Actor Headshots Tips From A Casting Director: Critical Headshots Tips That Every Actor Needs

[@actoraware]

It is so hard for a young actor. If you are lucky enough to get the right advice early it can literally save you a decade. Thankyou Amy Jo, great advice here, even for a seasoned professional like me. I will share this on my page.

[@paschaderkevics7575]

Thank you! Finally at 41 after years of acting, time to take it seriously. Just got headshots for Christmas and am very thankful for this video. Merry Christmas and blessings!

[@joeshmoe781]

being attractive helps loads. PERIOD.

[@TipsOnActing]

Thanks Eric! I will be doing a full webinar on headshots comin' up so stay tuned. :-) Traditionally you look into the camera, yes. Occasionally for various marketing/branding purposes you might choose otherwise, but stick to looking into the lens to be safe!

[@hue5030]

You can tell when someone works constantly in the thing that they are talking about just by the, passionate, way they express or try to express "oh so many things I want to say but don't have allot of time" Thank you for taking the time to post this. It was beyond helpful and supportive. Thank you Amy!

[@MaryAnnHalpinPhotography]

Thanks for this great video. I've photographed actors for 25 years and agree 100% with everything you've said. I am going to share this with my actor clients. I am continually amazing by the actors that show me their headshots from photographers (they say they are photographers) and the waste of time and money actors spend on "cheap" photographers who don't know what they are doing. Okay...I will get off my soap box. Keep up the great work giving great tips!

[@kingmissy]

Can I take headshots with red braids on? Would that be unprofessional?

[@tamairadanyluk5124]

As a Talent Manager, these are very helpful tips to pass on to clients. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to make this and more "tip" video's. New subscriber!

[@sahilgrewal7509]

do you still do talent managing?

[@TAS801]

Hi So my question is: where is the best place to put your name on the headshot? top? bottom? Lower right hand corner??

[@MicheleYeager777]

As an actor in a small market, I find it difficult to find someone who does GREAT headshot -and not just pretty pictures. Since I'm also a photographer, I started shooting headshots for my actor friends. I use the techniques we learn in our scene study class to get just what you mention here. I ask them similar questions that my acting coaches will ask so that I can get the depth from behind their eyes. Thanks for a great video!

[@davonrevels9184]

I highly appreciate all of the information that you’re putting out on your Channel. This is gold that we would typically have to pay for. Thank you.

[@TipsOnActing]

Thank you Davon :)

[@knightcurrie]

So glad to hear you reaffirm that actors only really need two main headshots. I think too many of us get bogged down in the idea that we have to have 4-5 looks for people to "get us" and/or our type. As a character actor, I have a "blue" collar headshot and a "white" collar headshot for film and TV projects. Some feedback I have received is that I do need an additional headshot for commercial casting. Thanks much for your continuing advice and insight - truly valued and appreciated!

[@DaMotaGaming]

Pretty Great Tips. From what my teacher/president of a private acting school I go to who is a casting agent. She told me to look as natural as can be. No makeup, no gel in your hair and no forced expression. Just a natural look with a smices (a smile of the eyes) and closed lips. No V-necks, or flashy colored shirts. Just a plain color and plain shirt such as a white t-shirt, grey or black, etc. ..As from what I've seen in the photographer's shots he took of me. A tiny smile maybe if you want. ..In thinking logically I don't think "trying to pose a picture of a character" would be a strong advice, your gonna send this headshot or a few others to many auditions/etc. with various roles so I don't see why you would (for example) send one headshot that you portray a mean character and send out for various roles and such.

[@laurenm.2166]

You hit the nail on the head with that comment. Especially for those just starting out, they might not know what they specialize in or maybe they can play a variety of characters.

[@DaMotaGaming]

Lauren M. Exactly! Thank you.

[@daylonsmithfarris-valtony4815]

Thanks man, you helped alot

[@ramanagal]

As a successful headshot photographer, I would add that in at least one of your commercial and one of your theatrical shots, DO show your teeth, unless they are not good for the roles you are seeking. A casting director once told me that if the teeth aren't showing, the assumption is that they are bad. Now if you are going for villain roles, gang members, accident survivor, etc., kind of roles, then you'd want to flash even those gnarly teeth that are perfect for many roles on, say "Twin Peaks" ;)

[@DH_Artist]

Alexander Da Mota my hair is long so I kinda HAVE to have it styled. Otherwise you can’t even see my face.

[@noaha.solomon4547]

A good and simple reminder of how to create stunning and correct headshots. I'll be coming back here often as a refresher.

[@erikad2195]

Great video! I am going to be in my very first showcase in July and I am so excited. Thank you so much for the headshots tips.

[@sidsau6547]

Very well captured the keys for a good headshot. Couldn't agree more to your comments about no distractions, reflect your type and not do anything extreme. Thank you for sharing

[@lindawilliams8715]

I am non-union just starting out to be in commercials and did not know where to start until I happen to run across your videos . Your tips are absolutely amazing, needed and greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

[@_VoiceMEL]

Great tips Amy, I'm on a mission to get my head shots to a point that CD's and Producers see them and think, " How can afford not to work with this guy" or "I gotta have him for something"... you said some things here that reiterated what I needed to focus on... Thanks again!

[@TipsOnActing]

You bet!

[@hporterstar]

You have really helped me. My headshots have been all over the place and not as focused on my type as they need to be. I will correct this right away! Thanks Amy

[@Charly-cr4zh]

Thank you so much Amy. Headshots are so important. Not just focusing on my own, I've started to freelance taking my acting buddies headshots and always strive to make them the most interesting at the right angles.

[@JudyCerda]

That was great advice Amy! Thank you for posting such a great video and it was very helpful.

[@EmilyVerdict]

I did a few photo shots till i finally got it! All my photos are working and getting me in and getting callbacks. I booked to print jobs. I want to do a print photo shoot next to get a print agent. Thanks Amy again spot on!

[@FenixPotter23]

Amy! I am re watching this and your other videos :) Head shots tomorrow! Auditions in May! Woohoo! Maybe I'll for real get to finally meet you :)

[@maryriitano]

Second watch - always pick up more tidbits each time I re-watch your vids. The comment about something going on behind the eyes resonated this time and shared the vid with a photographer here. Thanks a bunch for sharing. -mary

[@Spikee2013]

Spot on! UK market: pay attention, no busy clothing on the set, black t-shirt, black shirt, black dress are timeless classics. They always work best to frame you features. All the best

[@miccitoliver]

Thanks Amy. Very helpful indeed, especially your comments on "Branding". I'm a character actor, and I get cast for very odd characters. My headshots do not reflect that, my auditions do. I'm in the SF commercials market. My market is LA. So, I will pay very close attention to what my "Brand" is, and get a headshot that reflects that. Thanks again.

[@PaulSonnier]

This is very helpful. I got head shots earlier this year and not impressed with them, I should of listened to my dad who is in the entertainment industry. Lets just say lesson learned. I talked with one of my acting coaches along with other actors I know and they told and showed me exactly what you're talking about. Now I'm on going to have a meet and greet with a professional out here to see what they can offer to me to have outstanding professional looking head shots that pop. I've been impressed by the work I've seen and excited to get these done. Thank you for the advice.

[@2kosher]

Great advice, as always, Amy Jo! Long video this go round, but it went by fast! Like the: 1) "Something goin' on behind the eyes!" advice. 2) Not too charcactery. 3) Not too tight a shot - get shoulders in shot. Like your KZbin headshot, and nice earrings, btw!

[@smedheat]

Smiley headshot. Serious headshot. so true.

[@LisaMissMontana]

I am a NEW SUBSCRIBER...and I cannot thank you ENOUGH for all your advice and dedication to inform us on what and what NOTs...It has truly helped me ALREADY and I am landing role after role right now....THANK YOU!!!!

[@MsKPJ]

Great tips, and it wasn't until I knew this that I started getting positive responses to my photos. I still see here in LA a lot of actors who make the very mistakes you pointed out. Thank you for taking the time to share this information.

[@rlad581]

Dear Ms. Berman; You can't believe how much this helps people like me who are just starting out (4 year into it). I have never Auditioned for a Major Casting Director (yet)!

[@TipsOnActing]

So glad Richard!

[@kelseygrace1228]

Thanks for answering the questions I had and more... Heading to my first SETC and want to make sure I'm armed with new headshots! Thanks so much!

[@TipsOnActing]

You're very welcome!

[@brucecampbell7457]

Thanks so much for this. Really helpful to remember the POV of someone who has dozens of these things spread out in front of them.

[@deewonda1952]

This video is so valuable to me! I'm professional photographer moving into headshot/portrait photography and this helps me to "sharpen my steel!" Thank you!

[@charlesetubiebi6801]

Hi Amy, thanks for the tips. very helpful and very precise. i will apply it in my next head-shot photo session.

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome Charles :)

[@CAASi-The-Artist]

Thank you so very much for this video! I'm so glad I stopped to do a little more research because I was on the verge of attempting DIY headshots (I know I'm slapping my hand). You by way of this video have saved my career from am early suicide. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!

[@MudgeFamily]

Thank-You so much!! I'm only 13 and launching my acting career and I've got a head shots session coming up but I had no idea what to wear or what to do or what makes a good headshot in the first place. This was great advice

[@MudgeFamily]

My headshots turned out great, thanks to this advice!

[@freddylrobinson3751]

Great advice! Thanks so much Amy. I just had an LA acting management agency invite me to submit for representation. Definitely going to make sure I have two new headshots done with the two different looks.

[@liltaz1921]

I am new just beginning my career and this is clear and directive. It helped me validate my ideas and plan for how I want to begin marketing myself. Thank you for the FREE information.

[@jdigiorgio]

I'm a professional photographer in the LA area. Been shooting actor's head shots, altho it's not my primary focus as a shooter, since the late 70s. Interesting how everything you said is advice that's as on-point today as it was in the late 70s. The vast majority of head shots were in B&W until more recently, but all that other stuff you spoke about hasn't changed much, if at all.

[@sela930]

Hey Amy! Just took a class at AHC for commercial auditions and applied the stuff from your audition class! It really helped nail some good first audition takes and I booked my 2nd audition ive had with this new agent since moving to LA. Thanks so much! Auditioning IS the job! Love your info!

[@TipsOnActing]

Hi Michael! Thank you :) Congrats on your victories!

[@parisraysbiggestfan]

I'm glad to hear you said to have a warm smile in the headshot! My professional actor teenage daughter Paris Rose Yates is due for new headshots and she definitely agrees with the warm smile. Hoping her agent will agree with those shots. :) It is always great to get the perspective of a casting director. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@vampbast]

Awesome Amy!! I learned the hard way about getting headshots, but I found my photographer that can capture really interesting things with me. I loved all the other tips too about how to dress (type/character). As always very helpful.

[@lamargresham8654]

THANK YOU JESUS!!!! wonderful help i don't know what i would did without seeing your video.

[@wagzcan7224]

Thank you very much! This is something that I've been discouraged from most of my life but something like most people, have dreamed about. So now as they say it's time for me to get to doing what I'm pretty sure I will love and see where life leads me. Again Thank you for the advice.

[@App1der]

I really appreciate you on this advise..you gave a brilliant expression @ 05:06.Thanks much Amy !!

[@kelliconnolly4338]

This video is definitely going to steer my headshots in the right direction. I am very excited about the class tonight via webinar!

[@TipsOnActing]

Awesome!

[@iampraiya588]

Thank you so so much! I’m into finding the best way to do my daughter’s head short for the agencies that asked for them. 🙏

[@oah555]

I am in Thousand Oaks, CA and I think you so much for taking time out to help people understand what people are looking for. I'm Sag-Aftra from my role in "Boogie Nights" and am looking to get back in. Your video was very useful. I am just not sure what size my portfolio should be.

[@LindaEicher]

loved these tips.. looked back at some "professional" shots from 20 years ago and they were awful!!! Thanks Amy for giving back to the arts community!

[@blitzocarnie2361]

This was very useful thanks ! I do feel guilty my headshots haven't been updated..get this almost three years!!!!! My agent has blasted me , but due to weight problems it has kind of hurt me , so now that I have dropped so much poundage I think I'm ready !

[@padabo75]

Thank you so much for this information. This is extremely helpful to me personally. I hope my own headshots fall into the "do" category.

[@82hair]

I found this video very helpful because I have a teenage son who is a professional actor and was always confused about what headshots he should have....thanks for this video.

[@melanievictor_realtor]

Thanks SO much for this video... I will be taking my headshots next weekend with a professional photographer in San Francisco so this video is just what I needed to see thanks again =)

[@jimbird2131]

I am an amateur studying to become a headshot photographer. I appreciate your candor and perspective on what YOU are looking for as a casting director. As I think about it, it's a no brainer. Your video will be in the back of my mind when I direct the people I have in front of my camera. Thank you.Jim

[@TipsOnActing]

Awesome Jim!

[@jenniferandrada]

Thank you again, Amy! Great video. Just had my new shots done but will keep my notes from this for next time!

[@askchrishetrades]

THanks. Resident of South Florida looking to get into acting again by starting with head shots. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheLisaONeal]

Trust me this isn't my headshot... Lol! Great advice! I look forward to seeing more of your videos Amy:) Thanks for helping us actors:)

[@ramanagal]

Thank you very much, Amy Jo! These are all things I have learned as a headshot photographer. I also do other kinds of photography, like performing arts photography, and had a rude awaking when, after doing that for some time, thought I could just breeze into headshots. The arrogance I had! Nope to everyone who thinks these are just photos of a face. They are essential tools of a working professional actor's life and worth doing right. In fact, I would say putting bad ones out into the world are the opposite of helpful, for the actor and the photographer. There seem to be a lot of photogs who shoot big-name actors that I wouldn't hire--these were not the shots that got them their first gigs, as another poster mentioned. My only suggestion to add clarity is to perhaps show side-by-side examples of good and bad headshots, maybe blocking out the eyes with a black bar, ha ha, to protect the identities of those unfortunate, ripped-off actors, unless they agree to it. Thank you, again!

[@2kuzik]

Super helpful! These are important things to know for someone who's new to acting

[@djnotroh]

This is fantastic! I've had a gut feeling that I've needed to get into acting for years and finally decided to go for it, but had no idea where to start. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you!

[@TipsOnActing]

WOOHOO!

[@vickiclare8596]

I'm going to get new headshots in a few days. Thanks so much for the video - it affirmed a lot of what I'm doing and also cleared a few things up for me. Very helpful!

[@kathykrolik2088]

Thanks for the tips! I have a HS daughter who is pursing musical theater and I appreciate the help you provide!

[@kezza269]

thank you very much for this tip...now will have to get new pics taken, this could be why I'm not being selected for any roles. I did have a professional photographer to take my last lot of pics, but now I know what to look for..thanks once again.

[@TipsOnActing]

That could be it! You're very welcome!

[@trevorlane2090]

Great information here as always Amy Jo. Thanks!

[@megancorson9897]

Thank you Amy... very helpful to clarify and focus me just before my headshots were done (by a professional headshot photographer) ;-)

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome Megan! Good luck :)

[@patriziamedrano]

Great tips Amie! Thank you for your time in putting this together!

[@ThePrettypaw]

Thank You so much for the tips, it explains so much as to why I dont get work. I honestly dont know what type I am . I know I work better in and with groups. I do not mind not being the lead.

[@brianj009]

Thank you Amy that was VERY helpful. I had my headshots done by a pro years ago and he did all those thigs you said. Getting new ones this weekend and just saw your video. really helped remind me of what to do for the soot. Thank you again!

[@TipsOnActing]

You bet!!

[@MatthewHildebrand-kn2dj]

Extremely helpful! I was debating, since I live in Houston, where to get my head shots done, and you sort of clarified it out for me. Thank you!

[@steveispeter]

This video was great. I just had Head Shots done and my photographer fit everything you said. That not only makes me more confident and comfortable with my new HeadShot photographer. See you At the Webinar Thursday. :)

[@tiffanymcentee7916]

As a photographer trying to build a base of pro headshots, this video is very helpful for myself and my clients!

[@terressamckennie4898]

Thank you Amy again for this advise. Awesome!!

[@Lornicopia]

I also wanted to Thank You for your last video on social media! From March 9 to April 7 I had 5,138 views on my page. 21,233 minutes watched which breaks down to 353.88 hours of viewership. I also had 7 new subscribers! I can't tell you how excited I am! I will certainly take your advice when approaching my acting as well! You know what you are doing,and I am so glad you are willing to share your experience!

[@prpro1973]

Amy Jo, thanks for this. I have a shoot (first time) this upcoming weekend and was having a bit of anxiety about what to wear/how to look. I'm signed with an agency and really needed another opinion.

[@patriciarosario2478]

you are so impactful!!! I HAVE LEARNED ALOT!!! I CANT WAIT TO GO TO MY FIRST CASTING CALL

[@TipsOnActing]

:-)

[@melissaarriaga4467]

Thank you so much for sharing you're advice. I have thought about acting for a while and your tips will help me find the right photographer.

[@TipsOnActing]

I think there great if that is your specific branding! Make the decision that is best for you!

[@nicoledionneacting]

So great! Good reminders. Thank you Amy!

[@carlchilders6069]

Amy...thank you so much for imparting your insight to us out here across the virtual void. I am new, as in the last year, to acting and I have found your videos to be quite helpful.

[@stormcloakgirl4876]

Very informative, thank you! I'm planning on starting to act in Austin, TX. There are many non-paying acting positions available for student films and I thought that might be a good place to start out. But first I need to find a photographer to take head shots with, and this video gave many useful tips! Thank you for these videos!

[@matthewgale7341]

Thank you for this. Before I became a photographer, I was involved in theatrical production and management. Now I specialize in theatrical photography so I get a lot of requests for headshots. WAY too often, I get a client who insists on the crazy face, the wild location, or the glamour shot. The client hires me and pays me so I take the shots the client asks for. But I know it's wrong. And when I get the simple, clear shot that shows the light in the eyes, they aren't happy because they think it won't stand out from the other actors. If you could, when you give actors headshot advice, tell them to trust the photographer. Anyone who has their picture taken tends to lose perspective. When someone knows that their photo will be literally judged , they tend to have even less perspective. Actors need to learn to treat the subject/photographer relationship just like the actor/director relationship. My advice for actors looking for headshots is: 1. Find a photographer whose portfolio you love AND takes pictures of actors just like you well. 2. Do what they tell you to do. Thanks for the video. I just reposted it. I think it will help me convince some doubters of these important concepts.

[@TipsOnActing]

It depends on your specific marketing/branding. If you are going out for 12-14year old roles then your wardrobe should reflect that, but do not go over board!! We want to see your personality, but you don't necessarily want to pigeon-hole yourself either. I wish I could explain this more effectively here, but it would really take getting to know you better and review your materials. Hope this helps!

[@craiggoalie]

Great refresher My first headshots where all that you said my last ones twenty years later I had forgotten all that stuff great great reminder thank you

[@celestesully3867]

You are the bidnezz!! Thanks so much for sharing these videos with us. Have a beautiful start to your 2017!!

[@TheFearlessRadio]

Ha ha Amy! My headshots stink & I know it, not because of any of the outrageous things you noted except that maybe they were done by a professional photographer who specializes more in theater shots, weddings & graduations. I am getting new ones later this summer!! Then look out world!! :)

[@LorraineBalun]

Interesting and things I didn't know. Glad I watched the entire video.

[@judithfosterthompson]

Thank you. I just took professional headshots and your tutorial helped me decide on my two shots out of the 160.

[@lar9465]

Great professional advice given in a friendly down to earth manner. Thank you

[@EbonyEdmondsOfficial]

You have no idea how helpful this was! I've been looking for Sethjg like this for ages!' Thank You!

[@TipsOnActing]

Awesome!

[@BB120776]

It does. And since I tend to get comedic roles more often, I suppose at least a slight smile would be in order. Thank you.

[@AnaResse]

Definitely found this helpful. Thanks for making this vid three years ago. The content is clearly relevant today. I had my first round of headshots done about a month ago. Narrowing down from 200+ to four photos for retouch is daunting. My conservatory instructors offered to give their opinions. However, getting down to just 20 to hand over to them is driving me nuts. I have two looks - one with straight hair and one with my hair in its natural state. Ideally I'll retouch two straight and two natural. I know I should be looking for that 'sparkle' in the eyes but AHHHHHHH I don't know if I'm seeing sparkle or twinkle or what. I will think my eyes look dead or I'm too smiley and that same shot will get tons of likes on the Facebook. Anyhoo, thanks so much for your videos!

[@BrigitteMillaractress]

Thank you, Amy! I have several headshots in the style you mentioned...I love your videos, very informative, please keep up the good work...

[@lizbethharrison]

Thank you for the great tips. I would love to see actual headshots that have made you stop from turning the page to the next photo.

[@tomcline205]

Thank you for the great information. I am brand new and will be looking to get head shots real soon. Now I hope you have video on how to figure out your type.

[@josephineenglish]

Subscribed - need to watch all your tips, they're really helpful for a beginner like me. I'm looking to get headshots done soonish so need all the info possible. Thanks for doing this!

[@TipsOnActing]

You're welcome!

[@scottalanberk]

As always, BIG thank you for all of your tips & videos...

[@drkdgk]

Gratitude, You are a very kind and giving soul. I really look forward too meeting you, have a great week... :-)

[@monicacassey5662]

I am taking my first head shots this Sunday and I'm glad to hear these tips! Thank you!

[@faruma100]

can you show some examples of good or bad headshots - would be v helpful

[@lslx7120]

Farheen Pasha your hot

[@shujasami2884]

Agreed to you farheen pasha👍