Dedicated actors always prioritize learning and honing their craft in every job or role. Improving and stretching your artistic talent should be as important as updating your headshot portfolio. If you want to make an impression on casting directors, you need to stand out from other auditions with a professional career package that is transparent and current.
For character actors, it’s not enough to have a single headshot for your auditions. Most modern actors combine an online portfolio with physical headshots for their audition appointments. This way, the casting staff can view several shots of you in different scenes, characters, and appearances. Providing a showcase of your character range is a great way to get attention.
If you are just starting out in the business, you may not yet understand the importance of a good headshot portfolio. Working with a professional photographer and having a list of ideas for your session shots is crucial. You may want to stretch your characters along age, ethnicity, and style lines to make an impact, or you can get some ideas from pics of celebrity beards, men’s styles, or fashion magazines. Let’s take a closer look at a few things all actors should consider while building their headshot portfolio.
Wardrobe
Your goal should be to compile a collection of main headshots that reflect multiple generalized characters. For example, your main shot pile should include a photo in formalwear and in casual attire. You should also have a few extra shots that are slightly themed to help casting agents see your potential. When going to an audition, bringing a photo headshot that represents the general type of character they are casting will give you a better chance.
Emphasize Your Strengths
Every actor has some characteristic or impressive skill that will appeal to casting directors. Your headshots should reflect your strengths, regardless of the casting director. If you have an incredibly vivid eye color or another impressive physical attribute, try to incorporate it in your headshot.
Emotional Expression
When you find a balanced headshot that will become your primary photo, it’s best to take it with a few specific emotional expressions. Have one shot with you smiling joyously, one with a flirty glance, one straight, and one looking concerned or sad. This way, you can match your choice of main headshot with the emotional tone casting directors are looking for.
Hair
Changing your hairstyle is one of the easiest ways to slip into character. You can color your hair, cut it, cover it with endless styles of wigs, or fix it in era-themed hairstyles. Men and women should feel free to experiment with their locks and facial hair when shooting their headshots. You may have a different look with shorter or longer hair or a style that is simple rather than formal. Give casting directors a good look at your best hair transformations.
Abdullah Khan is the Head of the Digital Marketing Department at Guest Posting Solution. He helps clients grow their online businesses and occasionally writes blogs to share his experience with other professionals.
