🔎 Review Your Past Headshots & Get Feedback
Before your session, take time to evaluate your previous headshots and gather feedback from industry professionals, peers, or even your own observations.
🧐 Why Reviewing Your Past Headshots is Essential
❇️ Understand what worked & what didn’t – Were your last headshots effective in landing auditions or attracting clients?
❇️ Get external feedback – Ask an agent, industry mentor, or coach for constructive criticism on what to improve.
❇️ Check if they still reflect your look & brand – Have you changed your hairstyle, aged, or shifted your casting type?
❇️ Identify what’s missing – Do you need more variety? A commercial vs. theatrical look? A more engaging or natural expression?
🗣️ If You Have an Agent, Ask Them:
❇️ Are my current headshots working for my casting type?
❇️ What roles are you submitting me for, and do my photos align with that?
❇️ Should I get specific looks to broaden my range?
❇️ Is there anything casting directors consistently mention about my photos?
🧠 If You Don’t Have an Agent, Self-Review & Get Input From Others
❇️ Compare your headshots with successful actors in your casting bracket—what styles and expressions work for them?
❇️ Show your headshots to coaches, friends in the industry, or casting professionals for honest feedback.
❇️ Think about what emotions and characters you want to portray in your new photos.
💡 Pro Tip:
Bring headshots that inspire you. Whether it’s a specific pose, lighting, or mood, sharing references with our photographer will help you achieve the right look.
👕 Choosing the Right Clothing for Your Headshot
Your outfit should feel authentic to you while also serving the roles you want to be cast for.
🟢 Outfit Essentials for Your Session
❇️ Bring at least 3–5 outfit options for variety.
❇️ Classic, well-fitted clothing always photographs best—avoid anything too trendy that may look outdated in a year.
❇️ Layers add versatility—blazers, jackets, and cardigans can provide different looks without a complete outfit change.
❇️ Choose colours that complement your skin tone and eye colour.
🟢 Best Colours for Headshots
❇️ Rich, deep tones: Jewel tones like deep blues, greens, purples, and burgundy work well.
❇️ Earth tones: Olive, rust, mustard, navy, and warm neutrals create a natural, grounded look.
❇️ Muted or neutral tones: Grey, beige, navy and charcoal are timeless and sophisticated.
❇️ Pastels for a softer look: Light pinks, pale blues, and soft lavenders can create a fresh, youthful feel.
🔴 Avoid:
❌ Neon colours or overly bright shades that overpower your face.
❌ Pure white and solid black (unless layered) as they can wash you out or create contrast issues.
❌ Busy patterns, stripes, logos, or large embellishments that distract from your expression.
🧵 Fabric Choices
Texture Adds Depth
Fabrics matter just as much as colour. Some materials absorb light beautifully, adding depth and richness to your images.
❇️ Silk & Satin: Elegant and soft, but avoid high-shine satin that reflects too much light.
❇️ Velvet: Absorbs light beautifully and adds a luxurious feel.
❇️ Denim: Casual, yet structured—perfect for a relaxed, approachable look.
❇️ Leather: Adds edge and confidence. A great option for layering with jackets.
❇️ Knits & Linen: Natural textures that add subtle depth without distraction.
💡 Pro Tip:
❌ Avoid ultra-thin fabrics that are see-through—they don’t hold shape well and can look cheap under studio lighting.
✨ Grooming & Skincare for a Fresh Look
🧴 Skincare Prep for Radiant Skin
❇️ Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the week leading up to your shoot for plump, fresh skin.
❇️ Moisturise: Apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser to keep skin smooth.
❇️ Exfoliate gently (one or two days before) to remove dry, flaky skin.
❌ Avoid new skincare products right before your shoot to prevent irritation or breakouts.
🪒 Facial Hair Grooming for Men & Women
🟢 Men: If you plan to shave, do it the night before to avoid redness or irritation. If you have facial hair, trim and shape it neatly.
🟢 Women: Manage stray facial hairs (including brows) for a cleaner look.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you want both a bearded and clean-shaven look, bring shaving tools for an in-studio transformation.
🪞 Hair & Makeup
Pack Essentials for Touch-Ups
💁♀️ Women’s Hair & Makeup
❇️ Bring your own makeup for touch-ups—powder, lip colour, and concealer.
❇️ Keep foundation matte to avoid shine.
❇️ Start with your hair down, then tie it up for variety.
❌ Avoid overly glossy lips or heavy shimmer.
👨🦱 Men’s Hair & Grooming
❇️ Bring translucent powder to reduce shine.
❇️ Pack a comb or styling product to control flyaways.
❇️ Bring a light concealer if needed to even out skin tone.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you tend to sweat or have oily skin, blotting papers will help keep your face looking fresh.
🎭 Expressions, Posing
& Inspiration
💫 Your Expression and Posture Bring Your Headshot to Life.
❇️ Look at professional headshots that inspire you.
❇️ Study different expressions—friendly, confident, serious, approachable.
❇️ Practice in a mirror to get comfortable with subtle variations.
❇️ Save a few of your favourite examples to show our photographer.
💡 Pro Tip:
A slight head tilt, squint, or smile can completely change the mood of a photo.
🗓️ Final Checklist: The Night Before & Day Of
❇️ Plan your journey. We can recommend apps like Citymapper to help you navigate the city.
❇️ Lay out your outfits and avoid creasing.
❇️ Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Tired eyes will show in your photos.
❇️ Stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier.
❇️ Pack makeup & hair products for touch-ups.
Final Thought: Confidence is Key!
