Tom Trevatt Photography
Free Guide to Making the Most Out of Your Headshots
Actor’s headshots are a vital component for building a brand and reputation - they are some of the most important elements in your marketing arsenal, so it’s important you make the most out of them. In this guide I wanted to help you with a few tips and hints I’ve learnt during my time as a headshot photographer.
This guide will address the following subjects:
How often you should get new headshots
How many headshots should you get as an actor?
How to choose which headshot photographer to work with
How to make the most out of your headshots once you have them
What does a headshot do for you?
How often should you get new headshots?
Without a headshot actors would struggle to make an impression in their chosen field - but how often should they update these headshots? It’s an important question. After all, as an actor, the headshot is the single most powerful tool you have in securing that sought after role - and if you don’t look like your headshot, there is a much higher risk of rejection.
When should you update your headshots?
For actors, the headshot is clearly a vital consideration. Whether we like it or not, we live in an attention economy and gaining attention is often a matter of a split second. The image you portray is vital for your success - can you afford to miss out on the value a high quality headshot can bring?
Posting a photograph from your sister’s wedding a decade ago is hardly the first impression you want someone to have of you - least of all if it doesn’t much resemble you anymore. Age, diet and fitness regimes can make a huge difference to the way we look and you want to reflect that in photographs of you. Let’s update that headshot!
As a rule of thumb, then, actors should look to update their headshots every two years or if they make major changes to their appearance. However, I always advise my acting clients that they should look to change their headshot on Spotlight (or other casting platforms) once every three to six months. So, having an array of different images available is vitally important. That’s why I look to provide a full portfolio service to my clients. They like to come away with enough images for a full two years - where they can gradually swap out all their images on a regular basis. This way, they look active and keep the attention on themselves without having to book another headshot session.
How many headshots should you get as an actor?
Neglecting to have a range of headshots on your casting profile may limit what you can achieve. But how many headshots do actors need?
As a simple guide, casting directors and agents suggest that about five to six headshots of you should be included on your Spotlight (or other casting page) profile - including your main profile headshot. These headshots shouldn’t all look the same - five almost identical images of you with slight variations in outfit or background isn’t enough to set you apart. Showing a range of images here is as important as the quality of that first stand out profile picture. Casting directors want to see how you hold yourself, and imagine you in a role. Gone are the days of one black and white 10x8inch headshot - you are competing against a huge cohort of new actors every year and having a range of high quality images is vital.
So, do you need only five headshots of yourself as an actor? Well, no, if you aim to have new headshots every two years, you don’t want your profile to remain stagnant during that whole time. So, being able to swap out those images on a regular basis - maybe once every three to six months - allows you to remain looking fresh. So, at the very least, you should have a portfolio of ten to twelve images that can be swapped in and out of your Spotlight profile.
That’s why I don’t offer simple “five headshots” packages nor do I set time limits on my shoots - many other photographers have shorter shoots that mean their clients can really only get through a small handful of looks. I much prefer working with you for an afternoon and making sure you come away with a portfolio of images that you can use over the next two years. Often that means my clients take home between ten and twenty images. It’s an investment in their future, they know only too well how important their image is, and keeping eyes on their profile is vital.
How to choose which headshot photographer to work with
This is sometimes a tough decision. Working with the right headhsot photographer for you isn’t a matter of just choosing the closest, the cheapest or even the one your friend worked with. I often look at other headshot photographer’s work, so I know how many there are out there (especially in London), so having such a range of choice can seem daunting.
That’s why I think it’s important to get to know the photographer not just their work - building a rapport with a potential photogrpaher will help you judge how they work, how their shoots go and what kinds of tuens htey play in the studio! (as an ex-DJ this is obviously the most important consideration for me).
Follow a few headshot photographers on social media, speak to their past clients, read reviews. All of this is helpful in building a picture of how they work.
And of course, look at their portfolio - have you only been put up for commercial jobs and you’re feeling like a change in direction? Maybe you want something that tells more of a story about your character but your current headshots are a bit plain? Do you want moody shots or something bright and colourful? All of this plays into how you will make your decision. With that in mind, here’s my top four tips.
Who you choose to take your headshots is an important consideration, having the right imagery can play an important part in the impression others have of you. Having a headshot taken shouldn’t be a scary experience and having the right photographer behind the camera will make a lot of difference. Below are my top four tips for choosing the right headshot photographer.
The 4 P’s
Portfolio
A headshot photographer’s portfolio will give you a really clear understanding of how they’re likely to shoot the images they take of you. Are you looking for something bright and airy, or would you prefer something a bit moodier? Every photographer is different, and they have different things to offer. Whether that’s a range of interesting backdrops or lighting setups that will give you a range of options when choosing the final images you want to buy, or a way of helping you pose well. Some photographers have really honed their posing skills and can help you make that smile look real - sometimes this is a well practiced set of dad jokes, sometimes its chatting about the weather. Their portfolio is probably the first thing you should consider when choosing a headshot photographer.
Process
A headshot photographer’s process isn’t the same thing as their portfolio. If a photographer prefers to shoot for a shorter period of time and shoot multiple clients in one day, or whether they prefer to work with only one client per day and take their time they should tell you on their website. A shorter shooting time means less attention is paid to what you’re looking for, less time to get multiple iterations of outfits, backgrounds and lighting setups. But, there is a payoff - a photographer who shoots for a shorter period of time will most likely be less expensive. If price is your deciding factor (see the next section), then maybe this is the route to go. There are many excellent headshot photographers in London who do shoots that last one hour, or less. Another important question to ask about the process is whether they have a studio or they shoot outside. Lots of headshot photographers find natural light to be the best light to work with. But are you standing against a brick wall in the winter? If you’d rather work in a studio, then make sure you ask this question if its not obvious on their website - I have a dedicated studio located very conveniently in Bermondsey, not far from London Bridge. You might also want to book a hair and make up artist - so check with your potential photographer to see if they offer this - often this will be an extra and many photographers have HMUAs they work with regularly.
Price
Total price may be an important factor in deciding whether you work with one headshot photographer or another. In London, headshot photographers charge anywhere from £100 to £1000 plus. Check out my detailed post on how much a headshot costs for more information. In short, cheapest isn’t always best. Choosing someone who fits in your budget isn’t as simple as the price listed on the website - what a photographer offers for that price, their overall value, is a much more important consideration. How long is the session? Do they include anything else in the session (for example, I offer a free one hour top up session within a year for returning clients)? How accommodating are they to your needs? Often price is only one of many factors, and spending more in the short term and getting what you want is often better than going for the cheaper option but coming away unhappy.
One of my most important tips is to save up if you need to. Don’t miss important rent payments or bills. A headshot session is expensive and should be considered an investment. Coming away with only one or two images from a session feels like a missed opportunity - having a range of shots to use over the next year or two will really help you in your career.
Check out my booking page to see my prices and what’s included in the session.
Personality
Choosing a headshot photographer often comes down to the photographer’s personality. Working with someone for a few hours can be quite an intense experience and finding a photographer who “gets” you is important. Do your research, read their reviews on Google, maybe even book a call with them - I love chatting with prospective clients on the phone, it really helps us start a relationship. Get to know how they think before booking them. I have podcast here that might give you a sense of my personality.
At the end of the day, you should listen to both your heart and your brain - if you love a photographer’s work, but they’re outside your budget maybe save up for a few months, take on an extra shift, or ask them about finance options - on the flip side don’t always listen to your heart, maybe you just need three shots right now and £150 is a good price to get you “out there”. As your experience grows, as you mature or get further in your career, the dream photographer will be there ready to work with you when you’re ready to work with them.
For a list of amazing headshot photographers in the UK and beyond head over to Headshots Matter.
How to make the most out of your headshots once you have them
Just sticking your headshots up on your Spotlight or Mandy profile isn’t going to win you the big roles. I would always suggest pacing the use of the headshots you have. Maybe release them gradually over a six month period. Swap some out when you feel the need for a refresh. Put them on instagram, get your friends fired up about them! Here are a list of ten quick tips to help you leverage your headshots once you have them!
Update Your Online Profiles: Your headshots are your visual calling card, so ensure they're prominently featured on your online profiles, including your website, social media platforms, and casting websites like IMDb and Backstage. These platforms are often the first point of contact for casting directors, so make sure your headshots are easily accessible and up-to-date.
Tailor Your Submissions: When submitting for roles, select headshots that align with the specific character or project you're auditioning for. Consider the tone, genre, and age range of the character, and choose headshots that best represent that particular casting opportunity. Having a few extra images in your backpocket will help you do this more effectively.
Rotate Your Headshots: Keep your online profiles fresh by periodically rotating your headshots at least once every three months. This not only prevents casting directors from seeing the same image repeatedly but also showcases your versatility as an actor. Consider updating your headshots every 12 months to keep your profile current.
Utilize Different Looks: If you have multiple headshots showcasing different looks or characters, strategically use them to demonstrate your range as an actor. For example, if you have headshots portraying both comedic and dramatic personas, tailor your submissions accordingly based on the tone of the project.
Seek Feedback: Don't hesitate to seek feedback from industry professionals, acting coaches, or trusted peers on which headshots resonate most effectively. Constructive criticism can help you refine your selection and better understand how you're perceived in the industry.
Monitor Engagement: Pay attention to the response your headshots receive. Track metrics such as profile views, audition invitations, and callback rates to gauge the effectiveness of your images. If certain headshots consistently yield positive results, prioritize using them in your submissions.
Stay Consistent: While it's important to showcase your versatility, maintaining a consistent brand across your headshots helps casting directors recognize you and understand your unique appeal as an actor. Aim for coherence in your image selection to establish a strong and memorable presence.
Update Your Print Materials: If you use physical headshot prints for in-person auditions or networking events, ensure they're current and reflect your latest appearance. Carry a variety of headshots representing different looks to cater to various casting opportunities.
Refresh Your Portfolio Regularly: As you gain experience and evolve as an actor, your headshots should evolve with you. Continuously assess and update your portfolio to reflect your growth, new skills, and changing casting possibilities.
What does a headshot do for you?
Your headshot is probably the most important marketing assest you have at your disposal. I would treat yourself as an actor like a business and headshots as a business expense. Not updating your Spotlight profile tells a casting director something about you - do they care about acting? Are they comitted to this craft? Are they still working? etc.
If you’d like to book a call with me to chat more about headshot photography, please head here to my booking page and send me a message. I love chatting to actors about their headshots.