Professional Headshots

Actor Headshots That Get You in the Room

Your headshot is your number one marketing tool. Before you walk into the audition, before you deliver a single line, your photo has already made the first impression. We make headshots that open doors.

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Theatrical vs. Commercial: You Need Both

Two different looks for two different sides of the industry.

Theatrical

Drama, Film, Indie, Stage

This is the headshot that says you can carry a scene. Darker tones, deeper contrast, and expressions that show range and intensity. Character-forward. The look that tells a casting director you belong in the room for that gritty drama or period piece.

✓Dramatic, moody lighting
✓Darker or neutral backgrounds
✓Intense, layered expressions
✓Shows emotional depth and range

Commercial

TV, Print, Voiceover, Commercials

The “I would buy something from this person” headshot. Bright, clean, and approachable. A natural warmth that reads well on screen and in print. This is the shot that books the national commercial, the recurring guest spot, the industrial training video that pays your rent.

✓Bright, even lighting
✓Clean or light backgrounds
✓Warm, genuine expressions
✓Approachable and relatable energy

Book Both Looks

Range. Character. Presence.

Model and actor digitals showing range and character by Henry David Photography

Beauty and character portrait for actor and model portfolio by Henry David Photography

Theatrical portrait showing dramatic expression by Henry David Photography

What Casting Directors Actually Want

Casting directors flip through hundreds of headshots for a single role. Sometimes thousands. They spend two to three seconds on each one. Your photo needs to stop the scroll, and it needs to look like you when you walk into the room.

The trends have shifted. Overly retouched, heavily styled, posed-to-death headshots do not book work anymore. What books work: natural lighting that feels cinematic. Expressions that show who you are, not who you think they want. Eyes that tell a story before you open your mouth.

Natural Over Posed

The industry has moved away from stiff, over-produced headshots. CDs want to see the real you, not a polished mask.

Personality Over Perfection

A tiny asymmetry in your smile, a knowing look in your eye. Those details are what make a headshot memorable.

Eyes That Tell a Story

Your eyes are doing the heavy lifting. We coach you to connect through the lens so the camera catches something real.

Ready to update your headshots?

Tell us about your audition pipeline and the kinds of roles you're going for. We'll send pricing and availability within one business day.

What Your Session Includes

Everything you need to walk out with headshots that work.

60-minute dedicated session

Theatrical and commercial looks

Expression and character coaching (not just 'smile')

Real-time review on tethered monitor

Multiple background options

Professional retouching

Files formatted for Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage

Proofing gallery within 48 hours

Book Your Session

How to Prepare for Your Session

You do not need to be an expert at this. We coach you through everything. But a little prep goes a long way.

Wardrobe

Solid colors photograph best. Avoid busy patterns.
Layers give you options. A jacket on vs. off is two different looks.
Nothing too trendy. Your headshot should have a shelf life of at least a year.
Bring 3-4 outfit options so we can pick the strongest together.

Hair, Makeup, and Grooming

Look like yourself on your best day. That is the goal.
If you wear makeup daily, wear what you normally would. Keep it natural.
Avoid dramatic haircuts or color changes the week before your session.
Men: clean up facial hair the morning of. Fresh but not freshly-shaved.

What to Bring

3-4 outfit options (we will narrow it down together).
Reference headshots you like. Show us what you are going for.
A list of roles you typically audition for (helps us tailor the look).
Water and any touch-up supplies you might need.

Mindset

You do not need to know how to pose. That is our job.
We coach you through every expression and angle.
The session is collaborative. Think of it like a scene partner exercise.
Relax. The best headshots happen when you stop trying to be perfect.

Actor Headshot FAQ

How many looks should I prepare?▼

Plan for at least two: one theatrical and one commercial. If you have range (think: lawyer by day, villain by night), bring wardrobe for three or four. We will work through each look together during the session and help you decide what to shoot.

Should I smile in my acting headshot?▼

It depends on the look. Commercial headshots usually call for a warm, natural smile. Theatrical shots lean toward something more neutral or intense. Most actors need both, which is why we shoot multiple expressions in every session.

Do you offer rates for emerging or student actors?▼

Yes. We understand that actors at the beginning of their careers are investing in their future. Contact us for current rates. We want every working actor to have access to quality headshots.

Can I use these for Actors Access and Casting Networks?▼

Absolutely. Every image is delivered in the exact formats and dimensions required by Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, and other major casting platforms. No resizing or reformatting on your end.

What is the difference between a headshot and a portrait?▼

A headshot is a tightly framed image of your face and shoulders, designed for casting and audition submissions. A portrait is broader and can include more of the body, environment, or creative styling. For acting, your headshot is what casting directors review first.

How often should actors update their headshots?▼

Every one to two years, or whenever your look changes significantly (new hair, weight change, aging). If a casting director calls you in and you do not look like your headshot, that is a problem. Keep it current.

“I felt really nervous at the photo shoot but you still managed to get some terrific shots of me. I really appreciate how patient and responsive you've been, how skilled you are, and what an artistic eye you have.”

Susan McDonald

Creative Portrait Client

@henrydavidphotography

Published in 9+ international fashion magazines