Ultimate Headshot FAQ
Ultimate Headshot FAQ Ted’s Ultimate Acting Headshot FAQ
General Acting Headshot Questions:
What is an acting headshot?
An acting headshot is a professional photo of your head and shoulders that is used online and in-person submissions for acting work. This photo should be of professional quality where you/the actor are looking directly into the camera.
Do I need to know what my type is for my headshot session?
An acting headshot is a professional photo of your head and shoulders that is used online and in-person submissions for acting work. This photo should be of professional quality where you/the actor are looking directly into the camera.
Instead, think about the kinds of roles you see yourself playing and who you are as a person and try to use those ideas to create a personal narrative or throughline for yourself. One that is rooted in confidence and connection with yourself in the present moment.
I know exactly what I’m selling as an actor, how do I capture that in my headshots?
You’ll never capture something special and authentic in your acting headshot if you are fixated on selling yourself. It’s good that you have a point of view and have an idea of what you can offer as an actor, but maybe try to shift your focus from selling to being authentic and real.
Casting directors want to hire actors who can bring a complex character to life, not sell to the audience that they are who they are. Take those concepts you’ve found, breathe into them, and then just let them be a part of you and go into your headshot session with an open mind and an expectation to capture great pictures that help your career.
I’m having a full on identity crisis but I need new headshots, what do I do?
I think we are all going through an identity crisis at times because we are always changing as humans, so you’re not alone! But fear not, I got you with one concept: Confidence in the moment.
Also, remember the most important part of an acting headshot is that it just looks like you. So wear something on the classic side like a simple button down/t-shirt or sweater that you feel confident in and focus on owning the present moment the best you can during your photoshoot. Don’t worry about capturing a certain ‘type’ or ‘character’. If you fully trust the moment and play with visualizing, intention and breath you get some good shots.
How do I navigate acting headshots if I identify as non-binary?
From a place of authenticity and confidence. If you have an idea of the kind roles you would or are auditioning for be sure to keep those in mind and communicate them to the photographer if you feel it would be helpful. But there is nothing special or different you need to do. A great headshot is a picture filled with presence and authenticity that looks like you. Be sure to do your research and find a photographer you feel comfortable with in capturing your most authentic self.
Should I talk with the photographer before my headshot shoot?
It is up to you. If you feel like it is really necessary then yes, set up a call or a meeting. But most likely you can get a good feel and get an idea of what to expect in a photoshoot with a certain photographer by reading through their website or social media platforms, as well as looking through their pictures.
Most headshot photographers at a higher level will communicate with you before and during your headshot session to make sure you are both on the same page.
Do I need professional makeup for my headshot shoot?
Yes, you should invest in professional makeup for your headshot shoot if you can. That being said, it is vital that you work with a makeup artist who can do your makeup naturally and help you look exactly like you. Having someone there to take care of makeup and be an extra eye to make sure everything looks good is valuable. If the only option is or you choose to do your own makeup, make sure it is done well and bring your makeup to your shoot to touch up as necessary.
I’m a guy and don’t need professional makeup for an acting headshot right?
Wrong. When you get that new netflix show are you going to do your awesome scenes with no makeup…no, you’re not. They will have professional makeup on-set, same deal for headshots. Makeup for men helps clean things up and balance things out so you get the best shots possible in the camera. A lot of the time this can make for usable images without editing. Makeup for professional headshots is a valuable investment, even for men.
What should I wear for acting headshots?
This is hands down the most asked question of all time when it comes to headshots and can be overwhelming. The trick is to overthink it and trust your gut. Wear things that you feel good in and that are you.
Do your research. Watch TV shows, movies, ect. and take note of what characters you’d play are wearing and wear stuff that is similar. Or you can look at photos of actors on various headshot websites to get ideas.
What should I wear for lifestyle or personality pictures?
Anything goes! Lifestyle shots are a chance to really play if you’d like. Just think about how you would use lifestyle shots and match your wardrobe accordingly. Will that mainly be for your website? Or for social media platforms? Or maybe you just want to take some fun pictures for yourself to have a keep? Whatever the usage is, try and have an idea of what you want and a point of view before you go into your session so you can communicate best with you photographer.
What color clothing should I wear for headshots?
I try not to hold tight to any rules as things are always changing in the industry, but a few ideas that work well are earth tones and certain pastel colors.
I also shoot a lot of white, black and gray which work really well too. Colors that complement your skin tone can work well. And as always, colors you feel great in usually work well. Try to stay away from solid bright or neon colors.
Should I hire a stylist to help with my clothing looks for my headshot shoot?
Working with a stylist to help you with clothing looks can be helpful, just make sure the wardrobe looks and feels like you. Sometimes working with a stylist can result in costume-type looks, which is not ideal for acting headshots. Do your research and find a stylist and look at their work and make sure the actors look like real authentic people and not actors trying to look like a certain acting ‘type’.
Should I use props or wear costumes and hats in my headshot?
Generally–No, do not use props or wear costumes or hats in your headshot. This can come off like you’re trying to be something other than who you are which is not ideal. Communicating different parts of your authentic self is most valuable in an acting headshot and props, hats or costumes tend to take the focus from you.
I love my go-to audition shirt, should I wear it in my headshot?
Sure! If you feel confident and look good in it, go for it. There is no rule that you can’t audition in the same sure you are wearing in your headshot. Pro tip: If it’s worn out maybe pick up a new one for your headshot session.
Should I go on a diet or start a workout plan before I get my headshots taken?
No. Please do not do any special diet or anything crazy. Your headshots need to look like you on the everyday, not the most skinny version of you. That’s freaking boring anyway. Own your sh*t!
Will practicing faces in the mirror prior to my photoshoot help me get great headshots?
Yes and no. Will having some awareness of how your facial muscles work and how you can use them to communicate certain intentions in your headshots help you, yes. Will obsessing over certain ‘facial contortions’ and replicating them in your headshots help you, no.
If I put a lot of pressure on myself to get a great headshot, will that help?
Nope. Pressure is not good in acting and it certainly does not help in getting headshots either. The pressure to get a specific thing makes it really hard to open up, be spontaneous and find something really exciting and real.
My last headshot session was super awkward, that means my next one will be too, right?
Absolutely not! This is a common misconception because getting headshots taken can just be downright weird. Mix that weirdness with a photographer who does not know how to navigate an acting headshot photoshoot and that can make for a not so pleasant experience. Be sure to do your research and find a photographer who is experienced and can help you navigate your headshot shoot and doesn’t just point the camera and click.
I’m nervous, can I bring my best friend, family members or other people to my session for support?
No, this is not a good idea. Your headshot shoot is about you and it is important that you focus and trust your instincts. Although the idea of having friends and family present seems like it would be helpful, it isn’t. Feel your nerves and then let them go so you can rock it out!
Do I talk and communicate with the photographer during my headshot shoot?
Yes, of course! It’s important that you speak up and communicate with your photographer. Your headshot shoot should be a collaboration between you and the photographer. If you are not allowed to speak up and have ideas then there is a problem. Make sure you find a headshot photographer that encourages communication and collaboration.
I should just let my headshot photographer do whatever and totally just trust them right?
No, you should not. Just because they are a professional headshot photographer does not mean you should be a mute robot and do everything they say. They will hopefully guide you through the shoot but you should feel comfortable enough and encouraged to speak up and collaborate with them.
How do I get out of my head and stop judging myself when I get headshots taken?
Choose to stop judging yourself. Yes, you have a choice even though it feels like you don’t. Stop caring so much about getting the perfect shot and focus on letting go so you can just be and play. That’s why you’re an actor right? You have to love to play and use your imagination to be a successful actor. Acting headshots are no different.
The next thing you can do is choose confidence no matter what. Just breathe into your version of confidence and trust that feeling while looking into the lens.
And most importantly it’s about how you react in those moments that feel weird. In the moments where you start to judge yourself, become aware, let it go and move on to a more empowering confident moment. When you’re surfing and you catch a weird wave and fall you don’t just give up and drown. You get on your board, paddle back out and catch a killer wave that feels incredible to ride!
If I can, should I look at my photos during my headshot shoot?
No, I would avoid that as it can pull you out of the present moment and put you more into your head, in a judgemental way–which is not ideal.
When should I expect to get my photos back?
It really depends on the photographer’s post-shoot process. Some photographers will send photos same-day or within a couple days where others it can be up to four weeks or more. It all comes down to the volume of headshot sessions a given photographer does and what their image processing protocol is.
What is image processing?
During your headshot shoot the photographer captures photos in a RAW file format (image files with minimal contrast, saturation, and color). This format provides the most amount of information in the digital file so the photographer can color correct, contrast, and saturation to produce vibrate images full of life. This process is custom to a given photographer and depending on the depth of processing takes more or less time.
How do I go about choosing my final headshots?
It’s best to choose your headshots from an objective point of view. If you can get feedback from industry professionals and other unbiased people that’s best. Your Mom, Dad and siblings will most likely see you differently than acting industry professionals, so keep that in mind. Try not to overthink during this process. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and fixated on certain parts of your face. Don’t do that. Go with your gut. Keep in mind casting directors are just scrolling through or glancing at your shot, not dissecting it for days like you during the proofing/select picking process.
Do I need to get my images retouched?
Yes, you should have the main images you are going to use retouched naturally. Be sure you have them retouched naturally leaving authentic parts of yourself like scars and other unique features. Totally airbrushing and editing your entire face beyond a life-like image is not good.
Where do I get my headshots printed?
You should get your acting headshot printed and use a reputable printing house. A good one I recommend is Dirt Cheap Headshots.