For an actor headshot photo session, you want your makeup to enhance your features without being overpowering. Here are some tips:
Foundation: Use a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone. Avoid heavy foundation or tinted moisturizer (the latter contains zinc which creates shine).
Concealer: Apply concealer to cover any blemishes or uneven skin tones. Don’t overdo it — these are easily removed in retouching.
Blush: Opt for a subtle blush to add a health glow to your cheeks. A cream blush offers the best finish. Avoid contouring.
Eyes:
Brows: Fill in and/or groom your brows, but keep them natural.
Eyeshadow: Use neutral shades that complement your skin tone. Matte finish is preferred.
Eyeliner: A thin line of pencil liner can define your eyes. Avoid liquid eyeliner or winged eyeliner.
Mascara: Apply a few thin coats of mascara. Avoid false lashes unless they are a key part of your persona.
Lips: Choose a lip color that enhances your natural lip shade. Avoid overly glossy or dark shades.
Overall, aim for a matte finish, with no frosted or highlighted products.
I have a wide variety of makeup artists who specialize in makeup for actor headshots. I’m happy to arrange for them to come to the studio to apply your makeup for the session.
Your actor headshots need to show the range of emotions for the characters you are portraying. Here are a few of the expressions we’ll take you through during your session:
Natural: A relaxed, natural look that represents your baseline.
Joyful smile: A warm, genuine smile that conveys happiness. Depending on the role you’re seeking we might also do a laughing pose.
Serious or thoughtful: Slightly raised eyebrows, subtle smile. Sometimes these can be a little snarky if you’re seeking roles as a cynic or skeptic.
Confident stance: Strong, bold, direct expression. It can also look challenging.
Vulnerable: A softer expression that conveys sensitivity or emotional depth.
Angry or frustrated: An expressive, fierce look that communicates anger or frustration. This can also be an intimidating or threatening look if your characters are villains or gangsters.
Seductive: Sultry or flirty expression.
Playful: Lighthearted, sassy smile, perfect for class clown or kid next door roles.
Agents often request full-body poses. I’m less concerned about your expression in these, as they are primarily intended to show your body type and build.
When you come to the studio I’ll review your wardrobe options as well, to make sure your attire aligns with the roles and expressions you want to convey.
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.
When I started my photography business in 2016 actor headshots weren’t something I contemplated, since Baltimore is not a major film or video market. Fast forward a few years and actor audition headshots are now a significant part of what I do. There is a big market in commercials and corporate video, as well as opportunities when HBO or Netflix are filming in town. Finally, we have a lively independent film community that’s always in need of talent.
Most enjoyable are the sessions with young actors, ages 6 – 16. These performers are usually just starting out. They get a professional gig or two and find they enjoy it. The moms then contact a few agents around town and are told they need to provide professional headshots to be considered for any roles.
Both the moms and the kids are great to work with! The moms are so concerned about making sure the attire and poses are correct. The kids don’t care, they are full of joy at just being in front of the camera.
Nolan and Aubrey are two of my most recent clients. They are both in demand for a variety of roles. I wish them the best of luck and hope to see them again in the studio throughout their careers.
