Cinematic headshots aren’t about looking dramatic or “acting” in a still frame. They’re about clarity, presence, and story. A strong cinematic headshot feels like a moment pulled from a larger world. It reads quickly, feels specific, and helps casting immediately understand who you are and where you fit. This post breaks down what cinematic actually means in a casting context, and how to use it strategically rather than stylistically.
Before you book a headshot session, it helps to slow down and get oriented. This is a practical, no-nonsense guide to prepping in a way that makes your photos clearer, more useful, and a lot less stressful.
Most headshot mistakes don’t happen during the shoot. They happen before an actor ever books the session. This post is about slowing that moment down, getting clear on what casting needs to see, and making headshots that actually work.
A neighbor recently told me her first professional headshots were “fine”… except she didn’t wear the right thing. That small detail is more common than you think. In this post, I break down why wardrobe matters more than most actors realize, how certain fabrics can sabotage a shot, and how to choose clothes that support you instead of stealing focus.
Sometimes shooting in the cold weather to do natural light headshots presents some interesting challenges. I love the crispy cold air and light.
When I'm shooting a session outdoors in NYC, it isn't much of an issue as we can go outside for quick trips and pop back in to my place to warm up. But when I'm on the road, I don't always have a home base, so to speak, and we're often left to our own ingenuity to get the shots we need all the while battling the elements.
Here are some tips and tricks that you can do if you may be shooting your next headshot session outside in the cold.
