— Why You Need One and What to Expect
-By Tiffany Schultz
Actors are my favourite subjects. Working with people who are accustomed to performing and usually comfortable being directed is refreshing and often really fun.
What sets an actors headshot apart from any other type of photoshoot is AUTHENTICITY. A great headshot has the ability to capture your personality, accentuate your unique features and your versatility of expression. As a photographer, when I am shooting an actor, I need to keep the purpose of the photos in mind, I need to keep the lighting simple and set up to bring out a person’s features. I also need to spend a bit of time getting to know the person so that I can bring out their personality and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
What Are They Used For?
Actor’s headshots are used by professional actors in two main scenarios: for auditions, to hand to a casting director, usually printed 8×10 size in black and white (increasingly in colour and digitally these days) for them to reference when they are making decisions about whether to cast the actor in a role or not. And then, for personal PR usage, such as on an actors website, social media and casting websites. They may also be used, in theatre, inside a programme along with an actor’s biography.
What They Are NOT
An Actor’s headshot is NOT a model portfolio and the two should not be conflated. It is also NOT a corporate headshot so avoid work attire or classic formal work poses. A defining characteristic of an actors headshot is how natural they are. The focus is not beauty, not the body or the clothes and how they sit on the person, the focus is on the EYES, how the speak, how they convey the person’s character, emotion, how they connect with an audience.
They are therefore traditionally cropped quite tightly either from the waist up or shoulders up.
What Casting Directors Look For
Casting directors want to see what you look like on an ordinary day. Not what you look like after a two hour long styling session.
They usually have a clear idea of the character or personality type and look they are going for for a part. If an actor feels they fit the description, it is helpful if they have a set of headshots they can select from which match that. Therefore I always ask an actor what sort of roles they see themselves in (if a novice) or what roles they tend to go for or get cast for. This gives us the ability to do some shots with that in mind.
This is subtle and not over the top. For example, if an actor is an action film sort of guy and is after those sort of roles, we may play with that a bit and capture some more serious expressions and poses that show strength and bravery. If a person is a character actor and likes playing villains, we may do some slightly dramatic lighting and capture an intense, menacing stares into the camera. These are what we would call ‘character shots’.
Having said this, though, the main set of headsets should be natural and relaxed looking directly into the camera, connecting with the viewer. Some smiling broadly, some more serious.
Preparing for An Actors Headshot
If you are having an actors headshot for the first time, here is what you need to know:
- Take two or three changes of clothing or shirt / top. One more casual, one more formal, and one which fits roughly with a character you may be cast for. For example, men may bring a v-neck sweater or t-shirt, a jacket to throw over it. No fancy dresses or evening-wear.
- Keep clothing simple and non distracting. So no bold patterns, bright contrasting colours or stripes. Think about how a neckline frames your face, so a v-neck or polo, cowl or collar can lead the eye up to the face nicely. Stick to neutrals or a single solid colour that compliments your skin and eyes. Textures can be nice to enhance a familiar, pleasant feeling.
- Keep makeup natural and light. Wear what you usually wear. If you are a lipstick kind of girl, wear lipstick, if not, go for a light gloss. Arrive prepared. Use powder to avoid shine. Men can also use a bit of powder for the same reason if they choose to.
- Similarly keep hair natural and simple, don’t get it cut the day before… and avoid fancy styling.
- Try not to hold a stiff smile or facial expression. Practice in a mirror beforehand. It’s about subtle shifts which can change the meaning of a glance or expression.
- Arrive well rested and hydrated.
- Relax, be yourself and have fun!
Tiffany Schultz
Tiffany Schultz is a South African photographer and co-founder of the Courtyard Playhouse, working between the Western Cape and Dubai. With more than a decade of experience capturing performers and creatives, she understands exactly what actors need from a headshot: authenticity, clarity and a photograph that works hard in the casting room. Her background in design and visual storytelling shapes a practical, actor-centred approach — no gimmicks, no over-styling, just honest images that let directors see the person, not the filter. Whether shooting emerging artists or seasoned professionals, she focuses on expression, nuance and the quiet confidence that helps actors stand out for the right reasons.