Actor Headshot Backgrounds 2023: Our Recommendations
This article covers actor headshot backgrounds and model headshot backgrounds, plus specifics on what types of backdrops will work best in different scenarios. If you're looking for other shot recommendations (LinkedIn headshots and non-actor photos), click here.
First, take a look at the images below. Click on an image and use the arrow keys to skip through the photos and see explanations of the backdrops and why they work for each particular photo. Then, scroll down to read the article.
First, take a look at the images below. Click on an image and use the arrow keys to skip through the photos and see explanations of the backdrops and why they work for each particular photo. Then, scroll down to read the article.
The Best Background for Acting Headshots
The best background for acting headshots is a blurred outdoor backdrop because it's modern and sleek. The more blurred the background, the better – this means your photographer should be using a long lens with a wide aperture (at least 85mm lens at f/2.8 or wider).
White and light gray backdrops also work well, as do certain flat-colored backdrops. But at the end of the day, casting directors care less about the backdrop than they do about your expression and how "branded" your headshot is. If your background is distracting, casting directors will throw it out, so make sure the background you choose doesn't draw unnecessary attention to itself!
White and light gray backdrops also work well, as do certain flat-colored backdrops. But at the end of the day, casting directors care less about the backdrop than they do about your expression and how "branded" your headshot is. If your background is distracting, casting directors will throw it out, so make sure the background you choose doesn't draw unnecessary attention to itself!
Make Sure the Colors Work for You
An often overlooked aspect of a successful actor headshot background is that it MUST support the character you're going for – while also being a complimentary to your skin tone, clothing, and eye color.
For instance, if the backdrop you choose is bright and colorful but you are playing a dark and intense character, it won't make sense, and a casting director will be distracted by the image and pass it over.
Generally speaking, most neutral-colored flat backdrops (white, gray, and black) can work with almost all expressions, whereas solid-color flat backdrops (pink, blue, yellow, etc.) are often better matched to friendly expressions. Outdoor shots with brighter colors should be matched to friendly expressions and darker/muted outdoor backdrops should be matched to more serious expressions.
Here's an in-depth guide on clothing to wear, and about halfway down the article is a section on color-matching so you can learn which colors compliment each other.
For instance, if the backdrop you choose is bright and colorful but you are playing a dark and intense character, it won't make sense, and a casting director will be distracted by the image and pass it over.
Generally speaking, most neutral-colored flat backdrops (white, gray, and black) can work with almost all expressions, whereas solid-color flat backdrops (pink, blue, yellow, etc.) are often better matched to friendly expressions. Outdoor shots with brighter colors should be matched to friendly expressions and darker/muted outdoor backdrops should be matched to more serious expressions.
Here's an in-depth guide on clothing to wear, and about halfway down the article is a section on color-matching so you can learn which colors compliment each other.
Commercial Headshots
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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 sell 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! |
Theatrical (or "Legit") Headshots
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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. |
Modeling & Dancer Headshots
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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 looking away from the camera. |
General Headshot Background Tips (and things to avoid)
- Avoid distracting elements in the backdrop, such as bright lights, random streaks of color, or sharp lines going across the image. Here's a great article with a bunch of examples of good vs. bad actor headshots.
- Indoor or outdoor headshots are fine and work equally well. Don't worry about needing to specifically have an indoor or outdoor shot unless your agent/manager requests something specific.
- The background must be extremely blurred for outdoors shots. If you can see detail and you can "tell" what's behind you, it means the background is distracting and you're probably losing out on audition opportunities because of it.
- You must "pop" off the background. The photographer can use lighting tricks or you can wear a completely different color than the backdrop to make sure you don't blend in with it. If you do, it likely won't capture the casting director's eye, meaning they'll pass over you for someone else.
In Summary
At the end of the day, the best backgrounds for actor headshots are ones that aren't distracting and support the character and energy you're going for. The backdrop should be either completely blurred out or a flat colored or neutral backdrop with no detail.
A simple mistake like having a distracting background in your headshot can make a huge difference in how many auditions you get (especially when it comes to professional high-level Film/TV auditions).
That's why it's so important that you hire a photographer with experience shooting actor headshots. If you don't see many actor headshots in their portfolio, be sure to ask about their experience since you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on a shot that won't get you auditions.
Here's a great guide on how to find a great headshot photographer in any city.
A simple mistake like having a distracting background in your headshot can make a huge difference in how many auditions you get (especially when it comes to professional high-level Film/TV auditions).
That's why it's so important that you hire a photographer with experience shooting actor headshots. If you don't see many actor headshots in their portfolio, be sure to ask about their experience since you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on a shot that won't get you auditions.
Here's a great guide on how to find a great headshot photographer in any city.
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