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

Actor Headshots Tips -- You need them. I know this because I am a Casting Director and I've seen thousands of actors headshots that don't work, will never get you auditions or acting jobs and I want to put a stop to it right now with these actor headshots tips to have you competing with professional actors because you ARE a professional actor.
01:35 Actor Headshots Tips #1: Find a Professional Actor Headshots photographer
02:12 Actor Headshots Tips #2: Before you get actor headshots make sure you know your branding
03:38 Actor Headshots Tips #3: What kind of headshots do you need?
03:55 Actor Headshots Tips #4: Extreme headshots aka what NOT to do
04:30 Actor Headshots Tips #5: What your actor headshots should have
05:24 Actor Headshots Tips #6: What to wear when getting actors headshot
05:50 Actor Headshots Tips #7: Make sure the headshot photographer's work has this
06:20 Actor Headshots Tips #8: Don't let your mom do this ;-)
06:30 Actor Headshots Tips #9 How close up should your actor headshot be?
06:54 Actor Headshots Tips #10 Bullet point summary about this Actor headshot tips video
07:05 Actor Headshots Tips #11 One more word about what to wear in your actor headshot
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
🔥 RESOURCES I CREATED FOR YOU!
FREE - 🎧 FLAWLESS AUDITION FOLLOW-UP PRIVATE PODCAST
In this private audio series, you'll discover the secret to staying on the radar of Casting Directors so you can get called in for all their projects (now and in the future).
Access it here⬇️ :
amyjoberman.com/lp/yt-flawles...
FREE - 🚀 ACTING CAREER “LEVEL JUMP” GUIDE
Wanna know how to get to the next level in your acting career faster?
Download your free "Level Jump" Guide and discover 7 unexpected acting career boosters so you can get on the most direct path to full-time working actor faster (whether you're new to acting or a seasoned pro)
Download here⬇️ :
amyjoberman.com/lp/yt-acting-...
FREE - ✅ ULTIMATE AUDITION PREP CHECKLIST
Want to prep your audition just how Casting Directors want to see them so you can book more?
Download this free checklist and get my simple 15 step process to prepare a powerful, juicy, BOOKABLE audition every time (from a Casting Director point of view).
Download here ⬇️:
amyjoberman.com/lp/yt-ultimat...
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
LIKED THIS VIDEO? WATCH MORE!
🎬 ACTING & AUDITION TIPS PLAYLIST:
“Acting Tip: Why Casting Directors REALLY Call You In To Audition”:
• Acting Tip: Why Castin...
“Audition Tips | How To Stand Out To Casting Directors”
• Audition Tips | How To...
“Self-Tape Audition Tip: The Best Time To Submit Is…”
• Self-Tape Audition Tip...
“Audition Avail or Pin But Didn't Get The Part? Here's Why... | Casting Director Advice For Actors”
• Audition Avail or Pin ...
“Audition Tips: Don't Make This Audition "Pacing" Mistake”:
• Audition Tips: Don't M...
“99.9% of Actors Fall Into This Audition Trap...Did You? (find out here...)”:
• 99.9% of Actors Fall I...
“AUDITION TIP | How To Nail Your Audition When You Get Bad Direction”:
• AUDITION TIP | How To ...
“Audition Tip "Cheat" For Every Actor That Has A Body (That's You!)”:
• Audition Tip "Cheat" F...
"Audition Tip: How To Finish Your Audition With A Bang”
• Audition Tip: How To F...
“Tips For An Audition: Why Casting Directors Secretly Sigh When Actors Do THIS in an Audition”
• Tips For An Audition: ...
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
👋 Say hi on social:
Instagram: / tipsonacting
Facebook: / tipsonacting
Twitter: / tipsonacting
◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️
• Actor Headshots Tips F...

[@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.

[@joeshmoe781]

being attractive helps loads. PERIOD.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@JudyCerda]

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

[@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.

[@celestesully3867]

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

[@terressamckennie4898]

Thank you Amy again for this advise. Awesome!!

[@trevorlane2090]

Great information here as always Amy Jo. Thanks!

[@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!

[@nicoledionneacting]

So great! Good reminders. Thank you Amy!

[@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.

[@monicacassey5662]

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

[@patriziamedrano]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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!

[@EbonyEdmondsOfficial]

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

[@TipsOnActing]

Awesome!

[@sr20slider38]

Great help! Thanks for clearing up some of the questions I had

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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:)

[@lamargresham8654]

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

[@jenniferandrada]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@scottalanberk]

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

[@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!

[@misskilp]

Thanks for this. I've been doing this a long time but it's still great to hear.

[@libraladykathi]

Thank you for all you do to help us newer actors! Found you just the other day and just love your input!

[@patriciarosario2478]

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

[@TipsOnActing]

:-)

[@riyafarhin6454]

This was so helpful, thank you so much for your videos!

[@r.n.harris7994]

Thanks Amy!! These tips REALLY helped me!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Kayemo1229]

Thanks for the great video. Finally updating my headshots and I wanted some last minute tips!

[@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!!!!

[@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. 🙏

[@brianmcquain3384]

awesome, defiantly going to share this.

[@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!

[@alalulu3426]

Thank you for the video! 💞

[@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!

[@Cassidykelly2011]

This is incredibly helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@judithfosterthompson]

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

[@kayjarassweiler7530]

I'm going for a new headshot shoot and this was very helpful! Thank you so much Amy!

[@App1der]

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

[@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.

[@AngeloftheBx]

Great tips. Thank you very Much!

[@CrystalTweed]

Loved it great tips!!!!!!!

[@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.

[@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👍

[@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!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@2kuzik]

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

[@IevaGeorges1]

Thank you Amy! Great tips

[@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?

[@CarolannUtley]

Thank so much for your tips! Fingers crossed :)

[@TipsOnActing]

!!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@leticiacasarotto1383]

Thanks for those tips!

[@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!

[@MrRbudden]

Thank you! That was very helpful. Much appreciated!

[@talyvasilyev312]

Thank you very much! You are super helpful!!! :)

[@LisaQuillman]

Thank you so much! That was helpful (sooooo) I'm taking a leap I'm 44 and nows my time to shine.

[@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!!

[@tiffanymcentee7916]

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

[@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!

[@lar9465]

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

[@Blastarr1]

I am a beginning photographer and this was very informative on taking headshots.

[@ingridhubert3649]

Ty Amy for your Expertise and willingness to mentor up and coming actors like myself. It took me 1 month to find quality and expertise. I will share my photo when I get scheduled, processed and in my hands. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to enlighten us for informed decision. You and everyone you work with please have a Fantastic day!🙂

[@jessicaelenadorta3492]

Awesome tips !! I have an audition tomorrow and this helps a lot when I go aufition physically. First I have video Audition. thank you so much !! I love you !! 🌷🌸💐

[@paquelasprisas]

Thank you for the tips! I´ve subscribed to your channel because I really like your closeness and clarity to explain. Keep on!

[@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!

[@ActorDahling]

Very good advice! I'm your newest follower!

[@nathanbottorff3372]

This was actually very helpful. Thank you!

[@TipsOnActing]

Great Nathan!! I'm happy to help.

[@brianafiume3829]

Thank you so much!!! Soo helpful:)

[@KJESTERMOR]

This was Great!!! Thank you for sharing

[@Dan-gn3fo]

Thanks for the video 💕

[@Petia_]

Thank you, Amy! Excellent advice! Your tips are very helpful.

[@TipsOnActing]

You're most welcome.

[@pinja2137]

Thank you for your advice, was really helpful!

[@TipsOnActing]

You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!