Acting Headshots St. Louis | Shari Photography
St. Louis’s dedicated acting headshot studio for film, TV, theatre, and commercial performers.
Shari Photography is St. Louis’s go-to studio for professional acting headshots, film and TV submissions, theatre audition photos, and commercial casting portfolios. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a student auditioning for conservatory programs, or a newcomer putting together your first industry-ready package — we specialize in acting headshots that get you noticed, get you called in, and get you the opportunities you’ve been working toward.
St. Louis Acting Headshots for Every Performer
Your acting headshot is the first thing a casting director, talent agent, or theatre company sees. It needs to capture your authentic personality, communicate your casting type, and hold up against hundreds of other submissions. We understand exactly what the St. Louis market — and the industry at large — is looking for.
Film & TV Actors
Working professionals and emerging talent pursuing on-camera roles in Missouri’s growing film market and beyond.
Theatre Performers
From The Muny and The Rep to community theatre — season auditions, regional submissions, and touring company applications.
Students & Young Performers
High school students, COCA performers, and college students applying to BFA and conservatory programs. Child actor headshots →
Models & Commercial Talent
Commercial, print, and promotional talent needing industry-standard submissions. Model portfolio photography →
St. Louis Acting Headshot Styles We Create
Not all acting headshots serve the same purpose. Understanding the difference between headshot types helps you come to your session with a clear plan for what you need.
Commercial Headshots
Bright, open, and approachable — designed for advertisements, brand campaigns, and lifestyle productions. Your smile, warmth, and everyday personality are the hero. Essential for commercial work, TV commercials, and print advertising in the St. Louis and Midwest market.
Theatrical Headshots
Dramatic, layered, and character-driven — designed for stage work, dramatic film and TV roles, and submissions where casting needs to see your depth and emotional range. These are the headshots that get you seen for principal roles and theatrical productions across St. Louis.
Film & TV Headshots
Natural and cinematic — designed to make a casting director think: I can see this person on screen. Clean but dimensional lighting for Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Missouri film market submissions.
Teen & Young Performer
Relaxed, encouraging, and age-appropriate — designed to capture genuine personality. We regularly photograph students auditioning for Webster Conservatory, COCA, and high school performing arts programs. Parents welcome throughout.
Your St. Louis Acting Headshot Session at Shari Photography
Pre-Session Wardrobe Guidance
We walk you through exactly what to wear for each headshot type before you arrive. Acting headshot wardrobe guide →
Expression & Direction Coaching
You’ll never wonder what to do with your face. We coach you through genuine emotional states — the best acting headshots look like a caught moment, not a posed photograph.
Multiple Looks & Casting Types
Commercial, theatrical, and character-leaning looks in one session. Every look we create has a specific submission purpose based on your goals.
Same-Day Selection & Retouching
Review and select your favorites before you leave. Natural, industry-appropriate retouching — casting directors need to recognize you in the room from your headshot.
Put Your St. Louis Acting Headshots to Work
Casting Platforms
Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, and direct submissions to St. Louis casting directors. All files formatted for professional industry submissions.
Agent & Manager Submissions
A strong, current headshot is the single most important tool in securing representation in the St. Louis and regional market.
Theatre Auditions
Season auditions with The Muny, The Rep, Stray Dog Theatre, and regional theatre submissions throughout the Midwest.
Conservatory & BFA Applications
Many performing arts programs including Webster Conservatory require a professional headshot as part of the application package.
Trusted by St. Louis Performers
“I was a little nervous before getting my headshots, but I was insanely at ease after meeting the photographer.”Sarah MeyerManager / Banking · St. Louis
“Rez helped me with branding and took amazing photos. His photography skills are next level.”Tracy SharpBusiness Owner · St. Louis
“Professional, thoughtful, and the photography was perfection. It was beautiful.”Mirepoix ProvisionsRestaurateur of the Year · St. Louis
Common Questions About Acting Headshots in St. Louis
How much do acting headshots cost in St. Louis?
Session pricing is listed in full on our pricing page with options for individual actors, students, and young performers. View acting headshot pricing →
How long does an acting headshot session take?
Most sessions run 1–2 hours depending on the number of looks. We build in time for outfit changes, expression coaching, and same-day image review so the session never feels rushed.
Do I need both theatrical and commercial headshots?
Most working actors need both. Commercial headshots target advertising and lifestyle casting — warm, bright, and relatable. Theatrical headshots target dramatic stage and screen roles — depth, presence, and emotional range. We can create both in a single session.
How many looks should I bring?
We recommend 3–4 complete looks — typically one commercial, one theatrical, and one or two character-leaning options. We provide wardrobe guidance before your session. Full wardrobe guide →
Do you photograph teen actors and young performers?
Yes — we regularly photograph teenage actors and young performers auditioning for COCA, high school programs, and college conservatory BFA programs. A parent or guardian is required in the studio for the full session. Child actor headshots →
Can I use my headshots for Actors Access and Casting Networks?
Absolutely. All images are formatted and sized for professional industry submissions including Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, and direct agency and casting director submissions.
Ready to Book Your St. Louis Acting Headshot Session?
Your next audition starts with a headshot that tells the right story. Open 7 days a week. Spots fill quickly.