If you asked your agent: “How do I achieve the best acting headshot?” Your agent’s reply should be that you need to hire a professional headshot photographer, that can shoot the real you, and keep it simple.
Be honest
Keeping your shoot simple is key. The best casting headshot should be you, your brand and honest. What is your casting? that is the question you should be able to answer right away.
So, with that mind, what else should you think about doing in terms of getting the best casting headshot?
Best casting Headshot and Actors Casting Photo
A well-known casting director friend told me an actress submitted (behind her agency’s back) a selfie photo for a major movie role! The agent knew that she wasn’t what the breakdown required. And under no circumstances was the agency going to be submitting her for that role, or any role until she at least had some newly updated headshots.
Actress Spotlight
The actress Spotlight profile page included headshots that were terribly lit and outdated. Instead of booking a session with a new photographer, she thought the selfie route would pay off. Sadly, it didn’t.
When it comes to your headshot and casting photo, make sure you leave the Instagram account out. To get the best casting headshot to speak to a pro headshot photographer.
Lighting for Spotlight Headshots
I can’t stress enough the importance of using professional lighting for spotlight headshots if you are to achieve the best casting headshot. You can have a choice of outdoor headshots taken, natural light headshots, studio-lit headshot photos and a mixture of ambient light and strobe lighting. I am one of a few photographers who can offer all of these options in one session, allowing you maximum choice and coverage for your casting opportunities.
Getting Castings and Auditions
The most important tool that will open doors to getting castings and auditions is your photograph. Your agent submits your Spotlight profile, which can include many images for the casting director. You need more than one photo, but not too many!
Obviously, don’t keep outdated photographs on your profile – they must be as up to date as possible. If you make a bad impression by not looking like your 10×8 you are not going to be seen again by that casting director.
Spotlight actors profile
You want to ensure that your spotlight profile is bang up to date with professional honest shots portraying the best of you-you may love that over-glamorised shot from 5 years ago!
A mismatch of old and new photos could go towards confusing the casting director – you need good honest professional shots on the profile to expand your audition success.
No gimmicks today
Leave gimmicks out of your headshots such as smoking and hats! Back in the 1950’s you could get away with it if you were Lawrence Olivier or Peter Ustinov.
I understand that cost can affect choice. I would always say take some time and save – rather than having to pay twice when the cheap option falls through.
Booking your headshots
Feel free to call and speak about your next photo shoot. Get in touch for a brief chat prior to booking your best casting headshot.
