In this article, I'll share with you the most critical and easy-to-implement acting headshot tips to get a great actor headshot.
This is not a how-to guide, but a simple list of tips to reference as you prepare for your next headshot session. These tips are applicable whether you're brand new or have been acting for decades. If you want a much more in-depth guid, check out my Ultimate Guide to Actor Headshots. Ready to get started? Acting Headshot TipsOut of the three basic marketing materials all actors need (headshot, resume, and reel), your headshot is the most critical. That's because it shows casting directors what you look like and instantly tells them whether to spend any more of their time looking through your resume and reel. From your headshot alone, a casting director can tell:
That said, let's discuss the 20 most important acting headshot tips – tips that will help you capture a headshot that gets casting directors to want to look at your resume and reel in more depth and hopefully call you in.
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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking different? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
Some Additional Q&A
How Many Headshots Do You Need for Acting?
In general, you should aim for at least 2-3 different headshots for acting. That said, there are a number of things to take into consideration. I have an in-depth article on this you can read here:
How Many Headshots Do You Need for Acting?
How Many Headshots Do You Need for Acting?
Can You Take Your Own Headshots for Acting?
You can certainly take your own headshots for acting, but if you plan to submit to higher-level productions, casting directors usually only take high-end, professional headshots seriously. However, if you want to learn how to do it yourself, check out the following guide:
How to Take a Headshot With Your iPhone
How to Take a Headshot With Your iPhone
How Do You Get a Good Acting Headshot?
There are lots of steps to take into account, but if you want the best possible actor headshots, you need to prepare properly by finding the right photographer and showing up ready to go.
Learn all about how to prepare for your headshot session here.
Learn all about how to prepare for your headshot session here.
Should You Smile in an Acting Headshot?
Absolutely! Smiling for headshots is a good idea, especially if you want people to think you're friendly and approachable.
That said, I have an in-depth guide on whether you should smile in a headshot or not. There are a few factors to take into consideration, and the guide will show you exactly what to do.
That said, I have an in-depth guide on whether you should smile in a headshot or not. There are a few factors to take into consideration, and the guide will show you exactly what to do.
Further Reading:
If you enjoyed this article (Acting Headshot Tips: 20 Things to Know), you might be interested in some of these:
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