What goes into making a successful men’s acting headshot?
Headshots for actors in Orlando (and Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles) need to be intentionally created to work for actors specifically. Business headshots, portrait sessions, and casual (unprofessional) headshots will likely hinder your ability to get audition opportunities. In order to stand out on the page, there are a few things we like to focus on that make your agencies very happy, and will be more likely to open doors for you.
-
Having the appropriate outfits for your looks is vital to achieving headshots that work. For instance, It’s not enough just to wear a suit or standard button-up shirt if your type is more street-smart, or commercial.
I will help guide you on outfit if needed, and always recommend consulting with your agency or acting coach to see what outfits will benefit you the most.
-
The most powerful actor headshots must have lighting that creates a “pop” in the image to really stand out to casting directors as they scroll through endless headshots. Sometimes natural light is all you need, but most often, I use fully studio lighting or a mixture of both - carefully crafted to highlight your features well, according to the type.
You will see when scrolling through the gallery that there are many DIFFERENT types of lighting techniques used - often with the same person! Each look can best be served by creating a character in camera - and that means tailoring the lighting for each look.
Lighting for actor headshots is not the same a lighting for business headshots. When choosing your headshot photographer, make sure it is someone who specializes in acting headshots.
-
Typically, business headshots’ goals are to just look good and smile well.
For actors, your expression must be more descriptive of the character or type you are portraying.
I will help guide you into expressions and poses that help you sell your character well, and communicate (immediately) who you can play.
It’s a great idea to come to your acting headshot session with a strong idea of exactly who your ideal role / character is - and you can even come with a few “lines” to think about as you pose. Communicating these lines with your expression can be a big deal in representing your type.
For instance, you wouldn’t want to smolder for a commercial headshot! Even though the smolder looks GREAT on camera (and is definitely appropriate for film leading man roles or action types), a commercial headshot needs to be infinitely approachable, kind, confident, and friendly. Like you have nothing to hide.
-
If your headshot looks like it was taken by an amateur photographer, it’s easy to assume that you are likely an amateur actor. Everyone has to start somewhere, but the best way to regain your headshot investment is to get opportunities.
To have success marketing with your headshots, your images must look professional.
What looks work best for male actors in Orlando, Florida?
In Orlando and Central Florida, we have a strong commercial market, and also a growing film industry. TV and movie filming also happen just north of us in Atlanta.
Most actors need headshots for:
commercial auditions (the bread-and-butter opportunities for Florida actors!)
film/TV
Therefore, when you submit your headshots to an agency, it’s best if you can provide them with at least one commercial look, and one theatrical (film/TV) look.
An EXCELLENT third look will be of type-specific characters, which are incredibly beneficial for film and TV roles. Comedian, Nerd, Quirky Friend, Street-Smart, FBI Agent, Etc., are common needs for male actors who want to get into bigger roles.
Commercial Headshot Examples for Male Actors
Your commercial headshots need to be very friendly, forward (or mostly forward-facing), and like you have nothing to hide.
An at-ease, comfortable smile is going to be the most effective expression for commercial auditions, with light or bright clothing that you might see on, say, a BBQ Cookout Commercial.
We will photograph you in a way that achieves all of these goals so that your headshots stand out to casting directors - even those who specialize in commercial casting!
Neutral Theatrical Examples for Male Actors
Having a theatrical headshot that is neutral is your second most important acting headshot to have in your portfolio. These images are rich, but not so specific that it would disqualify you from most roles.
Dramatic theatrical headshots should be able to go with a number of characters, and work nicely for film and TV roles.
From Leading man to antagonist, this is a very valuable headshot for anyone who wants to be on the big screen (or prime time) in more dramatic roles.
Type-Specific Headshot Examples for Male Actors
For film and TV auditions to truly pop, it’s often best if you have a headshot that provides a HINT of the type. Sometimes your agency may be ok with very specific looks, especially if your personality shines with that character, but normally it’s best to keep your outfits somewhat mobile and versatile.
You can specify your type, while still being “open to interpretation.” For instance, a headshot in a suit and tie could be used for either High-End Wealthy Businessman, to Disheveled FBI Director, to Young Up-and-Coming Lawyer!
As a note… a set of headshots in a suit is normally a go-to for men over the age of 25! Change the look of the suit to get even more specific with your type!
You can also go for the lighter characters when you get specific. Comedic, nerdy, quirky, romantic, (etc) can more easily be capture when your look is slightly specific.
FAQ
-
If you aren’t sure how to style your hair, or have uneven skin tones, it is recommended to add the professional stylist to your booking.
However, normally men don’t really need to worry about a stylist.
Make sure your skin tone is at its best (no sun burns or patchy dry skin, for instance), and that your hair cut is just where you like it before booking.
-
We have a detailed wardrobe guide to help you get started with outfit ideas.
However, more and more, agencies want to market what is unique about YOU. So make sure you consult with them on what types or looks you need represented in your portfolio and go from there!
-
Your gallery will be sent over within 24 hours of your session (normally even the same day!), and once you’ve narrowed down your favorites, I just need 24-48 hours to edit and deliver them to your inbox.
Turnaround around here is FAST. Because… honestly, I just can’t wait, haha!
Ready to book your acting headshot session?
We have guys come up all the way from Miami, or down from Jacksonville to our studio for actor headshots, and would love to have you come in for a session.
If you’re serious about getting into acting, want to start booking commercials, or other roles for the screen, it’s worth it to invest time and a bit of money to get headshots that will pay you back with opportunities.
Headshots are your foot in the door. Without a solid, professional headshot, casting directors may not pass along your details or ask you for a full audition.
Know your types and goals, consult with your coach or agency, and let’s get you some winning images that will help you stand out.
