To put all my cards on the table, I'm a headshot photographer based in New York. I have a good sense of what I like about my work and the work of others. At the same time I'm highly critical of what I produce, and am always looking to learn and improve. There's a good number of threads here with photographers giving their advice on "what to look for" in headshots, but I'd like to flip the script for a minute and get the topic from the other angle.

I've spoken with some actors/actresses lately and have come away from the experience surprised by their goals, desires likes and dislikes... basically, there's sometimes a gap between how I want my work to present them and how they want to see themselves.

I'm more than happy to accommodate their concerns and interests but I'd also like to get a greater sense of what people look for in general in their headshots.

For instance, do you find you like the clean, even feel of studio light? Or do you prefer the soft, golden glow of sunlight?

Do you prefer having your shots produced in a studio environment, or an outdoor location?

Is direct, "even" light your preference, or do you like to have lighting that is more "moody" and controlled?

To the working actors out there, if you're looking in -- what have you found to be most effective when discussing your headshots with your agents?

Of course, feel free to respond with insights and observations I haven't brought up