As actors, we are constantly investing in ourselves. We invest in classes, workshops, coaching, self-tapes, travel, websites, demo reels, maybe marketing materials, and countless audition submissions. Yet there is one investment that often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list when budgets get tight: professional actor headshots.
I know because I recently found myself in that exact position. Getting new headshots wasn’t in my budget. In fact, I’ll admit that I debated putting it off for another year or so. Like many actors, I had other expenses competing for my attention and plenty of reasons to wait.
But when push came to shove, I am so glad I went all in and said “let’s do it” when my manager told me about the opportunity to get new headshots.
Looking back, updating my acting headshots was one of the best investments I could have made right now. Not just because they reflect who I am today, but because they present me in a new light within this crazy industry I’m a part of. They showcase where I am in my career, what types of roles I am pursuing, and the person I have become since my last session.
So if you’ve been on the fence, wondering whether it’s time to update your acting headshots, the answer might be yes and we are going to chat about why it is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your career as a performer!
1. Your Headshots Are Often Your First Audition
Before a casting director watches your reel, reads your resume, or invites you into an audition room, they typically see one thing first: your headshot.
Your headshot is your introduction. It’s your calling card and your brand.
It tells casting professionals who you are, what roles you can play, and whether you fit the vision they have for a project. In many cases, your headshot determines whether they click on your profile or move on to the next submission…
It’s crazy to think of that isn’t it? I mean, that is a lot of responsibility for a single photograph.
Professional actor headshots are not simply pictures. They are marketing tools and branding assets. The quick visual representations of your career.
The stronger your headshots are, the stronger your first impression becomes, which could ultimately help you get your foot in the door.
2. Headshots Should Reflect Who You Are Right Now
One of the biggest mistakes actors make (myself included), is holding onto old headshots for too long…
Maybe you still love the images you have or the cost is out of budget. Maybe you keep telling yourself, “I’ll update them next year when I am in a better place.”
The problem is that casting directors are expecting to see the person who walks into the audition room. So if your headshots no longer reflect your current appearance, they are no longer serving you. Your agent or manager might even have issues getting a casting director to even consider you for an audition.
Whether you’ve changed your hair, gained confidence, matured into a new casting category, or simply evolved as a performer, your headshots should evolve too over time.
As a professional actor, I realized my previous photos no longer reflected who I am today or the roles I am actively pursuing. While they weren’t bad photos, they weren’t telling the most accurate story about who I have become. They were softer and more delicate. Again, they were pretty photos, but I have grown so much that I needed something more powerful to represent the woman I am today.
So let your headshots evolve with you, so they can reflect the current you!
3. The Right Photographer Changes Everything
Let me be the first to say that not all photographers are created equal… Sure, a technically skilled photographer can take beautiful pictures and wow their audience. But an incredible photographer can capture you, bringing out the special qualities that make you, YOU!
When searching for a photographer to take your headshots, it is important to find someone who understands the entertainment industry and knows what casting directors are looking for.
However, the technical skill alone isn’t good enough.
You also need someone who makes you feel safe and comfortable. Someone who can bring out your authentic expressions rather than forced smiles.
You need someone who understands the types of roles you want to book, and you need someone who can capture your essence in every look.
I am incredibly grateful to say that I found all of that and more during my recent session with Myron McClure of Myron McClure Photography.
Hands down, it was one of the BEST headshot experiences I have ever had. I have even told all of my acting buddies they should consider investing in a shoot with Myron when they need to update their look.
Because again, it was that good. Thank you Myron!!!
The session felt collaborative, relaxed, and completely authentic. I immediately left thinking:
“This is my headshot guy from this day forward.“
And that feeling matters more than you think. Because when everything aligns like it did in this session (the photographer, the energy, the vision, and the final images), it creates something special.
That is exactly what actors should be looking for when choosing a headshot photographer.
4. A Headshot Session Might Teach You Something
One unexpected benefit of my recent session, was how much I learned. Even after years of being apart of this industry, I walked away with new insights that completely shifted my entire perspective on headshots for actors.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest lessons involved wardrobe. For years, I felt like I was being steered away from expressing my personality in my headshots. I often heard things like: “Don’t wear bright colors or anything with a pattern.” It will distract from you too much. “Don’t let your outfits take away from you”, “just keep it neutral”.
Honestly, I had dreaded getting headshots because of this reason alone. It felt boring and not true to myself. I often would go to thrift stores searching for shirts because I didn’t own anything that was neutral. All of my belongings were bright and bold.
The most important thing I realized during this session was this: The goal is not to disappear.
Your personality matters, and the entire reason you are getting new headshots is to reveal who you are. So why not roll with that and have fun shooting in your own style?
Now, I will admit that I wish I had brought a few more of my favorite pieces of clothing that day. Some of the items that genuinely feel like me and would make you think I am stuck in the 80’s.
But that’s okay! Because now I know for next time. I learned that it is okay to wear clothing that speaks to me, supports my brand, and showcases my unique personality.
Do you know how freeing that was? It truly felt like permission to stop trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what an actor should look like and start embracing who I actually am.
5. Authenticity Is Your Greatest Asset
Another decision I made during this session was doing my own hair and makeup. Again, this went against advice I had heard for many years.
Many actors are told that professional hair and makeup are necessary to put their best foot forward. And for some actors, that absolutely makes sense. But I had the realization that the polished version isn’t necessarily who I am every day. I do very light to no makeup, so that’s what I diecided to bring to my session this year.
Think about it. What do casting directors ultimately want to see? You. Not a version of you that only exists after hours in a makeup chair. Just you.
So that’s exactly what I brought to the session. My genuine self!
I did my own hair, makeup, and I am proud of that. Plus I saved some money which is always a great thing.
But more importantly, I showed up authentically. And honestly, I believe the photos are stronger because of it. I got the gallery back today and they look like me. The person who walks into auditions and shows up on set. The girl casting directors will actually be hiring.
If I know one thing, it’s that authenticity creates trust, and trust is one of the most valuable things an actor can offer. And I’m here for it, excited to see where it takes me.
6. Great Headshots Support Your Actor Branding
Whether you realize it or not, every actor has a brand. No, that doesn’t mean you need a logo.
It means you have a unique energy, personality, and set of qualities that make you memorable, and your headshots should support that brand.
So be sure to ask yourself:
- What roles do I naturally book?
- What roles do I want to book?
- What qualities make me unique?
- What energy do I bring into a room?
Your headshots should help answer those questions visually. And again, the right photographer can help bring those qualities out of you during your session.
The best acting headshots pull people into the picture. They create a story that are told through your eyes and presence in the image. Overall, they help casting directors immediately understand where you fit within the industry while still leaving room for a possible surprise.
Honestly, I don’t think I even understood this until my recent session. I had a bunch of AHA moments that truly inspired me when it comes to headshots, and that credit goes back to Myron – the man behind the camera!
Us actors have a bunch of ideas that have been placed in our head for decades and we really have to rewire our thinking when it comes to putting our own unique foot forward towards our actor branding and acting headshots!
7. Why This Investment Pays Off
Professional actor headshots may feel expensive, especially when the industry is slow, you’re not booking anything and your bank account is almost in the negative. Trust me, I understand.
But unlike many purchases, great headshots continue working for you long after the session ends! For example, they appear on platforms that could lead you to your next booking such as:
- Casting profiles
- Agency submissions
- Personal websites
- Social media
- IMDb
- Marketing materials
- Self-submission platforms
Every audition opportunity starts with someone seeing your image, which means your headshots are working around the clock.
When you start to look at it from that perspective, they become less of an expense and more of a business investment in your acting career. And I truly believe that this is one of those investments that will eventually pay off in the end.
Plus, how cool will it be to capture your looks over the years and watch yourself grow during the process. That’s fun!
It’s More Than A Photo
Again, my search for a headshot photographer is officially over… Myron McClure is my headshot guy, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision!
Not only did I walk away with a better understanding of what makes a great headshot, but I also left feeling seen, supported, and more confident in how I present myself as an actor. That’s exactly what you should be looking for when choosing a headshot photographer.
If you’re considering updating your headshots, I encourage you to take a look at Myron’s work and reach out through his website. Finding the right photographer can make all the difference, and for me, everything aligned perfectly.
After all, you never know which submission, audition, or headshot could lead to your next opportunity. Sometimes, you’re just one photo away from opening a new door in your acting career.
Note: I got my headshot gallery back today and now I have been tasked with the impossible take of choosing my top choices… but as soon as I have them, I’ll update this article with a few of my favorite images.
