Commercial & Theatrical Headshots
Actor Headshots

First Commercial and Theatrical Headshots For New Actors

The Importance of Commercial and Theatrical Headshots

As a new actor, having a quality headshot is incredibly important. Your headshot is your first impression to casting directors, agents, and producers, and it’s what they will use to determine whether or not to bring you in for an audition. Therefore, it’s important that your headshot accurately represents who you are as an actor and person, and showcases your unique qualities and strengths.

First impressions are everything. As mentioned earlier, your headshot is your first impression. It’s what casting directors, agents, and producers see before they even meet you. Your headshot should accurately represent who you are as an actor and person, and convey your personality and energy. If your headshot is poor quality or doesn’t accurately represent you, it can negatively impact your chances of getting cast in a project. There are a lot of actors out there, and competition is fierce. Having a quality headshot can help you stand out from the crowd and catch the eye of casting directors, agents, and producers. A quality headshot can showcase your unique qualities and strengths, and make you more memorable in a sea of other actors.

The Difference between Commercial and Theatrical Actor Headshots

Theatrical Headshots:

Theatrical headshots are typically more serious and dramatic than commercial headshots. They are designed to showcase an actor’s range and versatility as a performer, and are often used for auditions for film, television, and theater. Theatrical headshots should convey a sense of depth and complexity, and should show the actor’s ability to convey emotion through their facial expressions.

According to casting director Karen Ryan, “Theatrical headshots should capture the actor’s essence and convey a sense of their personality. They should be engaging and show the actor’s unique qualities.”

When taking a theatrical headshot, it is important to choose a neutral background that won’t distract from the actor’s face. The lighting should be even and the focus should be on the actor’s eyes, which are the most important part of the photograph. Actors should also avoid overly stylized hair or makeup, and should dress in simple, understated clothing that doesn’t detract from their face.

Commercial Headshots:

Commercial headshots are typically more upbeat and friendly than theatrical headshots. They are designed to showcase an actor’s ability to convey a range of emotions in a more lighthearted and approachable way. Commercial headshots are often used for advertising and promotional materials, and are also used for auditions for commercials and other types of advertising.

According to casting director Beth Holmes, “Commercial headshots should be approachable and show the actor’s ability to convey a range of emotions. They should be bright, friendly, and engaging.”

When taking a commercial headshot, it is important to choose a background that is upbeat and vibrant. The lighting should be bright and the focus should be on the actor’s smile, which is the most important part of the photograph. Actors should also wear clothing that is bright and cheerful, and should have their hair and makeup styled in a way that is natural and approachable.

General Tips For Getting The Best Headshots

Hire a professiona photographer – According to Backstage, it’s important to invest in a professional photographer who has experience shooting headshots. They will know how to use lighting and angles to highlight your best features and bring out your personality in the photo.

Choose the right wardrobe – Your wardrobe can make or break your headshot. According to Actor’s Access, you should choose clothing that is simple and classic, without distracting patterns or logos. Stick to solid colors that complement your skin tone and avoid anything too trendy or flashy.

Focus on your eyes – Your eyes are the windows to your soul, so it’s important to make sure they’re in focus and well-lit. According to Backstage, you should look directly into the camera with a relaxed and confident expression.

Avoid heavy makeup – According to Backstage, you should avoid heavy makeup and stick to a natural look. The photo should represent how you look on a day-to-day basis, so don’t try to change your appearance too much.

Show range – According to Backstage, you should aim to show range in your headshots. This can include different expressions and poses that showcase your versatility as an actor.

What To Avoid In Your Actor Headshots

Amy Jo Berman is an award-winning former VP of Casting at HBO who has overseen the casting of more than 150 movies and series. She also runs a membership-based audition coaching program for those actors seeking a little help to be successful in their auditions. Her website https://amyjoberman.com/ has some really good resources both free and paid for Actors. In her article, Actor Headshots: 3 Things Most Actors Get Bass-acwards she notes some consistent trends are:

  • “Most actors have bad headshots.”
  • “Most Headshots don’t accurately represent you.”
  • “Most actor headshots get passed over and never grab the attention of the Casting Director.”

She goes on to claim, “Your headshot’s JOB is to get you an audition.” She focuses on 3 qualifications she sees in a “Great Actor Headshot”:

  • “It has to look like you.”
    The casting director has offered you an audition for a part which they understand the character in context of the script, the directors vision, producer notes, and they’re own selective experience. They called you in based on your photo because you look like what the wanted for the role. If you show up and don’t look like what the saw in your photo, you’ve already lost the part.
  • “It has to represent you”
    Don’t cultivate a look you can’t express in an audition. While your headshot might look like you accurately, it might not depict accurately what you can do in person in a fleshed out character.
  • “It has to stand out from the crowd… In a good way.”
    The best way to achieve this is to first hire a photographer who specializes in actor headshots. It’s important to work with someone who understands how to create great lighting that’s true to your image but accentuates your best features.