Understanding Your Type
An actor's headshot should convey your essence, making casting directors immediately understand who you are, the roles you fit, and why you're memorable. Here’s what your headshot should communicate:
1. Authenticity
Your headshot should look like you. It must represent how you naturally appear, especially in auditions. Avoid over-editing, heavy makeup, or dramatic lighting that alters your look.
2. Personality
Your unique personality should shine through. Casting directors should sense your energy—whether you're approachable, intense, quirky, confident, or comedic.
3. Emotional Range
A good headshot captures your ability to express emotion through your eyes. This is often called "having a story in your eyes" or "presence."
4. Casting Type
Your headshot should hint at the types of roles you're suited for. Examples:
Commercial Headshot: Friendly, warm, approachable—perfect for everyday relatable roles.
Theatrical Headshot: More dramatic, with depth and seriousness—ideal for film or TV drama.
Character Headshot: Tailored to a specific "type" (e.g., villainous, quirky, authoritative).
5. Professionalism
A polished, high-quality headshot shows you take your craft seriously. Poor-quality photos (blurry, poorly lit, or overly casual) will not offer any benefits to aid in getting you cast for roles.
6. Approachable Confidence
Your expression should balance confidence and warmth—neither overly serious nor overly smiley (unless for commercial roles). A natural, relaxed look works best.
Review this list of popular looks to see if any resonate with you:
Late Teens + Early Twenties
Girl/Guy Next Door:
Best friend/Sidekick
Lovable Loser
Love Interest
Boho
Jock
Hipster
Gamer
Stoner/Surfer
Edgy:
Troubled Teen
Emo/Goth
Bully
Cool Hip Kid
Hero/Heroine
Anti-Hero/Heroine
Villain
Young Professional:
Student/Grad Student
Geeky Tech
Intern/Assistant
Helpful Employee/Customer
Service
Creative Professional
Mid-Twenties to Early Thirties
Girl Next Door / Guy Next Door:
Best friend/Sidekick
Lovable Loser
Love Interest
Girls’/Guys’Night Out
Fashionista
Hipster
Gamer
Stoner/Surfer
Fitness/Athletic
Outdoorsy
Western/Mid-Western
Period Look – 50’s, 60’s, 1800s
Edgy:
Hero/Heroine
Anti-Hero/Heroine
Villain/Thug
Street Smart
Prostitute
Victim
Military
Drug Addict/Dealer
Gangster
Biker
Urban Hip
Young Professional:
Student/Grad Student
Intern/Office Guy
Secretary/Assistant
Creative Professional
Geeky Tech
New Lawyer
FBI Agent/CIA Agent
Doctor/Nurse
Journalist/Activist
Security
Detective/Cop
Helpful employee
Waitress
Young Mom/Young Dad:
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
Thirties to Forties
Girl Next Door / Guy Next Door:
Nosy Neighbor
Girls’/Guys’ Night Out
Sex & The City Fashionista (yes still!)
Love Interest
Friend/Sidekick
Fitness
Outdoorsy
Western/Mid-Western
Farmer
Period Look – 50’s, 60’s, 1800s
Edgy:
Hero/Heroine
Anti-Hero/Heroine
Villain/Thug
Street Smart
Prostitute
Victim
Military
Drug Addict
Drug Dealer
Gangster
Biker
Urban Hip
Professional:
Secretary/Assistant
Creative Professional
Office Guy
Tech Guru
Lawyer
FBI Agent/CIA Agent
Doctor/Nurse
Journalist
Scientist
News Anchor
Professor
Security
Detective/Cop
Waitress
Therapist
Young Mom/Young Dad:
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
Fifties & Up
Grandmother/Grandfather/Next Door:
Blue Collar
Country Club
Suburban
BBQ
Bohemian
Outdoorsy Fit
Western/Mid-Western
Farmer
Period Look – 50’s, 60’s, 1800s
Edgy:
Hero/Heroine
Anti-Hero/Heroine
Villain
Victim
Military
Drug Addict
Gang Leader
Mafia Boss
Professional:
Secretary/Office Professional
CEO
Judge
Lawyer
FBI Director/CIA Director
Doctor/Nurse
Professor
Scientist
Security
Detective/Cop
Waitress
News Anchor
Therapist
Your headshot is your most important marketing tool. It should be professionally done and cater to the roles you’re aiming for.
1. Basics of a Good Headshot
Clear and Natural: Show your face clearly, with minimal makeup and retouching.
Eyes: The focus should be on your eyes, conveying confidence and approachability.
Background: Neutral or blurred backgrounds that don’t distract from you.
Wardrobe: Simple clothing that highlights your features without being flashy.
2. Types of Headshots
Commercial Headshot: Bright, friendly, and warm. These are ideal for commercials or comedic roles.
Theatrical Headshot: Serious and dramatic, suitable for film, TV, or theater roles.
Character Headshot: Highlight a specific "type" (e.g., tough, quirky, authoritative).
3. How Many Headshots Do You Need?
At minimum:
One commercial headshot.
One theatrical headshot.
One additional look tailored to your type and range for other varied roles.
When creating acting headshots, actors should convey character types that align with the roles they are most likely to be cast in. This depends on gender identity, age range, and personality traits.
I hope this helps provide you with a better undestanding of learning your type for headshots. Also, when in doubt, ask trusted professionals (like your agent or manager, your acting coaches, etc.) or even your close friends, to see what roles you could be seen playing.
Be sure to check out the wardrobe guide on how to prepare your look for your type!
