TIPS TO BOOST YOUR
ACTING PROFILE
Your actors headshot is your most important marketing tool. It’s your first impression, and the difference between looking professional or overlooked.
We’ve compiled 6 essential tips to help you stand out and catch a casting director’s attention.
CONSIDER YOUR OUTFIT
Keep outfits simple and neutral so the focus stays on your face. Avoid patterns and busy colours. Steer clear of shirts, as they can make your headshot look too corporate.
HAIR
Digital hair colouring rarely looks natural, so visit a salon beforehand if you’re planning a cut or colour. For braids, extensions or more complex styles, we recommend seeing a specialist in advance. Our hair and make-up service includes dry hair styling and make-up for all skin tones and is available as an add-on.
KEEP THE BACKGROUND SIMPLE
Casting directors no longer want to work through layers of black and white images nor do they want to see anything more than just your face. So rule out busy backgrounds such as street views, parks and brick walls. Give the viewer the opportunity to fit your profile into a scene.
LIGHTING MATTERS
Never underestimate the power of controlled and professional lighting. You can try to take a million selfies but you’ll never be able to recreate what the pros use. Your professional acting headshots photographer will have the skills to get you a vast range of looks.
FILTERS
The only digital work we recommend is some blemish removal and some colour correction. This is no time to go crazy with filters of any kind, casting directors want to see you as you are, however, we prefer them to see you as you are on your best day. Check out our gallery to see what we'‘re talking about.
RESPECT YOUR AUDIENCE
Never be late to an audition, respect the panel of experts that are hired to potentially hire you. Own the room and make sure you shine with self-confidence. Ask only valuable questions and make sure you tell your audience what value you can add to the production. Leave them wanting to see more.
“The ACTORS HEADSHOTS LONDON team are so much fun, professional and creative!”
— Crossroads Pantomimes
Actors Headshots London – Essential Tips for Performers
An actors headshot is the single most important marketing tool for any performer. Whether you’re an actor, entertainer, author, presenter or creative professional, your headshot is often the first, and sometimes only, impression a casting director, agent or producer will see.
In a competitive industry like London, where casting directors review hundreds of submissions every day, your actors headshot needs to work instantly. It should communicate professionalism, confidence and authenticity, while still feeling natural and current. A strong headshot helps you look castable, trustworthy and employable, not over-styled, outdated or amateur.
Your London actors headshot should clearly show you, not a character, filter or fashion trend. Casting professionals are looking for clarity, personality and honesty. If your headshot feels forced or overly produced, it can work against you.
At Actors Headshots London, we’ve worked with actors at every stage of their career, from drama school graduates to established professionals, and we know exactly what casting directors expect to see. The right preparation makes a huge difference to the final images.
That’s why we’ve put together our 6 essential actors headshot tips, designed to help you stand out, feel confident in front of the camera, and maximise your investment in professional headshots.
These tips will help you:
Look professional and castable in your actors headshots
Avoid common mistakes that can cost you auditions
Get the most out of your London headshot photography session
Create headshots suitable for agents, Spotlight, Casting Networks and personal websites
If you’re investing in professional actors headshots in London, following these guidelines will ensure your images reflect the performer you are, and the work you want to book.