Guide
Your headshot is your first impression.
Casting may see your headshot before they ever see your résumé, reel, or awwdition. Your photo should be current, professional, recognizable, and representative of the roles you can realistically play.
Your headshot should:
Your headshot should help casting imagine you in a role — not make you look like a completely different person.
For film, television, theater, and dramatic roles.
Think: grounded, authentic, character-driven.
Your expression, wardrobe, and lighting should communicate the types of characters you are naturally cast as.
For commercials, advertising, lifestyle, and brand work.
Think: approachable, relatable, energetic, trustworthy.
Commercial headshots generally have a brighter, warmer feel.
For sitcoms, comedy, romantic comedy, and comedic character roles.
Think: personality, charm, wit, and approachability.
Don't force a "funny" face. Let your personality come through naturally.
Additional headshots can be useful when you have a clearly marketable casting lane or specialty.
Examples:
Don't turn your headshot into a costume. Suggest the character without becoming the character.
Backstage: Theatrical vs. Commercial Headshots
At minimum, consider having:
1. Theatrical2. Commercial
Add additional looks only when they serve a specific casting purpose.
Your headshot should accurately represent your current appearance.
Consider updating when you have a significant change in:
General guideline: update every 2–3 years, or sooner if your appearance changes significantly.
Ask yourself:
Would casting recognize me from my headshot if I walked into the room today?
If not, update it.
Whenever possible, hire a photographer who specializes in actor headshots.
Look for someone who understands:
Don't choose a photographer simply because they take beautiful portraits. Choose someone who understands the business of casting.
Backstage: How to Choose a Headshot Photographer
Good lighting should make your face easy to see.
Key Light
Fill
Background
Side lighting can create a dramatic theatrical look, but too much can hide facial detail.
For standard casting headshots:
Clarity > drama.
You can build a simple home setup.
(Find links for those)
You don't need an expensive studio to learn good lighting.
Start with one quality soft light and learn how to position it before buying multiple lights.
Pro tip: Don't put money into five lights before learning how to properly use one.
Your headshot should reflect the hairstyle you actually wear or intend to maintain.
Enhance your features. Don't change your face.
Avoid:
Clean up temporary blemishes and distractions.
Don't digitally change your:
Polished ≠ unrecognizable.
Choose clothing that supports your casting type.
Your wardrobe should support the headshot — not become the headshot.
For theatrical looks, muted/earth tones can work well. For commercial looks, brighter colors can help create warmth and energy.
Don't "pose."
Instead, think about an objective:
Your eyes should feel engaged.
Commercial: generally warmer and more approachable.
Theatrical: generally more grounded and character-driven.
Neither requires a forced expression.
Backstage: Theatrical Headshot Tips
Before uploading:
☐ Current appearance☐ Professional quality☐ Clear eyes/face☐ Good lighting☐ High resolution☐ Appropriate wardrobe☐ Minimal retouching☐ No filters☐ Correct casting type☐ Professional expression☐ Correct file format☐ Profile information updated
Your headshot doesn't need to prove you're talented.
It needs to make casting want to meet you.
Be current.Be recognizable.Be professional.Be yourself.