Actor Headshot Styling Tips

Your Calling Card for Success in the Industry

Actor Headshot Styling Tips

Your Calling Card for Success in the Industry

First impressions happen in 1/10th of a second. Make yours count with professional headshots that showcase your unique personality and casting range.

Why Your Headshot Matters

1/10th

of a second to make a first impression

2 Years

Maximum time between headshot updates

Multiple

Looks to showcase your versatility

Wardrobe Essentials

The Foundation

Basic Color Staples

Include these as part of your wardrobe variety — but don't limit yourself to only these colors. Bring options that showcase your casting range:

White: Clean, versatile, shows confidence
Gray: Neutral, professional, timeless
Black: Dramatic, sleek, focuses on face
Add Color: Blues, greens, burgundy, and other colors that complement your complexion and show character variety

Clothing Styles

•Perfect Fit: Clothing that fits well is essential. Too-tight clothing will pull at the buttons and cause unwanted gaps and wrinkles. Clothing that is too loose will make you look larger than you are.
•Style Options: Tank tops, well-fitted t-shirts, and turtlenecks are all great choices. Turtlenecks can look particularly chic when paired with the right outfit and cover a multitude of cosmetic issues at the same time.
•Color Selection: Colors that complement your eyes and skin tone
•Preparation: Pressed, wrinkle-free clothing is essential

The Power of Layering

Layering is essential for actors. It saves time during your session by allowing quick wardrobe changes without completely switching outfits. But more importantly, layering mirrors the organic transformation that happens when actors embody their characters — each layer adds depth, dimension, and a new facet of personality.

Bring jackets, hoodies, scarves, and cardigans that you can add or remove to showcase different sides of your casting range.

Essential Layering Pieces

Hoodies for casual, relatable characters
Leather jackets for edgy, confident roles
Scarves and cardigans for warmth and style
Blazers for professional, corporate characters. Avoid padded shoulders as they add bulk to your frame. Blazers can make a button-up shirt look polished and put together, and they also look stylish over a t-shirt (even over a graphic tee depending on your vibe).

Pattern Guidelines

Generally avoid busy patterns unless matching specific character types:

•Stripes for nautical/preppy characters
•Plaid for rural/working-class roles
•Solids focus attention on your face

Stand Out From the Crowd

Headshots That Get You Called In

I am a Mentor with Peter Hurley Headshot Coaching and will provide expert styling guidance to create headshots that capture your unique personality and expand your casting range.

Grooming Guidelines

Skin & Facial Care

Skin Care: Moisturize daily for healthy-looking skin. Stay hydrated in the days before your session for a natural glow.

Facial Hair: Whether clean-shaven or bearded, ensure grooming is intentional. Avoid electric razors before your session - use a traditional razor for the smoothest results. Consider your character range when deciding on facial hair.

Clean-Shaven vs. Facial Hair: Clean-shaven tends to read younger and more commercial. Facial hair can add maturity and character for dramatic roles.

Multiple Looks: You're welcome to shave between looks in the studio if you'd like to capture both clean-shaven and bearded options during your session.

Makeup & Enhancement

Natural Approach: Makeup should enhance, not transform. Think "you on your best day" - clean, natural, and authentic.

Foundation (if used): Match to your neck color for seamless blending. Avoid heavy coverage - let your natural skin texture show through.

Application Style: Soft lines, not harsh. Avoid heavy contouring or dramatic makeup unless creating specific character looks.

Eyeliner: Eyeliner can make your eyes look smaller, especially if you use it to ring your entire eye. A nice soft smudge on the outer portion of your eye rather than the entire eye goes a long way.

Lip Care: Once you schedule your session, be mindful of lip care to avoid chapped lips - lip masks and nightly balm will go a long way in keeping your lips hydrated in the weeks leading up to your photo shoot.

Bring Options: Pack multiple lip colors and touch-up products for different character looks during your session.

Hair Care

Timing: Clean hair on session day, but not freshly cut. Get haircuts 1-2 weeks prior.
Styling Tools: Bring a brush and hair ties. I have hairspray, bobby pins, and a straightener available in the studio for your use.
Natural Style: Style your hair as you normally wear it - casting directors want to see the real you.
Options: Consider bringing options - hair up and down, different partings for variety.

Accessories & Extras

Glasses: If you wear them regularly, bring multiple pairs. We'll shoot with and without.
Eye Drops (Optional): If you're interested in reducing red eyes, I recommend Lumify eye drops - they work instantly and can be used 1 minute before your session to reduce redness and brighten your eyes. Always check with your healthcare provider first.
Jewelry: Keep it minimal and character-appropriate. Simple pieces work best.
Props: Only if essential to your character type (e.g., musician with instrument).

Headshot Types & Styles

Theatrical

•More dramatic, character-driven expression
•Showcase range and intensity
•Can include edge, attitude, or mood
•Best for film, TV drama, and stage work

Commercial

•Friendly, approachable, warm expression
•Natural smile, relatable energy
•"The person next door" vibe
•Best for commercials, print ads, hosting

TV/Film

•Natural, authentic, real-person energy
•Subtle expressions, not over-the-top
•Camera-ready with nuanced depth
•Best for TV series, films, streaming content

Session Day Preparation

The Night Before

•Get 8+ hours of sleep
•Drink plenty of water
•Press all clothing and place on hangers - keeps everything wrinkle-free and ready to hang on the studio clothing rack
•Pack your bag with all accessories and styling items

Day of Session

•Arrive on time
•Eat a light, healthy meal beforehand
•Avoid alcohol/caffeine excess

What to Bring

•3-5 wardrobe options on hangers
•Makeup for touch-ups
•Hair styling tools (brush and hair ties)
•Multiple glasses if needed
•I have Fiji water, sparkling waters, cold brew, V8 energy drinks, and a small assortment of snacks available in the studio

Ready to Get Started?

I am a Mentor with Peter Hurley Headshot Coaching and will provide expert guidance to capture headshots that open doors and get you called in for auditions.

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