Headshots - What NOT to Do...

Since I have been very busy casting projects this past week, I have had the opportunity to view a ton of headshots. This has led me to seeing a lot of really bad ones from actors asking for an audition...and today's post.

What NOT to DO: Headshot Edition

If it looks like it came from Olan Mills, it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like it came from Glamour Shots (you youngsters might need to Google this, but these consisted of teased hair, bad makeup, and props...always props), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like a phone selfie, it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like your small child took it (as much as I am a fan of small children), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like it came out of a Polaroid camera (and you took the advice of Outkast and shook it hard), it is not a good headshot.

If it contains more than one person, it is not a good headshot.

If it contains identifiable tourist spots in the background (think Mickey Mouse ears), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like a mugshot, it is not a good headshot.

If you are in the shadows (even though I love film noir), it is not a good headshot.

If you are squinting into the sun, it is not a good headshot.

If it contains your entire body, it is not a good HEADshot.

If it was obviously cropped to exclude another person, it is not a good headshot.


Yes, I saw all of these this past week. Actors, do yourselves a favor. Look like a professional. Your headshot and resume is the only thing that I have to determine whether you are one.