you want when taking actor headshots. 

The best look to go for is one that is natural but polished. The goal should be to cover up any blemishes while enhancing your facial structure. Lightly covering your face with a translucent powder will diminish the appearance of pores and prevent your face from looking too oily. This is a tip that works for both men and women. Also, mindfully choose your eyeshadows and lip colors so that they don’t clash. Dark lipsticks can give an actress an added flare but use caution because it makes thin lips look even thinner. 

Practice Posing

Though being photogenic isn’t necessarily a requirement among actors, a headshot session is when that trait truly shines. Your photographer will guide you through the posing process and correct anything that sticks out, but it’s also smart to practice posing on your own time. Doing this can help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. 

Your expertise is acting, so posing should come naturally to you—even if it takes a little practice. Experiment with different facial expressions in a mirror and determine your good side. Positioning your body correctly is important so that you don’t slouch or appear stiff. Remember to keep your face leveled to avoid creating a double chin or shortening the neck. Practice a toothless smile and one that slightly separates your teeth. Above all, the perfect pose comes down to eye play. Make sure that your eyes are engaged but relaxed.

Prioritize Your Health

We all have bad days, but showing up to your session with tired eyes and a bloated belly from a junk food binge the day before will not help you achieve your desired look. While a trained photographer can usually work through these kinks, you should still prioritize your health as a part of the preparation process.

The week before your shoot should consist of clean eating, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, and restful sleep. Supplementing your body with fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding excess sugar, fatty foods, and alcohol to decrease your chances of bloating on camera. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is super important if they are stained or yellow. Depending on the lighting and color of your wardrobe, it may be difficult to disguise these imperfections. Shaving, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin the morning of the shoot can do wonders for your image. Just be sure to apply aftershave so that your skin does not appear red on camera.

Headshot photography is an opportunity to get your image captured and perfected. As you move through your acting career, make sure to keep your headshots updated as you make changes to your appearance or transition into a new industry. Whether you are looking for commercial work or something more theatrical, your headshots should accurately represent you, your brand, and your acting style. With a little preparation, you can walk away from your shoot with attention-grabbing, authentic headshots.             

Need to schedule headshots? BrianKCreative provides headshot photography to actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact me to learn more about my approach to headshot photography or to book an appointment.