Actors should update their headshots every one or two years, as a general rule—but any time you change your look, you need new headshots.
You should get new headshots any time you:
- Cut your hair more than a few inches
- Dye your hair a different color
- Gain or lose a significant amount of weight (more than 10 pounds)
Trends are also something to be mindful of. Headshot photographer Marc Cartwright recommends getting new headshots every two years for adults and every six months for children. “You want to stay current with what casting directors are looking for in a headshot,” he explains. “For instance, at one time black-and-white headshots were popular. If you present a black-and-white shot today, some may assume you haven’t auditioned since 2005.
For more tips on actor headshots visit www.backstage.com.