Your session is more than just showing up; it’s about embodying the role, stories, and emotions you want casting directors or agencies to see in you. Think of this as setting the stage before the curtain rises for your First Act.
Here is a list of ways you can prepare that are unique to your career as an actor or, separately, your career as a model. Use these steps alongside our general preparation tips in our main [how to prep guide].
Mindset and role Inspiration for Actor Headshots
Before your session, spend some time reflecting on the kinds of characters, moods, and rules you want to be considered for:
Visualize your future roles – are you the sophisticated CEO, the Romantic lead, the edgy villain, the bright-eyed bushy-tailed high school student? Decide which archetypes you’d like to represent in your portfolio.
Create an inspiration board- collect film stills, fashion editorials, or actors’ headshots that resonate with you. Notice the body language styling and emotions in these images.
Practice expressions and energy- don’t wait until the camera is on. Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself and workshop on different moods. For actors, I highly recommend reading Jenna Fischer’s book, The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide. It is indeed a thought-provoking guide for actors seeking to break into any market, regardless of whether it’s Tokyo, London, or LA. There’s a beneficial chapter that discusses how to workshop the kind of rules you want to play by, allowing you to immerse yourself in the craft and artistry of it truly. It’s a very quick listen on Audible.
This type of “role rehearsal” for both actors and models ensures that your portfolio appears intentional and not random or generic.
Workshop Before Your Model Headshot Session
This is a little bit of extra credit, but it can go a long way. Think of your shoot as a performance. Rehearsal is essential. During the photo shoot, I sometimes share prompts or scenarios to help my clients envision how their character would behave in a specific situation. Workshop on your style of acting or modeling. Try a few of these methods on top of what you’re already doing:
- Do a few mock photo shoots at home, set up your phone or camera, and try practicing holding and changing expressions in very subtle ways.
- Practice pose transitions: While some models prefer significant changes, such as turning the body and moving the arms and limbs in different directions, try for subtle changes, like adjusting your wrist in a new direction or tilting your head slightly higher than it already is. Work on small changes before making bigger adjustments to your posing or expressions.
- Get feedback: ask a trusted friend, a coach, or anyone you work with in the industry what works best for you and which looks feel authentic to how you want to be portrayed.
Wardrobe Tips for Actor & Model Portfolio Photography
Your clothes thing is your visual script. It tells casting directors immediately what roles you might fit.
Here’s what we do want to bring:
- Neutrals and basics: Clean fitted tops in black, white, gray, and or navy. These are timeless and put the focus on you, minimizing any distractions.
- Character-specific looks: If you’re often cast as a creative professional, student athlete, or executive, bring outfits that lean towards those roles. If you’re looking to portray yourself as a strong and muscular character, bringing outfits that showcase your muscular build would be helpful. If you’re someone who’s playing a demure and feminine character, you want to bring outfits that showcase those characteristics.
- Textures over patterns: Solid colors and subtle textures, such as silk, denim, and leather, photograph better than loud patterns or logos.
- Well-fitted clothing: Please avoid baggy clothing, as it may mischaracterize your actual body type.
- (Optional) Formal wear: This is something for both actors and models, but particularly models, to showcase a fashion editorial look. I highly recommend bringing something that is very fashion-forward, almost elegant, or formal. A well-crafted fashion image can add significant value to your overall portfolio.
Things we want to avoid bringing:
- Distracting Prince logos or flashy brands. Let’s keep the big GAP and Ralph Lauren logo’d shirts at home.
- Clothing you wouldn’t realistically be cast in. If you’re trying to play Enid Sinclair, don’t come in with clothes meant for Wednesday Addams
- Outfits that would make you feel self-conscious or shy.
Final Prep Checklist before your Headshot Photoshoot
- Stay hydrated the day before (it will show on your skin)
- Rest well- bright eyes and Natural Energy matter
- Grooming: make sure you’re freshly shaved or have a neat beard, clean nails, and washed and dried hair.
- Keep everything on the face simple, as the stylist will be at our photo session to help you.
Please keep in mind that the camera captures both confidence and hesitation. The more you prepare mentally, physically, and creatively, the more your photos will reflect your versatility and Readiness as an actor or model.
Have fun with this experience and let’s create some wonderful moments during our session!
