Knowing your types is important for actors who want to land auditions for film and TV roles.
A successful headshot session is only possible if you know your goals, which means having a good understanding of what roles you are likely to be auditioning for.
Every actor needs to start with a pretty neutral headshot that can be used for a wide variety of submissions.
If you are in Orlando, you will need a strong commercial headshot, and also a neutral theatrical headshot.
Once these baselines are satisfied, it’s time to get more type-specific!
Headshot Session Character Analysis Page.
Neutral Theatrical Headshot
Commercial Headshot
If you want the best headshots possible:
analyze your types (get to know the character - their look, expressions, thoughts… even for commercial headshots)
practice getting into character in front of a mirror
Just like a casting director wants you to make clear, specific choices during an audition, we want you to get specific with your character concept. This way, we can clearly communicate each type in a way that is captivating and interesting to casting directors.
Now, let’s look at three ways you can analyze your types:
Type-Specific Headshot
Name and define your type
Include possible types of movies this type would be in
What roles or characters would this type play?
What does this character look like? Hair, facial hair, etc.
What does this character wear?
Think about poses that would best represent this character.
What expressions would this character make in different circumstances (listening to someone tell a story, thinking of his/her next move, etc.)?
Example 2:
Casual, Friendly
Movies/Shows: Sitcoms, commercials, rom-com
Possible Characters: trustworthy neighbor, dad in a commercial
Appearance: Mild stubble, fresh under-eyes
Wardrobe: Solid-colored henley over t-shirt with plaid button-down overtop, or polo
Pose Options: Relaxed posture, slight lean forward or sideways, arms casually crossed or hands in pockets, straight-on to camera
Expression: Warm smile, approachable, open eyes
Example 1:
Gritty & Edgy
Movies/Shows: Indie Film / Crime / Thriller
Possible Characters: Detective, mercenary, criminal mastermind
Appearance: Stubble or goatee, no makeup on under-eyes
Wardrobe: Dark t-shirt or henley, leather jacket
Pose Options: Strong stance, arms crossed, leaning slightly forward, chin slightly lowered for intensity
Expression: Intense gaze, serious, subtle smirk, stern.
Example 3:
Clean, Professional
Movies/Shows: Business, network drama
Possible Characters: federal agent, lawyer, detective
Appearance: Clean-shaven
Wardrobe: Dark suit jacket with crisp shirt (tie optional)
Pose Options: Upright, squared shoulders, confident posture, hands in pockets or light adjustment of jacket
Expression: Focused, sharp, in-command
2. What is your character thinking? Inner dialogue.
What are some thoughts that would go through your characters mind in different circumstances?
Example 2:
(for Casual, Friendly type)
“You know what this calls for? A backyard BBQ”
“Hey, don’t sweat it. We’ll figure it out together.”
“Life’s too short not to laugh at yourself.”
“What’s mine is yours, my friend.”
Example 1:
(for Gritty & Edgy type)
“You really think you’re the one in control here? Think again.”
“Every man’s got a price. I just know how to collect.”
“Justice isn’t clean… it never was.”
“Don’t mistake silence for weakness.”
Example 3:
(for Clean, Professional type)
“If we don’t get this right, people’s lives are on the line”
“I didn’t come here to negotiate, I came here for the truth.”
“Every decision has consequences. And I’ll own mine.”
“The law isn’t perfect, but it’s the only thing standing between order and chaos.”
3. Micro-Expressions & Movements
Practice your expressions in the mirror to see how they read
This is the practical, technical work of communicating a type.
First, you need to FEEL your character and identify with him or her, but for the purposes of headshots, you also need to think through how, technically, that feeling will best be represented in your expression.
Example 2:
(for Casual, Friendly type)
Eyebrow life with a smile - curious and approachable
Head tilt sideways, adds warmth and friendliness.
Soft smile evolving into a genuine laugh
Example 1:
(for Gritty & Edgy type)
Jaw clench to tighten intensity.
Chin lowered slightly, eyes looking up - calculating and dangerous.
One-corner smirk, hinting at menace or control.
Slight eye squint for suspicion and focus
Example 3:
(for Clean, Professional type)
Squared jaw with neutral face - authority.
Subtle nod - decisive and firm
Eyebrow pinch / furrow - high-stakes intensity
Jacket straightening or cuff adjustment - polished presence
Ready to start brainstorming?
You can download the Headshot Session Character Analysis Page (compatible with iCloud Pages), or, make one of your own!
Don’t forget to practice, print, and bring your page to your headshot session to refer to during the shoot.
