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.

Are you supposed to smile in acting headshots?

In summary, it's really up to you whether or not you decide to smile in your actor headshots. Don't panic too much; the great thing about a headshot session with an expert photographer is that you can always get a few looks in, so you'll have options even if you're unsure about which acting avenue to take.

What makes a good headshot?

Do's for your headshot:

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.

Should you smile in audition photos?

“Images without good facial expression always fall flat for audition photos. Directors need to be able to see what you look like in full smile, in full joy of movement. Even if you don't really like your smile, I tell all my clients that you need to use at least one in their packages.”

Should you show teeth in photos?

Show your teeth

Many people are self-conscious about their not so perfect teeth, but it is important to show them in photos! Teeth are one of the most expressive features a person can have, so do not hide them.

How To Smile in Your Headshot Session (tips for a natural smile in your photoshoot)

Does smiling in pictures make you more attractive?

Smiling increases socially perceived attractiveness and is considered a signal of trustworthiness and intelligence.

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.

How should an acting headshot look?

Actors should wear simple, non-distracting clothing for their headshot sessions. Simplicity is key. The focus in your headshot should be squarely on you, not your clothes. Solid primary colors and bright jewel tones are great, while busy patterns and large, distracting jewelry are a no-go.

What should a headshot look like acting?

​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.

Should I 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.

What should you avoid in headshots?

How do you get a natural smile for a headshot?

Relax, take in a deep breath and shut your eyes. Think of something that makes you happy. Open your eyes as you exhale and smile at that happy thought. There is nothing worse in a headshot than a fake smile—most can tell when you're faking it as the smile never reaches your eyes.

What color is best to wear for headshots?

Solid and neutral colours always work well as the eye is used to seeing them and they have little chance of overwhelming the frame. Light neutral shades include white and cream, while dark ones include navy and black. Neutrals are timeless, non-competing and emotionless.

What Colour should I wear for an acting headshot?

Bring a wide range of colours with you. Black and white tops are fine but the more colour you can bring, the better. Mid-tones such as red's, oranges, browns and green's work so well in giving a warm tone to your headshot. Cooler tones such as blues, yellows, etc can also work well.

Should actors wear glasses in headshots?

Glasses. If you usually wear glasses, you should wear them for some of your headshots. The lenses of glasses make taking pictures tricky, though. Clear lenses will occasionally reflect light, which can be distracting and block your face.

How do you make a headshot stand out?

How do you prepare your face for a headshot?

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.

How do you not look fat in a headshot?

Is it bad to wear black in 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.

Which type of smile is most attractive?

To be considered conventionally attractive, your smile should have the same midline (vertical line that splits the face perfectly in half) as your face. If your smile's midline isn't directly between your two central front teeth, it might look unattractive.

What is more attractive eyes or smile?

Well, the answer is: smile. According to a survey, the smile outranks eyes, hair and the body when it comes to the most attractive physical feature.

How do I know if my smile is attractive?

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.