Some casting directors love headshots that have very specific target roles in mind. Others want to see a headshot that exudes an ability for multiple types of roles – that are general but approachable. Overdoing makeup can be a mistake as it can lead to not being a representation of you.

What do casting directors look for in a head shot?

Your face and body should face primarily towards the front. While you can experiment with different angles, be sure to let casting directors and hiring managers see your entire face and get a sense of your face shape. You should also show both eyes in all your headshots.

What is a good headshot for casting?

​An actor headshot is simply a closeup photo of your face. It should not be framed to show too much of your body and it should also not be taken so close that you can't see your neck and chest. From chest or waist up is best, and your head should be near the top of the frame.

What do casting directors look at?

Casting directors consider the actor's availability, fees and how much box office buzz they're going to create. Casting directors need to know the talent that's out there, so they attend theatre productions and graduation shows to spot potential actors. They organise auditions and look at headshots, demos and reels.

How do you win over casting directors?

CDs are people, too, and they like to surround themselves with people who radiate self-assurance and positivity. Bringing confidence and upbeat energy into your audition will help you make a good impression. “Put yourself in the shoes of the producer and director,” Lazer says.

What are Casting Directors Looking for in Headshots?

How do casting directors decide?

What do Casting Directors look for? Casting directors consider countless factors when choosing an actor for a role: physical type, acting style, versatility, originality, creative spirit, ability to listen – you name it, and chances are the casting director is thinking about it.

What makes a bad headshot?

Bad Lighting: If your headshot has poor lighting, meaning shadows under your eyes, bright spots in the background, harsh shadows, etc., it will look like you didn't invest much into your headshot. Therefore, casting directors will assume you won't invest much into their production either.

Should I smile in my acting headshot?

9 out of 10 times, commercial work is light-hearted, positive, and not at all serious. Whoever you audition for won't want to see a headshot that focuses on your best moody/mysterious pose. A natural and radiant smile will always make you the top candidate in this scenario. It'll give you a boost during your shoot.

Should you smile in a headshot?

Advantages of Smiling in Professional Headshots

Individuals displaying smiles were consistently rated as more likable, trustworthy, and competent compared to those with neutral expressions. This supports the idea that smiling in your headshot can create a favorable first impression in the professional world.

What do casting directors want to know about you?

Casting directors want to see that the actor knows his art. Body movements, facial expressions, tone of voice, smooth transitions, vocal strength, stage presence, character confidence and the ability to portray the role given are all embedded in the sense of professionalism that casting directors want to see.

Do casting directors look at every submission?

Most casting directors will look at submissions by actors as well as by agents. In fact, it can make their job a lot more interesting, and reveals a lot about an actor. Some actors prefer to lay back, sip gin and let their agents do all the work.

What do casting directors ask?

What should you avoid in headshots?

What color is best for headshots?

Grey, black, navy and earthy tones often all look great with darker skintones. You can also opt for lighter tones, like whites, and they'll look great too. In these cases, I prefer a mid-darker background to help bring more contrast into the image.

Do you show teeth in a headshot?

Professional headshots can have smiles with teeth, or without teeth. Or, perhaps just a hint of a smile. Your headshot can have a smile, no smile, or the expression, that makes you feel comfortable.

How do you know if a headshot is good?

For the most part, a great headshot is from the chest up with good lighting on the face with little dramatic shadows unless you feel the roles you're going for fit that type of look. Three quarter or half body shots can be good for print but no extreme close-ups.

Should I wear lipstick in a headshot?

Avoid applying lipstick or gloss past lip edges to make them appear bigger. The camera picks it up easily and it will likely need to be retouched because it almost always looks unnatural. ​ Your lips almost always look best on camera as their natural size.

How do you smile naturally in headshots?

What color should you avoid for a headshot?

Instead of picking white, yellow, and other pale colours, for outdoor headshot sessions, consider bringing some deep colours. They will help you reduce the amount of light reflecting from them and ensure you do not appear washed out.

What is headshot trick?

When engaged in a gunfight, it is important to scope in before pressing the Fire button. This helps in lining up your shot and placing the reticle on your opponent's head before firing. This will enable the bullets to go straight at their skulls, resulting in headshots.

How do you look pretty in a headshot?

Do casting directors look at your social media?

The first impression you make on social media is very important, so make sure your accounts show any potential employers your best self. To determine castability. In some cases, directors do look at follower counts; having a large, engaged following does occasionally help an actor get cast.

How do you know if a casting director likes you?

Maintain a Professional Relationship

The casting director can not give you a part. But they can give you another audition. If you rock up and do a great job, regardless of whether you get the part, they will give you another audition. If they like your work enough, they may even throw you in as a wild card for parts.

Do casting directors look at Actors Access?

Whether you or your Agent submit, your Actors Access profile is the first thing Casting sees when viewing these submissions.

How do I prepare my face for a headshot?

Get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep and avoid using your phone or computer before going to bed. Remove all makeup and moisturize your skin before going to sleep to freshen it up and prep it for the shoot. Consider not washing your hair if you've washed it the day before since clean hair can be harder to work with.