Talent is important, but before you get to show the world what you can do, you’re going to need a good acting headshot. That glossy 8-by-10 will be the first part of you that most casting directors, agents, and people with power will see, so it has to be good. Knowing what makes a headshot stand out from the crowd is crucial information for any actor. Think of it as your calling card – your best and first chance to make a great initial impression. As for what makes a really great acting headshot, let’s take a look at some examples.
This headshot of actor Paul Forman was taken by top headshot photographer Ori Jones. The direct stare, straightforward lighting, and plain background immediately draw in the viewer. “The angle and posture, alongside the open jumper and simple background, say flirty and confident,” Jones says of the thinking behind the image. “It immediately brings to mind an American TV show, which is exactly what Paul landed: Emily in Paris. You really get a sense of his character, while the image still feels natural, simple, and full of energy.” It’s a great example of a headshot doing exactly what the actor needed to land him a dream job.
This headshot of stuntwoman turned actor Sylvie Nightingale is taken away from the studio and in the open air with even, natural lighting. Her vibrant purple hair looks great against the greenery of the background, and her personality shines through. Her makeup is simple and the shot has an air of informality that matches her vibe. “It’s easy to fall into the mistake of treating a headshot like a sales pitch, but casting directors are looking for the right fit for a role,” says photographer Jamie Drew. “Work with your photographer to nail down that vibe.” Nightingale was aiming for comedy and action roles, and this playful headshot clearly fits the bill.
This early headshot of Regé-Jean Page certainly helped set him apart. The stare is direct and engaging while the background subtly suggests he could be outdoors. You can already see why Shonda Rhimes cast him as the hot, stern Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton. Photographer John Clark, who took the headshot, has worked with many young actors. “Your casting shot has to look like you,” Clark says. “Casting directors need to recognise the actor from their picture. Many actors out there are using a social media headshot for casting, and it might not be working as well as it should be.”
Actor Catalin Vasile’s headshot stands out dramatically, with photographer Kirill Kozlov’s choice to have black as the dominant colour in both clothing and background. This and the photo’s close crop draws the viewer’s attention to Vasile’s striking blue eyes. As Kozlov explains, the headshot also offers casting directors “a more introspective and emotionally grounded presence for dramatic work.” Black tends to read cool, contemporary, and serious, so it’s worth considering the kind of roles you want your headshot to help you win. Tell your photographer what you need and they’ll help you deliver it.
Actor Pierre Cusamy’s headshot radiates warmth, joy, and positivity as our eyes are drawn to the top third of the picture. His smile, neutral-coloured hoodie, and relaxed lean toward the camera tell the viewer exactly what sort of open and inquisitive personality he has. Top headshot photographer Vincenzo Squillino uses lighting and a warm brown background to make Cusamy’s friendly features come to the fore. Squillino says he focuses on authenticity and individuality when capturing actors. “Casting directors aren’t just looking for a look,” he says. “They’re looking for presence – and that’s exactly what I deliver.”
This 8-by-10 of presenter Melvin Odoom is a great example of how to show personality in your headshot. A slight smile makes him seem approachable and cheeky. Focus goes straight to his eyes and the blue colour of his jacket, and the background really makes his pose pop. Jones was Odoom’s photographer, and he says he purposefully chose a colour grade that felt filmic, enabling Odoom to project “the guy-next-door look while keeping a film-actor energy in mind.” Think about your wardrobe before you go to your headshot shoot, and make sure you give yourself and the photographer plenty of options to work with.
Photographer Tom Trevatt’s shot of actor Ava de Winter definitely captures the emotion of the sitter. It’s a bold choice for a headshot, but one that shows she can emote and signals the kind of roles she may prefer. Trevatt says to take a good headshot he needs time to find out about his subject and build a connection with them.
Actor Tristan Tait’s simple white headshot was taken by top photographer Claire Newman-Williams. She says the secret to a great headshot is forging a real connection with the viewer. That doesn’t necessarily mean a big cheesy grin or dramatic background, as Tait’s 8-by-10 shows. “He’s not smiling, but when you look at the image you feel looked at,” Newman-Williams says. “It draws your eye and leaves you wondering what he’s thinking.” The viewer is engaged and the simplicity of the image really works.
Another shot by Jones is this one of TV presenter and actress Lisa Faulkner. Her soft clothing, simple makeup, tousled hair, and the photo’s focus all manage to visually read warmth and positivity. The neutral colour scheme keeps attention on Faulkner and her personality. Nothing looks too polished or formal, but, as Jones suggests, “there’s a sense that she is a kind, funny, confident, and direct person.” This is an ideal headshot for the types of jobs Faulkner may be up for.
Actor Lily McMenamy is also a model, which clearly helps when it comes to engaging successfully with the camera. Photographer Kozlov worked to give the headshot a romantic feel, employing “soft lighting, a delicate shoulder tilt, and pale backdrop to convey genuine warmth and vulnerability.” The delicate skin tones and pink of her top bring warmth to the pose, but there’s a contemporary feel to the headshot that makes it feel like it wouldn’t be out of place in a fashion magazine.