2023 Headshot Trends for Actors

Don't be left behind!

​For actors, there are specific headshot trends that come and go in the industry, such as whether brick walls are in right now or whether your shot should be taken horizontally or vertically.

For instance, black and white went out a long time ago. If you were to submit a black and white photo to a Casting Director, she'd just throw it out and assume two things:

1. You haven't had new headshots taken in a long time, so you no longer look like you do in your headshot anymore.
2. You don't care enough about your acting career to stay up to date with current trends.

You don't want your headshot thrown out just because of a silly issue like that!

Of course, trends can be annoying because they force you to spend money more often on headshots. But if spending some money on headshots every few years keeps you earning tens of thousands of dollars from paid acting jobs, then it's worth it.

​2021-2021 Actor Headshot Trends

​A current modern actor headshot should have the following qualities to stand a chance at competing on a Casting Director or Agent's desk:

1. Must be color.
2. Colorful outdoor shots or white backdrops typically work best for commercial submissions.
3. Less-colorful backdrops are typically better for film or theatrical submissions.
4. Avoid black backdrops if possible because they tend to "swallow" you up (unless the lighting is just right).
   
5. Vertical (portrait) headshots are preferred over horizontal headshots. Horizontals used to be preferred in early to mid 2010's, but that has since changed.
6. Head should be straight - avoid tilted angles.
7. Camera should be straight - avoid tilted angles.
8. Colors should "pop." Make sure the photos don't look washed out.
9. No shots from above looking down on you. Camera should be around eye-level.
10. Even, soft lighting is best (no harsh shadows on the face).
11. Makeup and retouching should be very natural, while bringing attention to the eyes.
12. Should be chest up, otherwise it's considered a body shot.
13. Slight cropping of the top of the hair if you want (but not too much!). Learn more about headshot hair cropping here.
14. Natural light is preferred when possible.
15. For outdoor, an extremely blurred background is required, with no clear details.
16. Leaning on a table with your hands in a shot can be cute, but casting directors don't like it.
17. No leaning against brick walls! Casting Directors hate that! If shooting with brick, make sure it's completely blurred out behind you.
18. Leaning against subtly textured walls is great as of 2021, and will likely stay popular for at least the next few years,
19. Flat-colored backdrops (like orange, red, blue, purple, etc.) are generally not preferred by casting directors. They became popular in 2017, but that is now fading.

All 19 of these items are based on current headshot trends from well-known Casting Directors and Agents, including Kim Graham, Allison Franck, Margaret Emory, and others.

A common question we get from clients: "Do headshots need to be straight on?" The answer is a bit complex. You DO need to be looking at the camera, but you can absolutely adjust your body position so you're facing different angles. Your body does not need to be pointing directly towards the camera.

​Further Reading:

If you enjoyed this article and want to go deeper, I recommend taking a look at some of these:

• What is the Best Color to Wear for a Headshot
• ​What Makes a Good Professional Headshot for Actors