Ever look at your headshots and think, “Who is that person? Because it sure doesn’t feel like me.”
You’d be amazed how many actors (especially those of us starting later) sabotage themselves right out of the gate with confusing, outdated, or just plain awkward headshots. And then wonder why they’re not getting called in. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue — you might look fantastic, but it’s the wrong signal for the gig.
Your headshot is basically your business card in this industry. It’s the first impression you make, the thing that pops up when casting scrolls through hundreds of thumbnails. And it needs to scream: “This is who I am. This is the story I can tell. You can trust me to walk onto your set and be this person.”
So let’s figure out if yours is doing that — or if it’s quietly torpedoing your chances.
Do Your Headshots Match Your Casting Type?
I’ve seen this so many times. Someone gets gorgeous photos that look like they belong in a fashion magazine — moody lighting, flowing hair, intense gaze. Problem is, they’re most likely to be cast as the friendly next-door neighbor or the dependable nurse.
Your headshots should sell the types you’re actually right for, not the fantasy you wish you could book. If you’re a warm, slightly sarcastic best friend type, show that. If you look like you could be a judge or a CEO, get shots that highlight your authority.
And for the love of coffee, don’t try to cover every possibility in one session. Those “maybe I’m a biker? Maybe I’m a barista? Maybe I’m a royal from 1742?” sessions just confuse casting.
Are Your Photos Current (Like, Actually You Right Now)?
If your hair is now silver but your headshots are chestnut, you’re gonna get side-eye the second you walk in the room. Same goes for weight changes, new glasses, or aging in general (which, by the way, is normal and beautiful and not a problem).
Casting directors aren’t worried about age — they’re worried about surprise. They want to know that the person walking in matches the person on the JPEG. Keep your shots updated every couple years, or any time you make a major change.
Do They Feel Like You?
Your headshots shouldn’t feel like an awkward prom portrait. They should feel like someone could have snapped them on your best day. Natural, relaxed, authentic. The more your essence shines through — that spark that makes people say, “Oh yeah, that’s Gary” — the more likely you are to get called in.
That means working with a photographer who gets it. Someone who talks to you, pulls you out of your head, captures your vibe. (No need to be a mannequin with forced expressions. You’re an actor. Act like yourself.)
Are You Showing Range (But Not Chaos)?
It’s smart to have a couple different looks that fit your type: maybe one warm and approachable, one with a little more edge. But keep it all on-brand. Don’t do a glamour shot, a hunting lodge camo shot, and a law firm partner shot all in the same portfolio. That’s just confusing.
Think about the roles you’re most likely to book — then tailor your shots to that. Make it easy for casting to slot you into a story.
Be Honest With Yourself (Or Ask Someone Who Will Be)
Sometimes we’re too close to our own faces to judge. If you’re not sure whether your headshots are helping or hurting, ask your acting coach, your agent, or even a brutally honest friend. Show them your shots and your self-submissions. Ask: “Would you call me in for these roles based on these photos?”
You might learn that the picture you love most is actually the least effective. It stings, but wouldn’t you rather know now?
Ready to Tighten Up Your Branding?
Your headshots are a huge piece of your actor brand. If you’re not crystal clear on your type — or how to figure it out so your photos don’t send mixed signals — that’s exactly what we cover in my Working Actor Starter Kit. It walks you through defining your brand, getting the right shots, and building a package that makes casting directors pay attention.
The short version?
Make sure your headshots look like you, sell the stories you’re right for, and give casting the confidence to say, “Yep, that’s our person.”
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