Headshot Advice

Headshot requirements:

1. Portrait photo

2. Eyes are the most important part of the headshot

3. 8x10 size

4. No makeup/minimal makeup

5. Not close up of the face but with some shoulder

6. Stay away from angles

7. Simplistic fashion

8. Natural lighting is better than studio lighting (Natural light gives a very real, “film” look)

Black and white headshots are rarely used now as a coloured headshot shows what you actually look like such as skin colour, eye colour and hair colour. Black and white headshots are used in opera, but are used to show hair colour as a neutral element as hair colour and makeup can change due to hair dye. This gives the director an idea of who they can make the actor into and adds depth. Headshots are used in open auditions as well to make it easier for the panel to identify who the actor is as they won’t know them personally.

It is best to have at least two different headshots; One commercial and one theatrical. The commercial one usually requires a warm smile and is used in musical theatre and commercial auditions. The purpose of this headshot is to show the director the real you. The theatrical headshot should be used in theatre, film, soap auditions and it should be serious. The purpose of this is to show the directors can have a blank canvas of who you are so they can build upon who you are.