What are casting directors looking for in a headshot?

Headshot Tips for Actors to Impress Casting Directors

• Your headshot must look like you on a good day.
• Look your age.
• There are plenty of roles for character actors who are not “top model material.” Use a headshot that is 100\% real rather than glamorous.
• Your headshot should reflect your identity and brand.

What does a headshot say about an actor?

Headshots are actors’ branding and marketing around the industry; it’s the key toward getting noticed for the audition, and the best way for an agent or CD to remember the actor for future work. As previously stated, headshot is the first thing talent agents and casting directors will look at.

Why are actors headshots black and white?

Interestingly, actor headshots in the USA are traditionally in colour. Black and white photos force you to see the person, rather than just a wash of colour – being a ‘purer’ image, it can reveal more raw emotion, which is why many actors favour them.

What are some things that a director needs to consider when casting actors for a show?

Casting directors want to find the best actor out of a group of actors who all look basically the same. Other than acting skills, casting directors are looking for an actor that is easy to work with, able to take direction, and have the ability to act in a way that the director wants.

Should you smile in a headshot?

Your smile Even for professional headshots, smiling both with and without your teeth work, so smile whichever way you feel most comfortable. A forced smile isn’t good and might even make you seem disingenuous. You should be able to recognize a ‘real’ smile through a person’s eyes.

How many headshots should you bring to an audition?

You should have at least two looks for a headshot session. This will give you at least two distinct headshots to choose from when going after roles. It’s standard to have a more serious theatrical shot and a smiling commercial shot.

Should I smile in my headshot?

How many headshots should an actor have?

How many headshots should I have as an actor? You should have at least two looks for a headshot session. This will give you at least two distinct headshots to choose from when going after roles. It’s standard to have a more serious theatrical shot and a smiling commercial shot.

Are black and white headshots better?

For example, some might argue only for artistic purposes should headshots be black and white. The quick answer is, yes, headshots can be black and white. A Black and White Headshot is a Classic and Looks Good, Like this One. But, It’s an Outdated Process and Inaccurate Representation of You.

Should audition headshots be black and white?

For website, branding, social media, and other marketing purposes, a black and white image is perfectly fine. In fact, using a variety of images in your marketing makes you stand out! But when it comes to online casting submissions and printed headshots for auditioning, the bottom line is you must have color headshots.

Why are headshots so important for actors?

As an actor, headshots are the foundation of your professional brand. Your headshot is sent to casting directors when you’re up for a role and to agents when you’re looking for representation.

When do you need a headshot for a casting director?

When you submit yourself to agencies for possible representation, whether by email or mail, a headshot is the first item on the list of materials required for consideration. And any time you go to a workshop with a casting director or agent, you should always bring a headshot. How should actors format their headshots?

Do most actors print their headshots vertically or horizontally?

Most actors print their headshots vertically (“portrait”), though some print horizontally (“landscape”). It’s a matter of personal preference, but printing vertically does make it slightly more intuitive for a casting director to flip your headshot over to read your résumé on the back.

Is cropping the new “it factor” in headshots?

As if cropping is the new “it factor” in hot headshots, actors are losing an ear here, a chin there, an eyebrow or two… I know you probably think I’m exaggerating for effect (and, oh boy, do I wish I were) but I’m totally serious here! Someone is amputating actors’ features and calling it “stylish.”