Actor & Model Headshots: Our Recommendations

It can be confusing with all the options out there... how do you know whether an outdoor or indoor shot will work better? And what do people mean when they say you need to capture your "brand" in a headshot?

Well, hopefully this article answers most of those questions, but if there's anything missing, feel free to email us at info@cityheadshots.com!

If you're looking for other shot recommendations (LinkekIn headshots and non-actor photos), click here.

Commercial Headshots

A commercial shot is a fun, bright image that shows warmth and approachability. In order to book more commercials, you'll want to use a photo that makes you seem super friendly - like you can see a product.

A white backdrop with bright lighting on the face is awesome, or an outdoor shot with a blurred out, colorful background can work great too. Commercial shots need to show fun, happiness, and high energy in order to get you work as a commercial actor. If you don't have a huge, toothy grin, commercial casting directors will be less likely to want to work with you, so show those teeth!!!
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​Theatrical (or "Legit") Headshots

A theatrical or "Legit" headshot is generally a more intense, serious shot in terms of expression. You want to know what type of character you're focusing on so you can figure out the best expression and backdrop.

For the overall look, you generally want a blurred outdoor style shot or a darker gray-toned background. Stay away from flat, colored backdrops or standing next to walls if possible, as they can be distracting. The more intense the character, the darker the background or more intense it should look.

If you're going for a business, lawyer, or DA type of look, a silvery blurred-out backdrop, with grays, whites, and blacks, typically works well.

If you're going for an edgy intense character, you can blur out bricks or a chain link fence. Browns and grays, and maybe even some blue tones can work well for you.

If you're going for an approachable, friendly (or softer, innocent) character, something with a little greenery and color, or an off-white backdrop can work well.

A quick rule of thumb: for theater, vertical shots work best. For film and television, horizontal shots can work as well. But based on what you are wearing, sometimes one format of shot might work better than another.

Modeling & Dancer Headshots - INDOOR AND OUTDOOR

We strongly recommend that models and dancers do at least one headshot on a flat white backdrop because they will likely need it at some point during their career. Casting directors and agents request white background headshots frequently.

For models, doing some outdoor shots can really be beneficial. Similarly to a "legit" actor headshot, an outdoor modeling photo should be more intense, showing confidence and charisma. Blurred out backgrounds can really help a modeling headshot stand out.

For models and dancers both, at least one stylized portrait is good to have in your portfolio as well. Dancers can do a really cool dance move, and models can get a really stylized half or full body shot. It's awesome to have something like that in your portfolio.

​Did we answer your questions here?

If we didn't reference your category, try switching over to the other Non-Actors Backgrounds. If you still can't find what you're looking for, please email us at info@cityheadshots.com and we'll be sure to get back to you quickly. Then we'll post the answer up here for everyone else.