Headshots to Cover Your Range
We have touched on this a bit, making sure your headshots cover the various roles you can pull off. For some, this is very specific and can literally be one role. For example, we have seen many actors that make an entire career from just being a villain. But we have also seen many actors that have long careers spanning many types of roles.
In general, you will want a commercial look and theatrical look – the theatrical look also knows as a dramatic look. But within these two, you can go a few different levels. For a commercial look, you can be that girl next door or the wonderful boyfriend. This can also be the hero, the chosen one, the father figure, and so on.
For theatrical or dramatic headshots, there are also many variants. They can be the bad boy or the boss, the loner, the mad scientist, and so on. The important thing is that you only get these variants done for roles you can pull off. Otherwise, attempt to make the headshots more generic in commercial or theatrical appeal.
In addition, do not put out too many or too few headshots. Somewhere in the range of three to seven is good. Two little might not showcase all your character traits. Too many might start to confuse your character traits.
Headshot Backgrounds
Some casting directors prefer you already look the part. This might mean your clothing and the background in the scene should match the roles you want. However – and again because not all casting directors are alike – others prefer quite the opposite. They might want the simplest of backgrounds that allow them to focus on you. For them, this is best to see what various roles you can do rather than one specific role.
Another important note is around your thumbnail of your headshot. In many cases initially, your headshot will be on a page of a sea of other headshots. So, try to anticipate how your headshot thumbnail also conveys that the headshot they are about to click is ideal for the role they are looking to cover.
Because casting directors are not all alike, use various background styles to cover all bases. It is a good idea to have multiple options in backgrounds too so you can test what works. Usually, white backgrounds simply come across as passport style. Overly busy backgrounds can detract. There is a balance. You may have loved the city-style background in one of your headshots but maybe casting directors just do not. Maybe the tend to click the one with a basic gradient gray twice as much. So, have options so you can test, test, and test.
Non-Professional Headshots
It is important to point out many other factors as to why any actor wishing to be taken seriously by casting directors, must get professional actor headshots. A selfie or portrait of you that you are trying to use as an actor headshot makes it more difficult for casting directors to imagine you in a role. Avoid it.
Also, non-professional headshots tend to not be close enough and often there is too much dead space, such as above the head. And, if you are opting to try and cut yourself out of that group shot to use it for a headshot, well, just do not do it.
Remember you are a brand. Your headshots should represent that brand. If you can pull off seven characters, then perhaps have seven headshots. If you want to focus on one or two character types, then have 3-4 headshots that demonstrate those character types.
When you get new headshots done, if you still have old ones out there, consider not using them, especially if they have noticeably different looks, feeling, and vibe to them. This will just cause confusion.
And finally, again, be on the same page with your agent or manager to ensure your best headshots are being sent out for roles that you are best for. This saves everyone time and frustration, and best sets up an actor for success.