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Quick answer: A headshot is a photo of you from about the chest up, focused on your face, that shows casting directors and agents what you look like today. It’s your main visual calling card. Many actors back it up with a few more shots (full-length, profile, three-quarter) that together work like a portfolio. All of them should show you as you naturally look, wearing solid, neutral colors.
Models call their set of photos a book or portfolio; actors mostly talk about headshots. Your headshot is one of the three core pieces of your materials, along with your acting resume and your acting reel. If your resume tells your story in words and your reel shows how you act, your photos show how you look: your physical presence, your expressiveness and your personality on camera.
In casting, the first impression is visual. Before they watch your reel or read your resume, the people casting already form an idea of you from your photos. A polished headshot opens doors; a sloppy or outdated one can close them before you get to show what you can do. The same goes for the slate or intro video many casting calls ask for to hear your voice and see your energy.
What photos does an actor need?
The headshot comes first, and it’s the photo you’ll use the most. Depending on the casting call, you may also need a few more basic shots, plus at least one photo with a smile:
- Headshot (close-up): from the chest or shoulders up. It’s the most important photo, because it shows your face, your eyes and your natural expression.
- Full-length: your whole body, with a natural posture and a plain background.
- Profile: your face and body from the side, so the structure of your face comes through.
- Three-quarter shot: from about mid-thigh or the knees up.
- Natural smile: at least one photo with a genuine, spontaneous smile.
In the US you’ll also hear about commercial and theatrical headshots: commercial ones tend to be brighter and smiling, for ads, while theatrical ones, for film, TV and theater, are usually more serious. For in-person auditions, the standard is still an 8×10 print with your resume attached to the back; for online submissions, a digital file.
More than the number of photos, what matters is having the key shots and a range of expressions. If a casting call asks for specific photos or shots, send exactly that.
What are digitals or polaroids?
Many talent agencies and casting directors also like simple, direct photos with no heavy styling, known as digitals or polaroids (the name comes from the instant photos agencies used to take). Unlike art or fashion photography, the idea is to show you just as you are, with as little as possible changing how you really look.
- Clothes: plain, in neutral colors (white, black, gray or beige), with no prints or logos.
- Makeup: natural or none. Avoid anything that changes your features.
- Background: plain, a single neutral color, with no distracting objects.
- Expression: natural and genuine, switching between serious, smiling and thoughtful.
This style avoids false expectations: whoever calls you in wants to meet the person in the photos at the audition. Your photos also help them judge your type, or physique du rôle: the characters you can play believably based on your look.
Can you take headshots at home?
Yes. If you’re just starting out and can’t afford a photographer yet, homemade photos are a valid way to start submitting to casting calls. You need five things:
- a phone with a good camera;
- a plain background, like a wall or a single-color sheet;
- good natural light or a ring light;
- simple clothes in solid, neutral colors;
- a natural, relaxed attitude in front of the camera.
The full step-by-step is in how to take headshots at home. And once your photos are ready, how to prepare your audition materials explains which ones to choose for each submission and how to name your files.
Tip: Once your photos are ready (homemade or professional), upload them to Google Drive or a photo platform and save the link. That way you can share them by email, by text or on online casting forms in one click.
Frequently asked questions
What is a headshot?
It’s a photo of an actor from about the chest up, focused on the face, that shows what they look like today. It’s the main visual tool for presenting yourself to casting directors, production companies and talent agencies, and it’s part of your core materials along with your acting resume and reel.
What photos does an actor need?
A current headshot first and, depending on the casting call, a full-length shot, a profile and a three-quarter shot, plus at least one photo with a natural smile. All with a plain background, solid neutral clothes and a genuine expression.
How many headshots do I need?
Having the key shots, a smiling photo and a few variations of expression is enough: quality and variety matter more than quantity. When a casting call asks for a specific number of photos or particular shots, send exactly what they ask for.
Can I take headshots without a photographer?
Yes. With a phone with a good camera, a plain single-color background, good light (natural or from a ring light) and simple clothes in solid, neutral colors, you can take homemade photos good enough to start submitting to casting calls.
What are digitals or polaroids for actors?
They’re simple photos with no styling: a plain background, neutral clothes, natural makeup or none, and a genuine expression, so they can see what you really look like. Many agencies and casting directors prefer them because they show the person who’ll walk into the audition.
How often should I update my headshots?
Every time your look changes visibly, for example with a new haircut or hair color. Your photos need to show you as you are today: if you look different at the audition than in your photos, you lose their trust.
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