Hey, everyone! Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, or just curious about the industry, today we’re talking about something incredibly important but often overlooked: headshots.

Yes, I know! they seem simple, but they can make or break your first impression in this competitive industry. A great headshot is more than just a picture. It’s your first chance to show casting directors, agents, and producers who you are. So, let’s dig deeper into why headshots matter and how you can fix some common mistakes.

Oh, By the way! Actors, if you need updated headshots mark your calendars. I am hosting a free Actor's headshot day. Go to https://calendly.com/rietherlight/free-actor-headshots to RSVP. This is totally free with an option to purchase.

1. Why Your Headshot is Your Calling Card

Think of a headshot like a movie trailer. It’s the teaser that gives people a sneak peek into your potential, your range, and your brand. Now, imagine a casting director flipping through hundreds of headshots every day. After the 50th one, they probably aren’t even looking at names anymore — they’re scanning faces. If your headshot doesn’t stand out, you might as well be invisible.

But here's the thing: it’s not just about looking good. It’s about looking right. Your headshot should communicate not only your appearance but also your energy, your professionalism, and even your personality. You’ve probably heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” right? Well, in this case, it’s worth a thousand opportunities — or none at all.

When I first started out, I didn’t get it. I thought, “Hey, as long as I have a decent picture, I’m good.” But that’s the trap a lot of newcomers fall into. You’ll be tempted to save money and snap a quick pic with your phone, or worse, hire a friend who “kinda knows how to use a camera.” Trust me when I say — don’t do it.

One bad headshot can set you back, and the industry moves fast. You want to be taken seriously from the get-go. And if you don’t invest in yourself, why should anyone else? Look at it like this: that $500 – $1,000 headshot session might be the very thing that lands you your next (or first!) gig. It’s an investment, not a cost.

2. How to Find the Right Photographer (And Avoid a Bad One)

Once you realize how critical a good headshot is, the next step is finding the right photographer.

This part can be overwhelming. Do you just Google "headshot photographers near me" and pick the first one? (Spoiler: no). You have to do your homework, just like you would when auditioning for a role or preparing for a film shoot.

Here’s a story from when a friend who was looking for a headshot photographer. He found a photographer who claimed they could “do it all” — weddings, baby photos, family portraits, and oh yeah, headshots too. That’s a red flag right there.

I get it, nowadays every creative is just trying to do what they can to pay bills and provide food for the table. But and this is a BIG but, every business should have a focus and I mean a hyper focus on one specific type. You can't be a do it all type of photographer, sorry. Everyone has there strengths and weaknesses.

Headshots are their own kind of art. You don’t want someone who’s dabbling in everything. You want a photographer who specializes in actor headshots. Here is what Happens alot of the time when you do invest in a do it all type of photographer, you end up with mostly portraits and not Headshots. The sad truth to this is that someone who is starting out, won't know the difference.

A headshot should be what is in the name Head. Which means the camera should remain extremely tight and focused only on the face. A little shoulder is okay but anything below the tip of the shoulder is considered a portrait not a headshot.

Another thing to look out for? The phone photographer. Yep, there are “pros” out there who use their phones for headshots and charge you a full session fee.

Now, don’t get me wrong — phones can take amazing pictures these days, but for something as important as your headshot, you need a professional who uses professional tools.

It’s like this: would you expect a filmmaker to shoot an entire movie on an iPhone? (Okay, Steven Soderbergh did it, but you’re not Steven Soderbergh… yet.)

What should you look for in a photographer?

• A solid portfolio: Ask to see their previous work. Do the headshots feel professional? Do the actors look comfortable and natural?

  
  

• Reviews and referrals: Word of mouth is gold in this industry. Ask other actors who they’ve worked with and who they’d recommend.

  
  

• A reasonable price: Yes, it’s going to cost you, but if someone is charging too little, be wary. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You’re paying for experience, quality, and an understanding of how to showcase you.

  
  

Let's look at Peter Hurley for example: Peter Hurley is renowned for his headshots and this is the only thing he does. His pricing starts out at $1500 and this is just the sitting fee. However, he is extremely well known and extremely good at what he does. He also offers classes to teach others about headshots. I am one of his proud students and continue to do what it takes to get better at my craft.

Understanding Pricing: Breaking Down the Investment

A professional photographer will normally have numerous fees attached. One is there sitting or session fee and then there is a fee for each headshot you buy.

One of the most confusing parts about hiring a professional headshot photographer can be understanding the pricing. You might see a photographer like Peter Hurley, whose session fee starts at $1,500, and think, "Wait, I’m paying $1,500 and I don’t even get any pictures with that?!"

It sounds wild at first, but let’s break it down so you can see where the value really comes from.

When you hire a professional photographer, their pricing usually has two parts:

1. The Session (or Sitting) Fee

2. The Fee for Each Final Headshot You Choose

   
   

Let’s start with the session fee. This fee covers the photographer’s time, expertise, and the environment they create for you during the shoot. A photographer like Peter Hurley, who’s renowned in the industry, doesn’t just snap a couple of photos and call it a day.

You’re paying for their years of experience, their understanding of how to light and pose you in a way that highlights your best features, and their ability to make you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.

At the higher end, a photographer’s session fee can start at around $1,500, but this doesn’t include the photos themselves. Why?

Because the session fee is essentially paying for the time and expertise it takes to get the shots — not the photos you choose afterward. Think of it like a custom-tailored suit. You’re not just paying for the fabric, but for the skill and precision it takes to create something that fits you perfectly.

Why Don’t I Get Any Photos With the Session Fee?

This is where a lot of actors get confused. The session fee pays for the photoshoot itself — the lighting setup, the photographer’s time, their equipment, and their years of experience that go into making sure you look your absolute best.

After the session, the photographer will likely present you with dozens (or sometimes hundreds) of photos to choose from.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t automatically get all those photos. That’s where the second part of the pricing comes in.

Paying for Individual Headshots

Once the session is over, you’ll typically have the option to purchase individual headshots. This might seem like an extra expense, but it’s part of the process. After all, not every shot taken is going to be the one that perfectly captures you.

For example, a photographer like Hurley might charge a session fee of $1,500, and then each selected image could cost an additional $200–$500 per photo.

Why? Because you’re not just buying a picture. You’re investing in a carefully edited, high-quality image that will represent you for months, if not years. These photos will go through retouching, color correction, and other tweaks to ensure that they look professional and polished.

So, in total, your session fee might be $1,500, and if you choose 2 or 3 final headshots, you could end up spending another $500–$1,500 on the images themselves. That might seem like a hefty investment, but remember — this is your career we’re talking about.

A great headshot can be your foot in the door. It’s what gets you noticed, what tells casting directors, “This person is serious about their craft.”

Understanding the Value of the Investment

At first glance, spending over $1,500 on headshots might feel like a huge leap, but it’s important to see it as an investment in yourself. Here’s why:

1. Long-Lasting Impact: A well-shot, professional headshot can last you for a few years. If you think about it, spending $1,500–$3,000 for a high-quality photo that opens doors to multiple opportunities isn’t that steep.

   
   

2. You’re Paying for Expertise: A seasoned photographer knows exactly how to bring out your best features, how to make you look like you, and most importantly, how to make sure your headshot aligns with the roles you’re aiming for. You can’t get that level of skill from a friend with a camera or a quick DIY shot.

   
   

3. The Right Headshot Pays for Itself: Think of it this way: If your headshot lands you even one gig that pays a few thousand dollars, you’ve already made back your investment. Plus, the connections and future opportunities that come from that one job can lead to even more work down the line.

   
   

So, when you see those session fees and image costs, try not to focus on the immediate price tag. Instead, consider what that professional, polished, industry-standard headshot will do for your career. It’s not just a picture. It’s your brand, your first impression, and your gateway to bigger opportunities.

Once you’ve found a photographer, talk to them about your brand. What roles are you pursuing? Are you going for drama, comedy, horror? The type of roles you want should influence the mood and style of your headshot. It’s about building a cohesive image of who you are as an actor.

3. Headshot Techniques That Actually Work

Now, let’s talk about some of the technical aspects. There are a few mistakes that I see actors make all the time, and they’re super easy to avoid with just a little bit of planning.

First off, there’s this debate about whether your headshot should be shot in landscape or vertical.

Traditionally, headshots have always been vertical. It makes sense because they focus on the head and shoulders, and that’s all casting directors care about, right? Wrong.

In today's digital world, you want more versatility.

Shooting in landscape gives you the flexibility to crop it however you need, whether for your website, your portfolio, or your next audition. You can crop a landscape shot into a vertical one, but you can’t do the reverse. Think about it this way: would you rather have more options or fewer?

Lighting is another critical factor. A headshot should show you in your best light — literally. That doesn’t mean you need fancy lighting setups, but it does mean you need to be well-lit. Harsh shadows or uneven lighting will distract from your face. A well-lit headshot captures the nuances of your features and gives the image a sense of professionalism.

Lastly, let’s talk about makeup and editing. I’ve seen way too many headshots where the actor looks nothing like themselves because of heavy makeup or over-editing. Casting directors want to see the real you.

If you walk into an audition looking like a totally different person, it’s going to be a problem. Keep your makeup natural, and avoid those edits that smooth every line and pore out of existence. Remember, your imperfections are what make you you.

Real Talk: Your Headshot is Your Story

At the end of the day, your headshot isn’t just a photo. It’s a snapshot of your story. It should tell casting directors who you are, what you can do, and why they should want to work with you. Don’t take this lightly.

A great headshot can be the difference between getting called in for that audition or getting passed over without a second glance. It’s worth taking the time to find the right photographer, make sure your headshot reflects who you are, and invest in making sure you stand out.