If you're a budding actor, about to embark on your first Headshot session, you may like to know there's a difference between Corporate and Actors Headshots. 

Here's a quick over-view of what you need for the screen, the stage . . . for Hollywood!

Prepare for Stage and Screen

Firstly, it is absolutely imperative an Actor’s image is up to date and, as a rule, visit their Photographer at least once a year.

Always work with a Professional Photographer, as a poor-quality Headshot indicates the actor is not serious about the business.  Sadly, even if they’re considered the next Lawrence Olivier, they won’t make it to the auditions.

Furthermore the opinion that “a good headshot will last you for years” is especially inappropriate. Who naturally remains the same for years?

Casting Director's Role

A Casting Director makes a choice based on having the right look for the part.   Imagine submitting a picture with long hair and a beard only to turn up with cropped hair and clean shaven?  An actor will be incredibly lucky to get a part based on how they used to look.

Any actor worth their salt will research what a particular Casting Director is looking for in a Headshot.

The Essential Requirements

As Photographers we have rules and opinions to contend with, and as you know, opinions vary. However, let’s have a look at some of the essential requirements: 

As with any Headshot, the head is crucial, therefore no props, no hands and no distracting backgrounds.

Casting Directors require a natural look with little or no makeup.

Black and white Headshots are acceptable in this country, however it is not the same across the pond.  For anyone wanting to break into Hollywood, the USA consider them to be outdated.

The standard image size is 8″ × 10″.

Overall, from our perspective, an Actor’s Headshot requires a white background with focus on the eyes, whilst paying attention to those facial micro-features.

Look your best, be your best and show yourself at your best!