Essential Tips for Getting Brilliant Commercial Headshots

Commercial headshots are a well-covered area. After looking at a slew of headshots and talking with and listening to countless commercial actors, there seem to be two camps on the topic: the believers in the power of the headshot and the non-believers. OK, there may be a third camp of actors who didn’t get the memo at all.

Actors book on headshots and talent. Just like acting classes, there’s no middle ground on headshots. This is a competitive industry, and professional headshots are required for your acting career to flourish.

This is an attempt to convert the neutral and the naysayers and to fill in any remaining gaps in information about the importance of professional headshots.

What You’ll Find in This Article

Commercial Actors Should Never Have Anything Less Than Brilliant Headshots

Go With a Top Commercial Headshot Photographer

Know What Great Commercial Headshots Look Like

Don’t Get Creative With Your Commercial Headshots

Watch Commercials, Identify Top Types, and Have a Headshot That Reflects Each One

Plan, Plan, Plan: Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup

When Your Agent Says “Get Them,” Get Them—AND Post Them Everywhere

Get access to thousands
of high-quality roles.

JOIN FREE TODAY

Commercial Actors Should Never Have Anything Less Than Brilliant Headshots

Brilliant? Do I really mean brilliant? Yes, I do, but what does “brilliant” mean?

You’ve heard the usual criteria that the headshot has to (really) look like you, the eyes need to be alive, the shot should pop, etc. All these are true, but it’s much, much more.

Why isn’t a “good” headshot sufficient for your acting career? Casting directors look at (no exaggeration) thousands of headshots per role. If I’m not taken with your headshot right away, I’ll never get to your resume, training, and skills. You can’t charm me with those because I’ll never see them.

Actor headshots come first, and there are plenty of performers who have fantastic ones. When a casting director doesn’t know you, the headshot, in most circumstances, is your introduction.

Here are a few thoughts on how to achieve brilliant commercial headshots.

Go With a Top Commercial Headshot Photographer

Not all headshot photographers are created equal, and not all specialize in commercial headshots, which differ from theatrical headshots.

When you want brilliant commercial headshots, you’ll want to go with a skilled photographer who specializes in just that. I won’t name my favorite Los Angeles commercial photographers here, but I can say that most are booked several months out.

Talk to your actor friends who are getting commercial auditions. Find out who they shot with. Talk to your agent and get their preferred list. Don’t have your photographer pal take your headshots, and don’t attempt to do DIY headshots (a selfie won’t cut it). Don’t go with a fabulous, skilled photographer known for taking great theatrical shots, either.

Theatrical headshots and commercial shots aren’t the same. Theatre headshots are also different. Like the acting industry, the headshot business is not as simple as it appears. Different genres call for different types of headshots.

Know What Great Commercial Headshots Look Like

How would you ever know what great commercial headshots look like? My favorite trick is to follow the top commercial agencies on any number of media platforms. They’ll often post the headshot of an actor who has recently booked a commercial.

While it’s not a 100% guarantee, most actors who book commercials have great commercial headshots. Take note of the aesthetics of these shots, and pretty soon you’ll have a solid idea of what to aspire to.

Don’t Get Creative With Your Commercial Headshots

Just because it seems like everyone has a commercial headshot in a blue polo, it doesn’t mean you should avoid it. If you’re a helpful Best Buy or Honda type, you’d better have a headshot with you in a polo, or you’re going to be missing opportunities.

Don’t strive to have unique or interesting commercial headshots for the sake of having something different. The unique shots may come in handy for modeling or as a gift to your significant other, but they’re not ideal for commercial headshots.

Commercials deal in types. Your commercial headshots will have a similar look and feel to other headshots, and that’s OK because YOU make them different. You and all the other actors with brilliant—though similar-looking headshots—will get the audition, meaning you’ll have to duke it out on the merits of talent from there.

Watch Commercials, Identify Top Types and Have a Headshot That Reflects Each One

Your headshot should tell the casting director how to cast you, specifically. What successfully conveys the types you can play depends on your hair, makeup, and wardrobe.

For example, if you’re looking to get the perfect Midwest mom commercial headshot, watch commercials with Midwest moms and wear exactly what they’re wearing, fix your hair the same way, and wear the same amount of makeup.

TLDR: The advertising industry will dictate what the current trends are. Copy what you see on commercials today in your commercial headshots and remember: Don’t get creative.

Plan, Plan, Plan: Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup

Brilliant headshots don’t happen by chance; they come from thinking them through and planning ahead of time. Don’t wing your headshot session.

By the time of your shoot, you should have watched a range of commercials, picked your types, purchased your wardrobe, planned your hair options, gotten your makeup/hair person, and had plenty of sleep leading up to your shoot date. These are too important to shrug your shoulders and hope for the best. Plan it out.

When Your Agent Says “Get Them,” Get Them—AND Post Them Everywhere

I have to say, I’m surprised this is a thing, but apparently it is. If your agent wants new headshots, you should get them. If you don’t trust their discretion, then that’s another (bigger) problem.

Assuming you intend to take their suggestion, don’t be afraid to get their opinion on the specific types you may be missing or need to improve on in your portfolio. They should be in on that conversation! Your headshots are also part of your social media marketing and branding. When you finally get your fantastic headshots, they won’t do you a single bit of good until you post them online. So get it done.

The longer you wait to take or post your photos, the more opportunities you’re missing.

Acting, like all creative industries, is competitive. Brilliant headshots are essential. Here’s a quick recap of what you need to do to get the best commercial headshots possible:

Get your headshots from a top commercial headshot photographer.

Follow the best commercial agencies.

Research great commercial Headshots so you can distinguish between brilliant headshots and bad commercial headshots.

Avoid getting too creative with your Commercial Headshots; stick to the trends and be unique in the audition room.

Watch commercials to understand trends and identify the top types. Get a headshot that reflects each type.

Plan out your wardrobe, hair, and makeup for your headshot session.

Listen to your agent. When they recommend headshot updates, get them.

Post your headshots to social and your acting profiles when you receive them.

Now that you understand the importance of getting your commercial headshots and the best practices for getting them, follow these guidelines when it’s time to update your shots, and you’ll be in great shape for your next commercial shoot. Happy booking!

Final Takeaways

If you’re new to commercial acting, don’t underestimate the power of a brilliant headshot. It’s your first impression and often the only chance to get seen by casting directors. Follow these simple, actionable steps to make sure your headshots work as hard as you do.

Hire a photographer who specializes in commercial headshots, not theatrical or DIY shots.

Study current commercials and mimic the styles, wardrobe and looks you see for the types you want to play.

Plan your shoot carefully. Wardrobe, hair, and makeup should all align with the commercial roles you’re targeting.

Listen to your agent’s advice on updating your headshots and keep your portfolio fresh.

Post your new headshots everywhere to maximize exposure.

You may also like:

Chris Skotchdopole and Larry Fessenden Discuss the Casting Process of ‘Crumb Catcher’

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Star Stephanie Kurtzuba on How the “One-Two Punch” of ‘Annie’ and ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Pushed Her Career to New Heights

Chantal Nchako Reveals What Eddie Murphy Taught Her on the Set of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’