Can actors take their own headshots?

Sometimes, you don't have enough time (or money) to hire a professional photographer to take a professional headshot for you. That's about when you start thinking, "Can I take my own?" The answer it turns out is yes. Yes, you can take your own professional headshot.

How do you take acting headshots yourself?

What are acceptable actor headshots?

It should be a recent head and shoulders shot that reflects what you look like. Keep your appearance as neutral as possible. Remember, a casting professional wants to see the 'real' you. Wear something simple and avoid props, hats, distracting backgrounds and accessories.

Do actors headshots have to be black and white?

For website, branding, social media, and other marketing purposes, a black and white image is perfectly fine. In fact, using a variety of images in your marketing makes you stand out! But when it comes to online casting submissions and printed headshots for auditioning, the bottom line is you must have color headshots.

Do actors need full body headshots?

​How Do I Use Other, Non-Headshot Photos? It's always good practice to have at least one full-body shot in case a casting director needs to see your body type. You don't need to actually submit it, but should have it on hand in case you're asked.

3 Actor Headshot Tips: Fix These Acting Headshot Mistakes Today!

What is the no headshot rule?

The NHL defines Rule 48.1 as follows: A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head was the main point of contact and such contact to the head was avoidable is not permitted.

Should I smile in my acting headshot?

The commercial acting headshot expression is all about being warm, friendly and inviting. One thing I often tell my clients is not to smile in front of the camera, but to smile into the camera. You'd be amazed how this little difference in thought makes you more connected in your photos.

What colors to avoid in acting headshots?

In general, I recommend staying away from white and other pale colors as the main color (pink, pale yellow, light green, sky blue, etc.). They can overexpose, distract from your face, and sometimes even make your skin tone look paler than it is.

What makes a bad headshot?

Lack Focus. Often times bad headshots will lack focus, have too much going on in the background, and not do a good job of showing off their eyes. In some cases, it may be because they are looking down or away from the camera—in either case this is very similar to squinting.

What colors look best in acting headshots?

Light natural colors such as beige, white and grey can give your photos a crisp classic appeal. I love the look of vibrant and happy jewel tones in commercial headshots. Using color is a great way to add personality to your shot. Jewel tones are also a great way to compliment your eye color.

How often do actors need new headshots?

The industry standard for actor's headshots is usually every 1 – 2 years. However, it is important to note that there are a number of exceptions to this rule. Most importantly, you need to make sure you look like your headshot all of the time. Character breakdowns can be very specific.

Why are headshots so expensive?

Not only is the initial purchase costly, but there are repairs, maintenance, and insurance costs to account for too. Very often, photographers will need to travel to a specific location for a shoot, which also costs money. Most headshot photography costs include travel, which can drive up the total price.

Can you start acting without headshot?

Bringing a hard copy of your headshot is not always mandatory in the film, TV, and commercial world, but many audition postings ask you to bring them, so you should always have some on hand.

Can I take headshots with my iPhone?

You can 100% take a selfie headshot using an iPhone or other smartphone, but the results from using your forward-facing camera will be higher-quality. The front-facing camera on your phone (not the selfie camera) is a higher-quality lens that produces a MUCH better photo with less distortion of your face.

What do good acting headshots look like?

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.

What should you avoid in a headshot?

How should I wear my hair for headshots?

Hair up – If possible, tying your hair will slim down your face and your neck. This also opens your face more for your headshot to stand out. Curling Hair – Some curling is good but don't go too crazy with the curls. Again, you want to make sure the headshot looks like you.

What is the best pose for a headshot?

What not to wear for actor headshots?

Ruffles, logos, and busy patterns are all headshot no-noes.

“Also, make sure you can't see through your clothing. If an item of clothing is sheer, wear something underneath that is non-distracting. Your wardrobe should highlight your personality, not scream over it.”

What not to do before headshots?

Is black okay for a headshot?

Dark colors tend to be formal and authoritative, while lighter colors make you appear more approachable and friendly. A contrast between your jacket, shirt, and tie creates a powerful image and a feeling of authority. It will also look good in both color and black and white photos. Solid colors work best.

Do you show teeth in a headshot?

There are absolutely NO RULES for a smile or not smile on your professional photos. The only rule is to feel and look comfortable (a big part of your professional photographer's job 😉) to leave viewers a CONVINCING first impression through your professional headshot.

How do you know if a headshot is good?

Pay Attention to Framing, Lighting, and Background

In general, a good headshot is: chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows—unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.

Should I 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.

Do headshots have your name on them?

Your name MUST be on your printed headshot. You can either print with a white/black border and put your name at the bottom left or right corner, or you can choose to print full-bleed (edge to edge with no border) and get your name printed somewhere else on the page.