An actor headshot has one job: to show casting what you look like walking into the room, with real thought behind the eyes. That means honest light, minimal retouching, a simple background and an expression that feels like a character could live in it. Headshot photographers on Book Holiday Photos work in their own New York studios, and many offer short sessions with several looks. Here is how to plan looks that work for you.
A note before we start: photographers are not casting directors or agents. What follows is practical, general advice. If you have representation, your agent's or manager's preferences come first, and it is worth checking current requirements on any casting platform you submit through.
What makes an actor headshot different
A corporate headshot aims for "trustworthy and polished". An actor headshot aims for "this is exactly who will show up". The differences:
- Accuracy over flattery. If you have freckles, a scar, or grey at the temples, they stay. Showing up looking different from your photo wastes everyone's time.
- Expression over smile. A thought, an intention, a little life behind the eyes.
- Tighter crops. Usually head and shoulders, with your eyes as the clear focal point.
- Simple, neutral backgrounds that keep all attention on your face.
- Several looks, because one photo rarely covers every type of role.
Commercial vs theatrical, in plain terms
Many actors aim for at least two kinds of headshot:
Commercial
Think of the people in ads for coffee, banks or phones. Commercial looks tend to be:
- Brighter and warmer.
- Open and approachable, often with a genuine smile.
- Casual, colorful clothing: a crew neck, a soft button-down, a simple sweater.
- Usually on a light backdrop.
Theatrical (film, TV, stage)
These lean toward the roles you are most likely to play:
- More serious or layered expressions.
- Clothing that suggests a character type without becoming a costume: a jacket, a henley, a plain dark top.
- Often a darker or mid-grey backdrop for more mood.
Your "type" matters more than any rule. A warm, comedic actor may want a theatrical look that still has a twinkle. A dramatic actor may want a commercial look that is friendly but grounded.
Planning 3 looks in one session
Many headshot photographers allow several looks in a short session, so check how many looks and how much time the session on their profile includes. A common plan for three looks:
- Commercial: light grey backdrop, a bright, solid top, a real smile.
- Theatrical: dark backdrop, a darker layer or jacket, a more serious, focused expression.
- Your type: whatever you are most often called in for, or want to be. Maybe a professional look (doctor, lawyer, detective) or a softer, everyday look.
Tell your photographer what roles you are targeting, and bring a few headshots you admire from other actors. That helps them plan the light and crops. You can read how a typical session runs in what happens during a headshot session.
Wardrobe, hair and makeup
Wardrobe
- Solid colors in mid to deep tones for theatrical; brighter, friendly solids for commercial.
- Simple necklines: crew necks, V-necks, open collars. Nothing that pulls focus.
- Texture over pattern. A knit or denim is fine; small stripes and busy prints are not.
- No logos.
- Layers make quick changes easy: a jacket on, a jacket off, and you have two looks.
- Bring more options than you need and decide with your photographer at the session.
Our general guide on what to wear for headshots covers colors by skin tone and backdrops in more detail.
Hair and makeup
- Hair the way you wear it to auditions. If you usually wear it up, photograph it up, at least in one look.
- Haircut a week before, so it does not look freshly cut.
- Makeup minimal and matte. Even skin, a little definition. Nothing you would not wear to an audition.
- Facial hair decided in advance. If you go back and forth, consider photographing your more common look first.
Expression: where the session is spent
The hardest part of an actor headshot is not the light, it is getting a real thought on camera in a quiet room. Good headshot photographers work on that the way you would work on a scene:
- Give yourself an intention. "I know something you don't." "I'm about to tell you good news." "I'm listening."
- Small changes between frames: a breath, a shift of weight, eyes from slightly off-camera back to the lens.
- Short bursts and resets. Holding a face too long makes it flat.
- Feedback as you go. Ask to see frames on the camera if it helps, and adjust.
Actors tend to be good at taking direction, which makes these sessions move fast. The photographer's job is to make sure the light and the crop let your work show.
Retouching, backdrop and delivery
Retouching for actors
Keep it light, and say so when you book:
- Temporary blemishes and stray hairs cleaned up.
- Color and light balanced.
- Permanent features (moles, scars, lines, freckles) kept.
- No reshaping, slimming or smoothing that changes how you look.
You should look like you on a good day, and nothing more.
Backdrop choice
Simple and neutral is safest. Light grey and white suit commercial looks, dark grey and black suit theatrical. If you are unsure, do one of each. See which headshot backdrop to choose.
What to check on the profile
- How many retouched headshots are included, and whether you also see the full set of proofs.
- Web and print sizes, for casting profiles and printed headshots.
- Usage rights, since casting profiles and your own website should be covered.
- Delivery time, if you have an audition or submission deadline.
All of this varies by photographer, so read the profile before you book.
Quick answers
How many looks should an actor headshot session include?
It depends on the photographer. Most actors plan at least one commercial and one theatrical look, with a third for their most common type, so look for a session that allows it.
Should actor headshots be heavily retouched?
No. Light retouching only. Casting needs to see what you really look like, so permanent features stay.
Do photographers know what agents in New York want?
Some do, but nobody should claim insider knowledge. Ask your agent or manager what they prefer, and bring their notes to your photographer.
Find your photographer
Browse headshot photographers in NYC and Long Island, compare sessions and open dates, and ask the questions in our professional photo checklist first.