Headshot Advice


As an actor, getting headshots is one of the most important steps. There are many considerations and tips, and this website aims to help you as much as possible.

Finding a good photographer

Finding a good photographer for the right price can be a tricky business in Los Angeles. There are hundreds of photographers, some great, some not so great. How can you pick out the good ones?
  • Look at their website. Do they even have one? If they are good, they should be making money. If they are making money, they should be able to afford the expense of a website.
  • Is their website professional and smart-looking? If their website is not visually satisfying, perhaps your headshots won't be either.
  • Look closely at the photographs in their portfolio. Imagine you are a casting director looking through a stack of pictures. If you came across these headshots, would you say "Yes, this is someone I might want to work with" or would you pass? Does it look like the actor is just looking at the camera, or do they seem to have a thought which communicates something to you? It is the photographer's job to coach an interesting expression out of the actor. Many photographers don't know how to do this - the result is a nice headshot that ends up on the discard pile.

    Preparing for your shoot

    So you picked out a photographer. Hopefully they will have called you and discussed wardrobe, make-up and hair with you (if they haven't, this is also a red flag). As part of your preparation you should:
  • Know your casting! Lots of actors show up for a shoot with a photographer expecting the photographer to know how the actor could be cast. A photographer can certainly help, but it's much better if you talk it over with other actors, your teachers past and present, your agent, casting directors. Get a feel for the kind of roles you are most suited for, and then try to get headshots that reflect that.
  • Once you know your casting, you can decide on wardrobe, hair and makeup. You may also want to dig out some scripts and sides from jobs or scenes you have worked to give you material that can help you get into different headspaces in the shoot. The camera captures your mood and headspace. Give yourself as much help getting to interesting places as you can!
  • Get plenty of rest the night before the shoot

    The shoot

  • Show up well rested and make sure you have all your wardrobe!
  • Treat the shoot as an audition. Bring as much professionalism and energy to the shoot as you would to an audition. After all, these shots will be representing you for the next year or so. Make them as good as you can.
  • If there are any questions you have on your mind, ask them. You don't want to have questions niggling away at you as you are trying to look your best!
  • Try to get to know the photographer and build rapport. Rapport is a two-way street. Your pictures will look stronger and more genuine if you and the photographer have spent some time getting to know each other. Do not expect them to make all the effort, even though you are paying them. They are people too, and will appreciate you making some effort socially. You'll both have more fun and the shots will come out better.

    Recommended photographers

    We recommend:
    Kevyn Major Howard
    Ken Weingart
    Bruce Wood
    Michael Calas

    Also check out Shop Loops for some great wardrobe ideas!

    Best of luck on your shoot!