I was fresh out of college, back home in New York, commuting into the city to take classes at The School for Film and Television and volunteering at a theatre company I loved. I had a manager who referred me to a well-known (and very expensive) actor headshot photographer for new commercial and theatrical images.

Walking into their apartment loft studio, I was in awe. It felt like stepping into the world I wanted to be part of. And the photos turned out beautifully. At the time, I was thrilled.

But looking back, there were things I didn’t know to consider. I ended up spending more than I ever had on headshots. I also learned after I arrived to my session that I was sharing my appointment time with another actor… who was running late. So I waited, and waited, and my energy dipped before we even got started. I also remember not feeling as relaxed with someone else standing around watching. And in my head I felt a little hurt that I had paid so much money and didn’t have the photographer’s focused time. We both took turns getting the exact same series of images in the same exact locations with identical backgrounds. Honestly, I felt like just another booking. Later, when showing the images to agents and casting directors, I kept hearing the same thing: “Oh, this is so and so’s work.” Compliments on the photographer. Not the image of me. 

That really stuck with me. I realized I wasn’t always being seen first! The photographer was. It was the recognition of the photographer’s style and posing that was coming to the forefront, and not necessarily the actor (in this case, moi). Not the greatest way to make a great first impression.

Now that I’m a photographer myself, I’ve seen how true it is that not every photographer will be the right match for every actor, and that’s okay. It’s something I actually really love about this work. We all bring different energy, goals, and perspectives to the table. But I recommend finding an actor headshot photographer that can help you create images that reflect your unique presence, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. And remember, not all headshot photographers specialize in acting headshots. 

If you’re starting the search for an actor headshot photographer, here are a few things to keep in mind as you figure out who the best fit might be for you.

Look for Work That Reflects Your Brand

Before you choose a headshot photographer take a good look at their work, but more importantly, look at it through the lens of your brand. A headshot can be technically perfect and visually stunning, but if it doesn’t support the kind of roles you’re aiming for, it’s not going to help you get in the door.

But before you even look at their work – get clear on yours!

What kind of roles are you most often called in for? What kind of energy or essence do you naturally bring into the room? Are you aiming for commercial, light, and friendly? Or more grounded, intense, and dramatic?

If you’re going out for bright, comedic, or family-friendly roles, an actor headshot photographer whose work leans dark and moody might not be the right match. The images could be gorgeous but they won’t serve you.

The best fit is someone whose style supports the version of you that you’re leading with in the industry. You don’t need to mold yourself to their aesthetic. You want someone who can meet you where you are and photograph in a way that helps casting see it.

Match the Style to Your Stage

Where you are in your acting journey should shape the kind of headshots you’re getting. A first-year actor doesn’t need the same portfolio as someone with a recurring role on a network show, and that’s okay.

If you’re just getting started, your acting headshot should communicate clarity and confidence. Simple, clean, and approachable often works best. Think: a welcoming, grounded image that shows you’re castable for co-star and commercial roles. You want casting to immediately understand who you are and where you fit.

And if you’re in the process of seeking representation, or about to meet with a new agent or manager, keep in mind that they’ll often have their own ideas about how to market you. Many times, they’ll ask for updated images that reflect a specific submission strategy. So starting with one or two strong, versatile looks gives you room to adjust based on their input. You don’t need to invest in five or six different looks right away. Keep it focused, and stay open to refining your brand as it evolves.

If you’re more established, you may want a broader range. Maybe you’re aiming for series regulars, indie film leads, or high-stakes drama. In that case, you’ll want images that carry more weight. For example, photos that show depth, complexity, and presence. Or, if your work leans more commercial or lifestyle, your range might be about clearly owning specific archetypes. Think: the offbeat creative, the suburban mom, the tech-savvy millennial, the grounded best friend. Whatever your niche is, your images should reflect it with purpose and personality.

The key is working with an actor headshot photographer who can adapt to where you are not just technically, but strategically. Your headshots should reflect both your current brand and the direction you’re moving in.

Make Sure They’re Accessible and Available

A great actor headshot photographer doesn’t just fit your brand, they also need to fit into your actual life! Ha, ha. Logistics matter. Before you commit, make sure their schedule, location, and communication style work for you.

Start with the basics: Where are they based? Do they work in a studio, on location, or both? How far in advance do they book? If you’ve got a tight turnaround (say, an agent meeting next week or a last-minute pilot season refresh) you’ll want someone who can accommodate that kind of timeline.

It’s also worth understanding how they manage communication. Are they responsive to emails? Do they offer consultations? Are you speaking directly to the photographer, or is an assistant handling their bookings? What’s their turn around time? Some of these things may seem small, but they shape your overall experience.

Pay Attention to What Others Are Saying

Before you book a photographer, take a little time to find out what it’s actually like to work with them. Reviews and testimonials can give you insight that a portfolio alone won’t.

Look for feedback from actors who’ve worked with them recently. Are people saying they felt supported and comfortable during the session? Did the photographer offer clear direction or help bring out something honest in the moment? Were the final images delivered on time and in line with what was promised?

These kinds of details matter. An actor headshot session is a vulnerable process, and it helps to work with someone who not only has a good eye, but also knows how to create a space where you can show up fully.

You can check Google, Yelp, their website, or ask your actor friends directly. A personal recommendation is often the most reassuring way to know you’re making the right call.

Every actor builds a team. People you trust to support your career and help you move forward: An agent who advocates for you. A manager who helps guide your next steps. An acting coach who sharpens your craft and may help you prepare for auditions. An actor headshot photographer belongs on that team too!

Your photographer should be someone who knows how to listen, collaborate, and create an environment where you feel confident and relaxed. They can direct you to help you draw out the quirks and inflections that help you nail the characters you are intentionally honing as your archetypes.

I’ve had acting headshots taken more times than I can count – on both coasts, for sooo many kinds of roles (and some that were definitely NOT my archetype!!). Stage work in New York. Commercials in LA. TV and film projects that required just the right nuance in expression or tone. I’ve been in that spot where you’re trying to get it right, hoping the image speaks before you even say a word.

I’ve also spent time behind the scenes as a producer, involved in the casting process, and even had a stint working at a well-known casting office in Los Angeles where part of my job was reviewing headshots before they ever reached the casting director. That experience gave me a real sense of what makes a headshot effective; what catches someone’s eye, and what gets passed over. It taught me how to evaluate headshots not just as an actor, but as someone responsible for helping tell the story by who gets called in.

If you’re an actor in Boston or the greater Massachusetts area looking for someone who understands both sides of the process, I’d love to work with you! Let’s create images that help casting know exactly what you bring to the table. Click here to book a complimentary Discovery Call.