Headshot Dos and Don'ts
Headshots can be tricky - you want to show your best self, but also your natural self; you want to get nice shots but you don’t want to break the bank; there are a million pitfalls when it comes to headshots, and I want to make it as simple as possible for you all. I have compiled a list of DOs and DON’Ts to help you navigate the world of headshots. These are by no means guarantees, but they should clear up some basic questions you may have and make you feel a bit more confident when you go about taking new ones.
DO get new headshots taken if you get a drastically different haircut/dye. You risk casting directors not remembering who you were because you came in with black hair and your headshot was a red-haired person. Casting directors use headshots after auditions to narrow things down and make final decisions, so if you don’t look like your picture, they won’t know who you were when you gave them the best audition ever!
DO research photographers in your area before picking one. Not all photographers know the ins and outs of headshots, so you want to be sure the one you choose has worked with actors before and knows what you need out of a headshot photoshoot.
DON’T go with the cheapest option, just because it’s the most affordable. If your cheapest option also happens to have a gallery of stunning headshots, absolutely go with them! But if you spend $100 on mediocre photos, then get back pictures you know you can’t use, then you have to drop another $300-$400 on good ones. Headshots are an investment in your career, don’t skimp.
DO hire a makeup artist if you can afford it. It’s not essential, but every time I have used one, my headshots have turned out ten times better than the ones where I did my makeup myself. If you are super skilled at makeup, then by all means, do your own makeup and save the money, but I personally am awful at makeup, so I’ve never regretted shelling out some extra cash for the skills of a makeup artist. But again, if you choose to go that route, do your research and be sure you’re getting someone who knows how to do natural makeup that shows you off.
DON’T do your makeup as if you’re going out on the town or stepping on stage. Your headshots should look like you on any given day, just put together. I always ere on the side of natural, not too much eye makeup, light blush, little-to-no lipstick. I’m not the headshot makeup expert by any means, but a natural look helps the casting directors see who they are getting so they know what they can and cannot picture you as.
DO have fun at your photoshoot. Not every picture has to have a huge toothy grin, but the more comfortable you are, the more the camera can capture the true, beautiful you.
DO wear solid colors which complement your skin and hair. Too much pattern can be distracting and colors that wash you out won’t make for good photos.
DON’T try to look older or younger or anything other than what you are. Casting directors want to see you, not a fake version of you. Headshots should express who you are and what you bring to a production. Trying to be something you are not will be obvious to the casting directors and might put them off inviting you back for a callback.
DON’T stress too much. You got this. Your headshots will be fabulous!
Again, I am not a photography or makeup expert, I’m just sharing things I have gleaned in the past ten years of exploring the theater world. These are meant to be a starting point, but please reach out with any questions!