I am under the impression that the purpose of a headshot is to be the best 2D representation of an actor. In order to convey the message that "I'm right for the job", is it right to aim for capturing different personalities when doing headshots? I'm not talking about 'doctor' vs 'police' (which are outdated character shots), but rather about 'cutthroat ice queen' vs 'saccharine idol' vs 'angsty victim-turned-villain'.

Also, should I go to someone who specifically works on headshots, or is it okay to go to someone who normally does fashion photography if I believe she will understand what I am looking for, and I know she is gifted with lighting and such?

Hm... I just noticed that the topic sounds like I'm talking about one of my brother's first-person shooters...

hmmm very tough question. See I have both a "glamarous" headshot for both theatrical and commercial. While my agent loves my pictures, she doesn't feel like the true me is shown through these photos so in my case I am going to another photographer to get another look with a shot of what kind of characters I would normally play. I would say if you have an agent, ask them what type of personalities do they see you playing. If you don't have an agent ask people you know what kind of personalities they see you playing.


Now during a photo session (which you want to be done by a professional HEADSHOT photographer) there will be numerous headshots to choose from since the photographer will shoot anywhere from 80-150 pictures depending if they can get the right photo or not. Now with many options you'll probably want to narrow it down to at least 5. Make sure within your new selection you have at least one commercial and one theatrical. Also, make sure the personality you think you can play will be in the pictures.


Best of luck and if you need a photographer in NY or LA let me know and I can give you a few names that have helped me depending on your budget.

Casting directors and agents (as well as most people) tend to have tunnel vision...they see what's placed before them. It's your job to make sure what they see before them matches the breakdown that you're submitting for.

As for having a fashion photographer take your headshots....I would advise against it in MOST situations. It's important to go to someone who does headshots, because there is a certain look that is current in the marketplace that you want to be in.

I can and do shoot fashion and beauty photography, but it's a completely different style of lighting. It could be a great shot on many levels, but probably would get thrown out amongst a gallery of Actor Headshots...If the photographer is shooting you for free, ask her if she can research headshot photographers first before shooting you so she can see what's current.

I know this feels a little late, but thank you very much for your responses. I'm going to find a headshot photographer for my headshots (though of course I am not dropping the other photographer entirely, just for the purposes of headshots).