Actor Headshots: How to Get the Right Headshots – Insights from Philip Duguid-McQuillan

Your actor headshots are crucial. They’re often the first impression you make, and in an increasingly competitive industry, they need to do more than simply look good — they need to communicate who you are as an actor and make you stand out for the right reasons.

I spoke with actor Philip Duguid-McQuillan, founder of Headshot Hunter, a UK headshot photography comparison service, to get his thoughts on getting new headshots.

What style of photograph do you want?

Philip: Style is the most important aspect – if you like the photographer’s style of headshot, you are more likely to be happy with the end result from that photographer. Remember, you may have to live with it for several years.  The style needs to reflect the sort of castings you are looking for, e.g. classical theatre, aspirational commercial, urban, gritty TV etc.

Kieran: Find a good talent agency that links to its actors’ Spotlight profiles. Scroll through the roster and, whenever a headshot catches your eye, click through to Spotlight and check the photographer credit. After a while, you’ll start to see which photographers and styles you’re consistently drawn to.

Studio or natural lighting? Indoor or outdoor?

Philip: It really depends on your preferred style, there is no rule. I would say outside and the use of natural light can be more urban or natural, and studio is generally more dramatic or theatrical.

Kieran: I personally like studio headshots more but it really is personal preference. For me, the studio is more versatile when it comes to shaping light and creating different looks and moods.

How much time do I need?

Philip: Frankly, the more time the better, especially if it’s your first time. You need at least one hour, but if you’re after a range of looks, you should be looking at at least one to two hours. If you’re comfortable with the photographer already or are only looking for one particular shot then less time is obviously fine.

Kieran: It’s down to budget at the end of the day, but the more time the better. You want enough time to warm up, relax, build a rapport with the photographer, review images as you go and experiment with different clothes, backgrounds and looks without feeling rushed.

What do professional headshots cost?

Philip: Prices range from pay-what-you-can to £580. £150 is about standard price, for anything over £300 you are usually paying for the photographer’s reputation, which can be a good thing. Price does not necessarily mean quality or results, but if you find a photographer that you think can give you the results you need, then it may well be worth the money in the long run.

Kieran: You don’t need to pay out for a top photographer, there are lots of great ones out there with affordable rates. At the same time, there’s a huge amount of knowledge, experience, and skill that the best photographers utilise, which isn’t always obvious to non-photographers.

How should I prepare for a session?

Philip: Firstly, decide how you want your headshots to represent you – remember they are a marketing tool. Try to arrive with an idea of what you want from the session: What roles do you usually go up for? What roles do you want to go up for? If you already have headshots, do they need completely updating or do you just need a few new looks?  The more preparation you do, the easier it will be.

Secondly, make sure you are physically and mentally ready for the shoot. Drink plenty of water the week prior to the shoot and don’t go out drinking the night before or this will show in your photos! It is helpful for the photographer to see any of your previous headshots. If you have any general headshots that you like, they can also be a good reference for the photographer. Go in prepared then just relax and enjoy the session. Any little blemishes on the day can be edited out so no need to panic!

Kieran: Have a clear idea of your casting type. You’re not simply trying to get shots that make you look your most attractive — you’re trying to give casting directors a clear sense of where you might fit.

What should I wear?

Philip: There are no set rules, but remember to wear something you feel good in and relaxed in. Being comfortable will show through in your photos. However, if you stuff your shirts in a bag they will look like they were stuffed in a bag for the shoot! Take a few tops. Generally, darker, solid colours tend to work best. Avoid bold patterns and logos as they are distracting. Bring a few options, with varied necklines, but not too wide or low, allowing the top to frame your face. If you wear glasses, bring them, although sometimes they can distract away from your eyes, so take contact lenses as well if you have them. Try to avoid accessories such as necklaces and earrings, they will take the focus away from your face.

Kieran: Consider colours that bring out your eyes. That’s where the magic happens!

What about hair and makeup?

Philip: Less is more. It’s always easier for people to imagine you with more makeup on, not so easy to imagine you with less. Unique features are what make you stand out and make others sit up and take notice so don’t hide those freckles or scars!

Wear your hair how you normally would, but do experiment with a few different styles before your shoot. For women, it’s always worth trying a few looks with your hair up, as it can affect your age range and can look very ‘period’ or ‘classical’. Don’t cut your hair the day before your shoot! Give your hair a few days to relax after a cut. Think about what your hairstyle says about you, your image and, ultimately, your casting. You want to look like you will when you turn up to the audition!

Kieran: I’d reiterate you want to look like you will when you turn up to the audition. And keep your cast type in mind; your makeup and hairstyles should contribute to clear character types.

Black and white or colour?

Philip: Most agents and casting directors will want to see colour headshots.

Kieran: Colour!

How many headshots do I need?

Philip: You need one ‘main shot’: this is your best shot that should be engaging and says a bit of everything. However, it is worth having a couple of others to show your acting range. On your online actor profile, such as Spotlight, you can have around five or six different shots. Any more than this is too many.

Kieran: Again, this might come down to your budget. Three shows a range, five gives you more options when it comes to being submitted for specific roles – as long as they are genuinely distinct.

Do I need prints?

Philip: Prints are very rarely used as part of the casting process anymore, so you don’t need them to be included in the package. A photographer is likely to set a higher fee if they are included. You can get prints as and when you need them from reproduction companies.

Kieran: Nope!

How to choose shots?

Philip: Whether looking at your contact sheet (often up to 200 shots or more) or looking at a selection of final retouched images, don’t be afraid to ask for people’s opinions. They will help you get perspective as it is difficult to view your own shots objectively. Saying this, they are your headshots, you have to live with them, so make sure you pick the shots that you are happy with.

Remember, a range is a subtle difference in look, not the same look in different tops.

For your Spotlight, one or two production stills, if they are good and interesting, can add to the mix nicely. In America it’s standard to have a full body shot which makes sense but that hasn’t kicked off here yet.

Kieran: Keep in mind that you – and the friends you ask – may be drawn to the shots that make you look most attractive. But the best casting headshot isn’t always the photograph you’d choose for yourself. A strong headshot isn’t necessarily a pretty one.

Final thoughts

Philip: There is no exact science in choosing a headshot photographer, nor is there a formula for creating a killer headshot. It is an incredibly subjective process. Different photographers work in different ways and produce different styles; what will work for some will not work for others. You can argue about what is in fashion, but a great headshot should always look like you when you walk through the audition room door and show you in your best light. You on a good day. Honest and engaging.