PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS FOR ACTORS AND MODELS
Your headshot is your calling card. It’s the first impression that lands in front of casting directors, agents, and producers — often before you’ve even stepped in the room. In seconds, they’ll decide if they want to see more. That’s why your headshot has to do more than look like you. It needs to feel like you.
My goal? To capture your unique essence so your image doesn’t just get noticed — it gets remembered.
Why Your Actor Headshot Matters:
Your headshot is doing one job: getting you into the room. Casting directors, agents, and managers spend less than 10 seconds deciding whether to keep scrolling or stop at your photo. That means your image needs to communicate your type, your personality, and your professionalism — all at once. A great actor headshot isn't just technically sharp; it has a point of view. It tells a story before you say a word.
What Makes a Great Actor Headshot?
It looks like you on your best day. The #1 mistake actors make is choosing a heavily retouched photo that no longer looks like them at callbacks. Your headshot should match what casting sees when you walk in.
Eyes are everything. A connection through the lens is what separates a memorable shot from a forgettable one. The goal is engagement, not a stare, but a presence.
Clean, simple framing. The industry standard is a clean ¾ or tight crop with soft, neutral backgrounds that keep the focus entirely on your face and expression.
Multiple looks. Most working actors need 2-3 looks: a commercial/approachable look, a dramatic look, and optionally a character or type-specific look. Your package should reflect this.
What Should I Wear For My Headshots?
Once you reserve your session, I’ll send you a detailed prep guide to help you feel sharp, confident, and camera-ready. Usually I recommend simple, solid colors — clothes that let you be the focus. Also happy to hop on a quick call to discuss your goals and help you plan the perfect session.
What to Expect at Your Session
Before your session: You'll receive my prep guide covering wardrobe, grooming, rest, and how to get in the right headspace. I'm always happy to hop on a quick call to talk through your goals, your type, and what roles you're targeting.
During your session: Sessions take place in my private Pleasanton studio in the Bay Area. I keep the environment relaxed and conversational — the goal is to get you out of your head and into genuine expression. We'll work through multiple looks, lighting setups, and expressions. You'll be able to review images together during the session so you know we're nailing it.
After your session: You'll receive a curated online gallery to choose your favorites. Final edited images are delivered digitally in high-resolution, ready for Actors Access, Casting Networks, IMDb, and anywhere else you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should actors update their headshots? Industry standard is every 1–2 years, or any time your look significantly changes — a new haircut, weight change, aging into a new type, or major career shift.
Do I need professional hair and makeup? It's highly recommended, especially for women and actors with longer hair. I can recommend trusted stylists who specialize in headshot prep. The difference in polish is noticeable.
What's the difference between theatrical and commercial headshots? Theatrical headshots tend to be more intense, direct, and emotionally charged — suited for dramatic roles in TV and film. Commercial headshots are warmer, more approachable, and open — aimed at ads, sitcoms, and brand work. Most actors need both.
How do I submit my headshots after the session? Your final images come as high-res JPEGs ready for upload to Actors Access, Casting Networks, IMDb Pro, and your agency's portal.
Do you shoot on location or in a studio? Sessions are held in my private studio in Pleasanton, CA. Studio shooting gives us consistent, professional lighting and a controlled environment where we can focus entirely on you.
