You’re an actor or actress trying to make a name for yourself in the entertainment industry.
You’ve put together an impressive portfolio, practiced your craft, and honed your skills. Now, you’re ready to take the next step and get your headshots done.
But how many headshots do you actually need? Is one enough, or do you need a whole portfolio of them?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some tips for getting the most out of your headshots.
Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or you’re a seasoned professional looking to refresh your portfolio, understanding the importance of headshots and how many you need can help you make a strong impression and stand out from the crowd.
So, let’s dive in and discover the magic number of headshots you need to make your mark in the world of entertainment!
We’ll be covering the following topics (click on a bullet point to jump to that section):
Table of Contents
How Many Headshots Do You Need?
In general, it’s best to have more than one headshot, no matter what your profession is.
The reason for this is because of the different platforms that we now exist on. For example, there are personal profiles such as social media sites, dating sites, etc.
We also have professional profiles such as job networking sites, job-finding sites, email profiles, etc.
So instead of thinking about how many headshots you need as a specific number, think about how many online profiles you have, the culture of each profile (whether it’s professional like LinkedIn or more casual like Instagram), and then make sure you have a headshot for each profile.
This answers how many headshots any “average” person needs, but if you are an actor or online personality, it is a bit different since you being in front of a camera is a big part of your job.
With that being said, let’s explore how many headshots actors need.
How Many Headshots Do Actors Need?
The first thing to note is that some actors only need one type of headshot; either a profile or a portrait.
Profile
A profile shot is less formal and shows the side of an actor’s face, often with them looking over their shoulder.
This is used for all your social media sites, email profiles, etc.
Portrait
A portrait shot is more formal and shows the front profile of an actor’s face. The photographer will often get down to their level, take the photo straight on, and possibly use natural lighting.
This is used for your professional profiles such as job hunting websites/networking sites, acting agency portfolios, etc.
With that being said, most actors will still need both of these types of headshots.
How Many Headshots Do Actors Need for an Audition?
When it comes to actors looking for an audition, they will need more than one headshot.
However, the number of headshots that are needed also depends on where they are auditioning and their specific role for said audition.
For example, if you are trying out for a play in New York City, they may not require any headshots at all.
However, if you are trying out for a play in Vancouver, they may require two close-up headshots and two portrait headshots.
Also, if an actor is trying out for a role that requires them to be on-screen, then they need to have three versions of each type since their photos will be cropped into a side profile and top-down shot.
This is because the camera will be placed directly in front of them during filming, not to the side like how a photographer would take a photo for your email headshot or social media sites.
It also depends on whether they are an actor who has been around for a while already (meaning they know what is expected of them) or if they are new to the industry (meaning they need more guidance).
Finally, with regard to an audition headshot, it is important to note that you want your photos to be different than how you normally look.
This means that you cannot use any photo where your hair looks messy, your clothes aren’t ironed, or where you have a lot of makeup on.
You need to look as professional as possible because if the production team likes your audition, then they may choose you based on what you look like in person and how that looks through your photos.
In order to avoid any confusion later down the line, it is best to use headshots that make you look like the actor that they are looking for right off the bat.
In general, if you are an actor there are three different types of headshots you can opt for — the commercial headshot look, the theatrical headshot look, and the comedic headshot look.
Different Styles of Headshots You Can Opt For
1. Commercial Headshot Look
A commercial headshot is meant to make you look like a model/personality.
A commercial headshot generally has the actor looking directly into the camera, making eye contact, and smiling or having a neutral expression on their face.
They can also be taken with natural lighting or with studio lighting by using off-camera flash so that your photos do not have shadows across your face.
This type of headshot is often done with studio lighting and a nice background to make the actor look as professional as possible.
You want these types of headshots if you are auditioning for commercials and they want someone who looks like a TV personality.
2. Theatrical Headshot Look
A theatrical headshot tends to be taken with more emotional expressions and less professional/neutral expressions.
A theatrical headshot generally has the actor posing in an emotional way, such as with a small frown or looking off to the side instead of directly into the camera.
These types of headshots are used for independent films.
3. Comedic Headshot Look or “Silly Headshots”
A comedic headshot is often done with the actor wearing a wardrobe piece that they feel makes them look silly.
For example, if an actor has a small afro, then they might wear a long scarf and glasses to give themselves a funny look. These types of headshots are also done with crazy eyes and facial expressions.
This type of headshot is often used for comedy auditions like stand-up comedy and theater auditions.
Final Remarks
We hope that this guide was helpful and answered any questions regarding how many headshots an actor needs.
This guide is also a part of our Headshot Photography Hub, so be sure to check that out for more headshot photography tips and insights.
Good luck with your career, and hopefully this article helped you out!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to replace a headshot?
There’s no hard and fast rule for when to replace a headshot, as it largely depends on your individual circumstances. However, as a general guideline, it’s a good idea to update your headshot every 1-2 years or whenever there are significant changes to your appearance or career.
How much of your body is in a headshot?
A headshot typically shows your head, neck, and sometimes a portion of your shoulders or upper chest. The focus is primarily on your face and expression, rather than your full body.
Nate Torres, with over seven years of professional photography experience, founded Imaginated, an educational platform designed to teach photography enthusiasts. Nate Torres is also a professional portrait and headshot photographer in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas. He specializes in portraits of individuals, couples, groups and headshots. Nate Torres is also a photography writer and content creator and educates other photographers on exposure, photography composition, photography editing, photography gear, and photography business. You can find his content on his personal website, social media, and YouTube Channel, as well as on blogs such as Fstoppers, Photofocus, and SLR Lounge.
