What to bring to your acting headshot session
A successful acting headshot session starts before we ever take a single headshot.
Coming prepared with the right clothing, accessories, acting prep work, and mindset will help you get the most variety from your session so you can walk away with images that are going to WOW casting directors and agencies.
I have been photographing actors since 2010, and have learned a thing or two since then about how actors’ prep work directly affects how well our session is going to go.
Here are the 4 main things I tell every actor to bring to a headshot session:
Bring Clothing That Has Been Chosen Intentionally
Bring outfits that you have planned in advance, and that your agency has approved.
Some actors think that they can just bring a bunch of outfit options and we can choose during the session.
This is NOT a recipe for success, even though it seems like a good idea!
Each outfit you bring needs to serve a specific purpose, and needs to be approved by your agency or manager. Your agency is going to know what types you need represented, and that will help you narrow down what outfits will best represent your ultimate characters / roles / types.
If your goal is to be in commercials, then your outfit can’t be black (as flattering as black is!), or on the other hand, if your goal is dramatic film roles, then black would be an excellent choice and you would need to avoid bright colors.
Each look needs to be carefully thought-through so you can plan clothing that will provide a strong hint of that type.
And it’s not enough to just feel like you look good in the outfit. Even if the outfit is flattering, the wrong outfit can sometimes even HURT your opportunities.
Be intentional about each outfit, and know exactly what you’re going to wear before your headshot session starts.
2. Bring a layer to add to some of your tops
Often, adding a simple layer can be extremely effective in helping create a slightly different type within the same look.
Bringing a minor adjustment will give you much more variety (and bang for your buck) when done well. A minor adjustment is something like a jacket, plaid button-up, or hoodie.
Make sure your layer option goes well with the under-shirt, and SAYS something about your character.
Don’t just throw a layer on just because… who is the character that the layer represents? In this case, her top is very sweet and innocent - and with the denim jacket layer, she is now able to also represent a street-smart student type! All within a one-look session!
3. A Clear Understanding of Your Goals
Before your session, take some time to think about what you need your new headshots to accomplish.
Know where you’ll be using your headshots.
Actors have different needs for headshots. Are you submitting for television, film, theater, commercials, college programs…? As one of Florida’s leading headshot photographer for actors in film, TV, commercial, and theater, I’ll have a pretty good idea of where we’ll need to start depending on your needs. It’s been my life for the past decade and I love photographing all kinds of actors!
Consider what your current headshots are missing.
Maybe you need more warmth, confidence, comedy, drama, or variety. Maybe you have a new type that you need represented and are filling some gaps in your portfolio. Maybe you look different than you did last year…
Has your agency made any requests?
Often, agencies have preferences (that differ from each other!) that you need to know before we shoot. Things like lighting (bright? natural? moody?) and backgrounds have a big impact on your acting headshots, so make sure to ask your agency what type of headshots they like best, and what you specifically need for marketing your types.
Share your goals with me.
The more your I understand your career and casting goals, the better team we will make! I need to know what your end goals are so I can photograph you in a way that will help your career advance. Everything from posing to lighting, environment and background will change depending on your goals.
There is a New Client Survey to fill out so we are on the same page about your specific needs. Make sure to fill one out before your session!
4. Prepare your mindset
The best headshots happen when an actor feels comfortable, confident, and ready to connect with the camera.
Get plenty of rest before your session.
Feeling well-rested can help you look refreshed and energized. Avoid alcohol the night before your headshots session and also moisturize your skin and lips.
Arrive ready to collaborate.
I can guide you through expression, posture, and movement, so be open to trying different approaches, but ALSO, bring YOUR ideas! The actors who have the most successful headshots know details about each type, and I strongly recommend filling out this Character Analysis Worksheet and bring it with you to refer to during the session.
Focus on connection, not perfection.
Casting directors want to see a real, believable person—not a stiff or overly posed version of you. They want to see a glimpse of what makes you unique, while also being able to imagine you in the role. This is not a photography session to just make you look pretty - these photos are designed to get you audition opportunities. Come with thoughts you can use to help guide you through expression, connection, and communication.
