HEADSHOT PREP: TL;DR

If you only read one thing before your session, read this:

  • Know what your headshots need to do.
    New shots aren’t a reset button. They should solve a specific problem: clarity, type, accuracy, or direction.

  • Think about where you’re being cast.
    Watch shows and commercials filming in your area. Notice wardrobe, tone, and “world.” Then find your version of that in your own closet.

  • Pick wardrobe with intention.
    Classic cuts, good fit, minimal patterns, flattering colors. Bring layers. Iron everything. Don’t bring things you don’t love on you.

  • Clothes should support you, not steal focus.
    If the wardrobe is more interesting than your face, it’s not helping.

  • Keep jewelry and accessories simple.
    When in doubt, less is better.

  • Arrive groomed and camera-ready.
    Light makeup? Sure. Don’t overdo it. Check hair, skin, teeth, and stray hairs before you leave.

  • We talk before we shoot.
    We’ll clarify goals, casting, and strategy ahead of time so the session is focused, calm, and productive.

  • Stay present during the shoot.
    Ask to look at images. Give feedback. We’ll adjust as we go.

  • One clear shot beats four vague ones.
    Your headshots should read instantly, especially as thumbnails.

  • Relax.
    The best images usually happen once you stop trying so hard.

HEADSHOT PREPARATION

“I hate having my picture taken.”

Yep. I hear that constantly. And honestly, it makes total sense. Headshots can be weirdly stressful. It’s one thing to play a character and hide behind a role. It’s another thing to just be yourself on a really good day…in front of a long lens that feels like it can see your soul.

The good news: most headshot stress doesn’t happen because you’re “bad at photos.” It happens because people show up underprepared, unsure of what they need, and hoping the camera will magically solve it.

With a little pre-shoot homework, you can walk in calm, clear, and even excited. And we can actually have fun.

START WITH CLARITY (BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT OUTFITS)

Before you pack a suitcase of tops, take ten minutes and ask:

What are these headshots supposed to DO for you?

Are you trying to:

  • update shots that no longer look like you?

  • sharpen your type so casting “gets it” faster?

  • add a more commercial option?

  • move toward more film/TV tone?

  • clarify a world you already fit into (blue-collar, family drama, office/corporate, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic, etc.)?

Headshots work best when they’re a response to real information, not a reset button.

And yes, we talk beforehand. Always. We’ll look at what’s working in your current materials, what feels missing, what you’re being called in for, and what you want casting to understand instantly.

TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY (IN A GOOD WAY)

You’re making an investment in your career. The more intention you bring to the prep, the easier the shoot becomes.

When actors do the pre-work, the day becomes playful. When they don’t, the day becomes guesswork.

TALK TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER (AKA: TALK TO ME)

I love a short pre-session conversation. We’ll cover:

  • what worked (and didn’t) with your last set

  • what you want these shots to say

  • what you want to be called in for

  • any features you want to highlight or downplay (yes, that’s normal)

Then, during the shoot, keep the dialogue going. Ask to look at photos as we go. I’ll always show you. That feedback loop is how we adjust quickly and make smarter choices in real time.

WATCH TV WITH PURPOSE (RESEARCH THAT ACTUALLY HELPS)

Here’s a simple exercise I give actors all the time:

Watch shows that film in your area. Keep your phone nearby.

When you see a character you could play easily, grab a quick screenshot. Not to copy the actor. To notice:

  • what they’re wearing

  • how dressed up or dressed down it is

  • what the “world” feels like

  • how much story is suggested without being a concept

Do this with commercials too. Commercials are very clear about type and wardrobe, and they don’t waste time.

Then raid your own closet and find YOUR version of what you’re seeing.

This makes wardrobe choices way easier and way more grounded.

STYLE (WHAT IF YOU DON’T “HAVE” IT?)

Everyone has style. Some people just haven’t named theirs yet.

If you’re stuck, look at actors with similar casting, coloring, and energy. Notice the shapes and textures that repeat. Borrow classic ideas. Don’t chase trends.

And yes, it’s totally fine to browse other photographers’ portfolios for wardrobe inspiration. I won’t take it personally. Use anything that helps you arrive with good ideas.

KNOW YOUR TYPE (WITHOUT COSTUMES)

Type is not your whole career. It’s just how casting knows where to start with you.

You do not need costumes. You do need clarity.

WARDROBE (THE BIG ONE)

Try everything on before you arrive. Then ask:
Does it fit? Do I love it? Does it feel like me?

If the answer isn’t “yes,” don’t bring it.

A few key rules:

  • A headshot session is not the day to wear the thing you never put on.

  • Bring more options than you think you’ll need, but let’s try to make decisions in advance.

  • Layers are your friend. Jackets, sweaters, textured overshirts. They add shape and depth.

  • Pick classic cuts and tailored shapes. They read well on camera and age better.

  • Keep patterns minimal. Tight patterns can strobe online and create moiré.

  • Choose colors that flatter your skin. In general, keep tones slightly darker than your skin.

  • Iron your stuff. Wrinkles can ruin a great shot and create unnecessary retouching.

  • If you want a corporate/office option (and many projects live in office worlds), bring one look that supports that: clean lines, simple tones, classic pieces.

IMPORTANT: Please don’t show up with clothes bunched in a bag or stuffed in bins. If it’s wrinkled before we start, we’re already behind. Bring things on hangers whenever possible.

Also: lint roll your clothes before you come. I heart cats. They’re perfect. Their hair on your clothes in a headshot is not.

JEWELRY + ACCESSORIES

Simple. Really simple. Or none.

  • Rings: usually no.

  • Watches: if the face is visible, it becomes a weird focal point.

  • Nose studs: easy to retouch out if needed.

  • Nose rings: trickier. Decide if it’s part of your brand or a distraction.

MAKEUP

If you decide to wear makeup, this is what we want: fresh, light, clean, natural, and camera-friendly.

In the age of self-tapes, I’m a strong believer that actors should know how to do their own makeup. Keep it simple, honest, accurate. I’ll have powder on the day we can use if ya get shiny. Try to arrive as close to camera-ready as possible and bring your kit for touch-ups.

GROOMING AND THE UNGLAMOROUS CHECKLIST

Get close to the mirror and check:

  • stray eyebrow hairs

  • nose/ear hair (yes, really)

  • lips (chapstick helps) and water water water.

  • teeth (brush if you ate, flosser, check lipstick)

If you shave the day of:

  • use a fresh razor, hot water, go slow

  • avoid razor burn

If you wake up with a breakout: do not attack it! It’s easier to retouch a pimple than repair swollen, irritated skin.

If you want a facial/wax/hair removal: do it at least a week ahead. Not the day before.

48-hour tip from a makeup artist: ease up on alcohol, sugar, and salty snacks. Drink water. Your face will thank you.

MUSIC, SNACKS, AND A FRIEND

We can listen to whatever you want in the studio.

Bring a snack. Something easy that keeps your blood sugar steady.

And bring a friend if you want, as long as they are:

  • supportive

  • calm

  • someone you can be a goofball around

The wrong friend makes you self-conscious. The right friend makes you braver.

FINAL NOTE

You don’t have to be “good at photos” to get great headshots. You just have to show up prepared, clear, and willing to collaborate.

That’s the whole game.