What to Wear for Actor Headshots in Cincinnati: Expert Guide from a Local Photographer

If you've ever stood in front of your closet before a headshot session, paralyzed by indecision, you're not alone. It's the most common question I get from Cincinnati actors: "What should I wear?"

Here's the truth: your wardrobe can make or break your headshot. After photographing hundreds of actors submitting to Heyman Talent, Helen Wells Agency and other local talent agencies; I've seen what works—and what doesn't.

Let me walk you through exactly what to wear, so you can show up confident and ready to nail your session.

The Golden Rule: Dress for Your Type

Before we talk specifics, understand this: your headshot isn't about looking generically attractive. It's about looking like you on your best day, in the roles you actually book.

You don't need to dress as a character—no costumes or period pieces. Instead, think about the types of roles you want to book when you're planning your outfits. Ask yourself: What roles am I auditioning for right now? What do casting directors see when they look at my resumé?

If you're targeting regional theater work at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, your wardrobe strategy will differ from someone pursuing commercial work in the Midwest market.

Wardrobe Basics That Work for All Headshots

Whether you're shooting theatrical or commercial headshots, these fundamentals apply across the board.

Patterns or Solids?

Patterns are tempting, but they rarely photograph well. That floral blouse or striped button-down? They'll compete with your face for attention. Instead, choose solid colors that complement your skin tone.

That said, there are exceptions. Patterns can work beautifully for comedic headshots or when you're going for a more playful vibe. They also work well when layered under a jacket or sweater—you get just a hint of visual interest without overwhelming your face.

The Power of Layers

Here's something I can't emphasize enough: bring layers. I always encourage my actors to bring a jacket or two, a sweater, a 3/4 zip—things like that. Layering makes changing your look incredibly easy during the session. We can shoot with the jacket on, then off. We can try the sweater over a different base layer. Each combination creates a new look without requiring a full outfit change.

But layers do more than just give us variety. They add dimension—not only to your clothing but to the character a casting director might be looking for. A button-down with a blazer reads differently than that same button-down with a cardigan. One says "corporate professional," the other says "approachable teacher." Same base, completely different casting type.

Necklines Matter More Than You Think

Your neckline creates a frame for your face. For most actors, a simple crew neck or v-neck works best, but don't be afraid to experiment.

Turtlenecks can be fantastic, especially for theatrical headshots. They draw the focus even more to your face and can help minimize any neck or jawline concerns you might have. The clean, simple line of a turtleneck keeps all the attention exactly where it should be—on your eyes and expression.

What you want to avoid: boat necks. They're just awkward all around and create unflattering horizontal lines across your shoulders.

The "Just Off Camera" Test

Here's my favorite test: Could you walk into an audition wearing this outfit? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track.

Your headshot should look like you showed up to the audition early and someone said, "Hey, can we get a quick photo?" Natural. Authentic. Castable.

Theatrical Headshots: The Moody Approach

For theatrical headshots—the kind you'll upload to Actors Access—think timeless and character-focused. Theatrical headshots are generally more moody with lighting and expression, so choose clothing that fits that vibe.

Color Choices for Theatrical

You wouldn't necessarily wear bright "happy" colors for a theatrical headshot. Deeper tones often work beautifully: rich blues, burgundies, forest greens, and even blacks and whites. These colors photograph with depth and help create that dramatic, moody quality that theatrical headshots need.

Don't be afraid of white or black—they can look stunning in the right hands. A skilled photographer knows how to handle white without blowing it out and can use black to create beautiful dimension in your features.

Commercial Headshots: Approachable and Relatable

Commercial headshots require a slightly different approach. These are the shots you'll use for commercial auditions and your IMDb profile.

For commercial work, you want to look approachable, friendly, and relatable. Think "person you'd trust to sell you insurance" or "friendly neighbor with the perfect lawn."

Brighter Colors Work Here

Unlike theatrical shots, commercial headshots can handle brighter, more saturated colors. A bright blue, warm orange, or even a cheerful yellow can work beautifully—especially if you're targeting spokesperson or lifestyle commercial roles.

The Midwest commercial market loves authenticity and relatability. Your wardrobe should say "real person" not "trying too hard."

Don't Forget the Glasses

And while we're talking about commercial work—bring glasses if you can, even if you don't normally wear them. What if an eyeglasses ad comes up? That casting director might be swayed if they see you in glasses and like your look. It's another way to show range and open up more commercial opportunities.

What Not to Wear: Hard Rules

Let me save you some headaches. Here's what almost never works:

Logos and Branding

Try to avoid visible logos and branding. That Nike swoosh or your favorite band's logo can date your headshot and create legal issues for commercial use. Logo-free is always best.

That said, if you really love a particular item, I can usually edit out small logos in post-production. But it's easier for both of us if you bring logo-free options when possible.

Sleeveless Tops

Arms are incredibly expressive in headshots, and sleeveless tops can create unflattering lines and shadows. Even tank tops with wider straps tend to photograph better than spaghetti straps.

There are exceptions—if sleeveless is genuinely part of your type—but for 95% of actors, sleeves work better.

Busy Jewelry

Your grandmother's statement necklace might be beautiful, but it's competing with your face. Keep jewelry minimal and classic. Small earrings for women. Maybe a simple watch for men. That's it.

Overly Trendy Pieces

Fashion trends come and go. Your headshot needs to last 1-2 years minimum. That ultra-trendy cut or style that's everywhere right now? It'll date your headshot within six months.

Stick with classic cuts and timeless styles.

Cincinnati-Specific Considerations

Working in the Cincinnati market has some unique aspects worth considering.

Midwest Authenticity

The Cincinnati market values authenticity over polish. You're not shooting for LA or New York here—you're shooting for regional work, industrial films, and Midwest commercials.

Heyman Talent and Helen Wells Agency want to see the real you. Not an overly styled, magazine-perfect version. Just you, looking great.

Seasonal Flexibility

If you're shooting in summer but audition season hits in fall, consider bringing one long-sleeved option to your session. It gives your headshots more seasonal flexibility without requiring a whole new session.

The Two-Outfit Strategy

For most of my actor sessions, I recommend bringing two distinct looks:

Look 1: Your Primary Type

This is the outfit that screams "this is the role I book most often." For many Cincinnati actors, this might be business casual, approachable professional, or "relatable Midwesterner."

Look 2: Your Range

This is the outfit that shows casting directors you have range. If your primary type is "young professional," maybe your second look is "edgy artist" or "athletic type."

The goal isn't to look like a completely different person. It's to show the breadth of roles you can authentically play.

Before Your Session: The Final Checklist

48 Hours Before:

• Try on everything you're planning to bring
• Check for wrinkles, stains, missing buttons
• Make sure everything still fits the way you remember

The Night Before:

• Steam or iron everything
• Lay out your complete outfits (including shoes—yes, they affect your posture)
• Remove any clothing tags or stickers

Day of Session:

• Bring 3-5 outfit options—if you want to bring more, that's totally fine, we'll choose the best pieces together
• Arrive with natural-looking makeup (if you wear base, match your face to your neck)
• Bring your makeup, hairbrush, and any hair tools you might need—I have all the other necessities in studio

What About Hair and Makeup?

Your hair should look like your hair on an audition day. Not your "special occasion" hair. Not your "lazy Sunday" hair. Your "I have an important audition" hair.

For women: Natural makeup that enhances rather than transforms. Think polished, not dramatic. If you normally wear makeup to auditions, wear similar makeup to your session.

For men: Grooming matters. If you normally have facial hair, keep it trimmed and shaped. If you're clean-shaven, shave the morning of your session.

The Real Secret: Confidence

Here's what I've learned after thousands of headshot sessions: the right outfit matters, but confidence matters more.

When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in your eyes. Your shoulders relax. Your smile becomes genuine. You become present rather than self-conscious.

So yes, follow the guidelines above. But also trust your instincts. If an outfit makes you feel powerful and authentic, that matters more than any rule.

Ready to Book Your Session?

The actors I work with in Cincinnati—the ones submitting to Heyman Talent and building their Actors Access profiles—they understand that great headshots start with great preparation.

Your wardrobe is just one piece of that preparation, but it's an important one.

If you're ready to create headshots that actually get you in the room, let's talk. I work with actors at every stage of their career, from first headshots to seasoned professionals updating their look.

Book your Cincinnati actor headshot session, and let's create images that open doors.

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Kim Dalton is a Cincinnati-based headshot photographer specializing in theatrical and commercial headshots for actors. Her work has helped hundreds of local actors book with regional agencies and land roles in Midwest productions.