What should I wear?
Quite often actors schedule a headshot session with me, and their very first question is “What should I wear?”. I’m always grateful for this question because it communicates I’m working with an actor who wants to be prepared.
I believe an acting headshot can be broken down into two categories, theatrical and commercial. The theatrical headshot should serve you when you’re being submitted to casting directors for film, television, and stage roles. The commercial headshot should serve you for commercial advertising and some comedic roles. In general, I recommend earth tone colors for theatrical headshots and jewel tone colors for commercial headshots.
Within each of the two headshot categories, I believe an acting headshot can also be broken down into the subcategories of character and essence. A character headshot communicates the style of a person who is different from you. An essence headshot is a direct reflection of you and your personal style. Regardless of the direction you choose to go with your headshot, it’s important to be specific and intentional with your wardrobe.
If an actor is looking to present themselves as a specific character type, such as a doctor, I don’t recommend dressing in costume. In my opinion, and the opinion of many casting directors, you don’t need to dress in medical scrubs to communicate you can play a doctor. In this instance, a blue dress shirt along with a bright studio background will hit the mark. This also allows the option of using your “medical headshot” for submissions that are not medical related.
Here are my tips for actors preparing their headshot wardrobe:
Don’t wait until the last minute to pull your wardrobe together. This could make the process stressful.
Clothing should fit properly. Baggy, oversized clothing does not photograph well in headshot framing, and also adds weight.
Don’t be afraid of color. Villain character headshots don’t require all black clothing. Maroon, under a dark top layer, could be a nice alternative.
Earth tone colors consistently photograph well, and compliment all skin tones.
Layer your clothing. This is an excellent way to get variety within each of your looks.
Consider thrift store shopping. This is an excellent way to find unique items for your shoot that you may not currently find on department store racks or online.
Bring backup options. Keep in mind, something that looks great in a full length mirror could photograph much differently in a closeup.
Avoid busy patterns, large logos, branding, and graphic t-shirts. Note: This is an industry standard but some talent agents have exceptions to this rule, and that’s okay.
Bring variety and be creative. Three t-shirts in three different colors is not three looks. What are actors wearing in commercials right now? What are the characters wearing on that television show that you want to audition for?
Clean and press your clothing. High resolution cameras see everything.
I have created a Pinterest board , linked below, that offers a look at a wide variety of options that will photograph well in a headshot. I also encourage you to review my website portfolio for wardrobe inspiration. If you are an actor represented by a talent agency, I recommend a wardrobe consultation with your team weeks prior to your shoot date.