Are you wondering if your actor headshot is outdated? Does your actor headshot look like any of the ones below? If so, keep reading to get your acting career on track! (Don’t worry, I included top-notch actor headshot examples as well!)
While this might be the case, some subtle signs signal your actor headshot needs an update. To stand out from the rest of the crowd and book more auditions than your peers, you need a headshot that reflects your range as an actor and gives casting directors insight into who you are and what roles you can play.
Having an updated headshot that makes you look your best when casting directors come calling is essential. Fortunately, with this post, you can figure out if it’s time to schedule an appointment to take new headshots in NYC.
1. Your Photo Isn’t Dynamic
Many actors get their headshots taken within a few months of moving to a new city and starting out in their careers. While these photos are often interesting, they capture an actor who is just starting out.
If your photo looks like it was taken as part of a test shoot by an amateur photographer instead of a professional one, it’s probably time for a new one. Having an actor headshot that gives you a leg up on the competition needs to be dynamic and eye-catching.
The photographer used lighting and angles to showcase your best features while minimizing flaws. If you look at your headshot and think it looks too posed, you might want to consider getting a new one.
Dynamic headshots make the viewer curious about who you are and why they should care. They allow you to stand out from the rest.
Dynamic Headshot Example
2. It’s Out of Focus
Badly focused actor headshots are pretty standard. This is especially true if you’re a beginner and don’t know much about photography.
If your eyes are out of focus, it’s time for a new one. Actors who get their headshots taken professionally will be told that the essential part of the shot is their eyes.
When the camera focuses on your eyes, everything else should be out of focus so that casting directors can focus on your expression. If your headshot is out of focus, you will likely be turned away from auditions.
While it’s true that some photographers will be able to fix your headshot in post-production, it’s best to get a good focus in the first place. For this reason, getting a photographer that is a seasoned professional is crucial.
3. The Background Doesn’t Reflect Who You Are
In addition to looking out of focus, your headshot might also have a background that doesn’t reflect who you are. If you took your headshot in a professional setting, such as a photo studio, it’s possible that the background doesn’t match your personality.
When booking headshots, it’s best to get a variety so that you have different options to pick from. This means that you have a variety of backgrounds to choose from. If you have a headshot taken in a tonal setting, like a studio, you might want to get a second one taken outdoors.
Getting a headshot taken outdoors will help to show casting directors that you are a real person.
Proper Outdoor Actor Headshot Examples
4. The Image Isn’t High Resolution
In this digital age, most actors aren’t printing their headshots and sticking them in their wallets. Instead, they use them as a profile picture on their online portfolio and social media accounts.
For this reason, getting a high-resolution image is essential so you can use it without losing any quality. If you notice that your actor headshot isn’t in high resolution, you might want to get a new one. It’s worth noting that if you’re hiring a photographer to take your new headshot, you’ll have to ask them about the resolution of their images.
5. You Look Tired or Unhappy
Sometimes, actors take their headshots when they’re tired or not feeling well. If you have a headshot that shows you looking tired or unhappy, it’s probably time for a new one.
Most actors get their headshots taken when they’re starting out and trying to break into the business. This often means that they’re tired, as they’re working long hours and taking every opportunity to get their name out there. A tired or unhappy expression will take away from the impact your headshot needs to make.
6. You Are Older Than the Photo
This is one of the most important reasons to update your actor headshot. If you’ve worked in the industry for a few years, your headshot will naturally show the passage of time.
This can mean that your image looks too old for some roles. When you’re booking your initial headshots, it’s best to get an image that reflects who you are at that moment in time.
Even if you’re playing a role that requires you to look years older, it’s worth updating your headshot, as it can help to book more roles. If you have a headshot that shows you looking much younger than you are now, it’s time for an update.
7. Changes in Headshot Trends
The actor headshot industry is constantly changing. As new trends emerge, photographers always develop new ways to take actor headshots. One example is the emergence of the full body headshot.
If you don’t have an actor headshot taken from farther away, you might want to update it. This is because it’s easier for casting directors to see what you look like on camera from head to toe.
Modern Actor Headshot Example
Time for New Headshots in NYC!
There are many signs that your actor headshots are out of date. If your photo looks staged, it’s out of focus, or has an old-fashioned background; you need to get a new one. It’s also a good idea to update your image if you’re older than the photo or you have a tired or unhappy expression. Thankfully, updating your actor headshot is easier than ever before. With just a few clicks, you can find a photographer near you, send them an email, and book an appointment.
Looking for actor headshots in NYC? Contact Gorn Photo and let us show you the power behind your image.
