As an actor, how many headshots do I need?

One of the most frequent questions I hear is, “how many headshots do I need?”. The real answer depends on whether you’re an actor or model.

We’ll cover actors (meaning those of all genders who act) in this post.

A working actor should seriously consider having 4-6 headshots, depending upon the type of roles they pursue. Let’s look at the two different styles of headshots actors can use to land gigs in film, television series, theatre, web, and advertising.

COMMERCIAL: This is the most important type of headshot. It is usually brightly lit and showcases your look with a warm smile. It’s not about your wardrobe or specific poses. It’s about YOU. It should be an image that clearly states, “this is me”. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to have several shots that allow you to express or suggest characters for which you might be ideal (boy next door, businesswoman, lawyer, athlete, etc). This is where you want to pay close attention to wardrobe, poses, and facial expressions. The goal here is to allow the casting director to easily see you in the role.

THEATRICAL: This type of shot is often characterized by darker tones and deeper shadows. Again, it is meant to give the casting director an idea of how you may look; but in a more dramatic role (cop, villain, addict, etc). You and your photographer will want to discuss wardrobe, facial expressions, and body positioning.

It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole and overthink your headshots. How many poses? How many outfits? Do I look the part? It’s a good idea to discuss all of your ideas with your photographer in advance before deciding on the quantity that’s right for you.

If you’re interested in getting new headshots, you can contact me here.