4 Headshots Every Actor Should Have
St. Louis’s dedicated acting headshot studio for building a complete, castable headshot library.
Casting directors decide in seconds. Before they read your resume, your headshot has already told them who you are, what you can play, and whether you belong in the room. That’s why one headshot isn’t enough — working actors need a headshot library, a set of images that each open a different casting door. At Shari Photography, we build that complete set in a single St. Louis studio session.
See real examples: Types of Acting Headshots Every Actor Needs →
4 Headshots Every Working Actor Needs
Every actor’s portfolio should cover these four core types. Here’s the look, the purpose, and exactly how to dress for each.
The Leading Role Shot
The Look
- Direct eye contact, chin level, shoulders square
- Natural, controlled expression — not a big smile
- Clean, polished, camera-ready lighting
Why You Need It
- Your anchor image: “I can carry the story”
- The shot casting expects to see first
- Signals reliability and screen presence
Wardrobe — Men
- Fitted button-down or crew neck
- Navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green
- No busy patterns, no logos
Wardrobe — Women
- Fitted solid-color top or blouse
- Jewel tones over pastels
- Simple necklines, minimal jewelry
The Boy/Girl Next Door
The Look
- Relaxed posture, natural smile that reaches the eyes
- Unguarded, mid-conversation energy
- Softer lighting, gentler contrast
Why You Need It
- The most-cast type in film and TV
- Builds instant audience trust
- Often your most-used headshot overall
Wardrobe — Men
- Soft tee, henley, flannel, denim jacket
- Heather grey, soft blue, olive
- Undone-on-purpose hair
Wardrobe — Women
- Casual knits, soft cardigans, simple tees
- Blush, soft yellow, chambray blue
- Natural makeup, minimal styling
The Antagonist / Dramatic Shot
The Look
- Lower chin, direct or narrowed eyes
- Locked jaw, subtle held tension
- Harder lighting, deeper shadow
Why You Need It
- Proves range beyond hero or friend roles
- Needed for villains and morally complex parts
- Often the most requested, least photographed type
Wardrobe — Men
- Black, charcoal, or deep navy only
- Leather jacket, structured blazer, turtleneck
- No soft textures or light colors
Wardrobe — Women
- Black, charcoal, deep burgundy
- Fitted leather jacket or sharp blazer
- Bold but minimal, no delicate fabrics
The Commercial / Character Shot
The Look
- Big, genuine energy — full smile
- A specific personality, not a generic smile
- Bright, clean, high-energy lighting
Why You Need It
- Commercial casting wants instant relatability
- Character casting wants a memorable face
- Lets your real personality do the work
Wardrobe — Men
- Coral, teal, sunny yellow
- One signature detail: accessory or glasses
- Avoid formalwear
Wardrobe — Women
- Coral, turquoise, mustard, crisp white
- One statement piece: earrings, pattern, glasses
- Keep it simple, not a costume
Put Your Acting Headshots to Work
Casting Profiles & Submissions
Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage — sized and ready for every platform.
Agent & Manager Submissions
A complete, professional set that represents your full range at a glance.
Self-Tapes & Digital Reels
Consistent images to pair with your slate and self-tape submissions.
Print & Comp Cards
High-resolution files ready for physical submissions and comp cards.
View our work: Acting headshot gallery →
Your St. Louis Acting Headshot Session
Pre-Session Guidance
Wardrobe, grooming, and styling advice before you arrive, tailored to each shot type above.
Studio Lighting & Posing
Lighting and direction built for each look — warm and soft for one, hard and dramatic for the next.
Multiple Looks & Wardrobe Changes
All four shot types captured in a single, efficient session.
Same-Day Selection & Retouching
Choose your favorites on the spot. Natural retouching that keeps your expression intact.
Common Questions About Acting Headshots
How long does an acting headshot session take?
Most sessions run 60–90 minutes to comfortably cover all four shot types with wardrobe changes in between.
Do I need to bring my own wardrobe?
Yes — bring 4–6 solid-color options per look. We’ll guide you through what works best for each shot type before and during your session.
Can I get all 4 headshots in one appointment?
Yes. Sessions are built specifically to capture your full headshot library — leading role, boy/girl next door, dramatic, and commercial/character — in one visit.
How soon will I receive my photos?
You select your favorite images the same day as your session. Professionally retouched photos are delivered digitally within a few business days.
Ready to Build Your Headshot Library?
Sessions available 7 days a week. Spots fill quickly.
