Once you have successfully compiled your acting résumé and are happy with the final draft, you then need to accompany your résumé with a headshot photograph of yourself.

Your résumé is important, but your headshot is crucial, as it’s your first opportunity to catch the eye of the casting director. If your headshot is mediocre, the casting director will not be compelled to read what acting experience you have, even if you are perfect for the role they are casting.

Therefore you need to do plenty of research before you part with your hard-earned cash and have your photograph taken.

Before you even start looking for a photographer, you have to first understand what type of photograph your headshot should look like.

Your headshot photograph should be a true representation of yourself and your personality. To best explain how your photo should look, imagine how you would like your personality and image to appear, when viewed by a complete stranger.

First impressions are extremely powerful, but you only get one chance, so you have to turn this to your advantage when selecting a headshot photograph.

It is important that you are well-groomed and smartly dressed, but its also important that you are not overly made up. Remember, your headshot is all about being the true representation of yourself.

Ladies should wear their hair in a natural or simple style such as soft curls or a pony tail. Make up should be elegant, minimal or natural looking (think of make up you would wear to an interview). You do not want to look like a glamour model, caked in make up or with an elaborate hairstyle which would take hours to create.

It’s also important that if you have any scars, beauty marks or are heavily freckled, that you should not try to mask these features. If you are wearing heavy foundation or concealer, and appear to have a perfect complexion, when, in reality, you do not, this would be misleading and could waste valuable time for a casting director. So be truthful about your appearance.

Top Tips!

Before you choose a photographer, search the Internet for “headshot photography images”. You can then study images of other actors and artists to get an idea of the look and feel of what you are trying to create.

Make a short list of headshots that catch your eye. What is it about the image that stands out above others? Print out your favourite images, and then when you have found your photographer, you can take the images along to your session, so the photographer knows what type of photo you are specifically looking for.

Show off your best features, whether this be your smouldering good looks, sparkling eyes or flashing smile – accentuate and promote your best assets. However, make sure it’s true to your personality. For example, if you are not a naturally smiley person, do not try to force a smile for your headshot, as it will just appear false and it will show in your photo.

Set a budget for your photography session and pick your photographer carefully. Do not go for the first photographer you find (unless you have been recommended by a fellow actor who you trust). Always ask to view samples of their work before you commit to anything. Check the prices with several photographers in your area, just to make sure you are not being charged inflated prices.