Your headshot is not just a photograph. It is the first decision a casting director makes about you — before they read your resume, before they see your reel, before you ever walk through the door. In a stack of hundreds of submissions, your headshot has approximately three seconds to say this is someone worth calling in.
St. Louis Acting Headshots That Get You in the Room
At Shari Photography, we have spent over 15 years creating acting headshots for actors, performers, students, and talent across St. Louis and the Midwest. Every session is guided by Rez Behnam — whose approach to expression coaching, lighting, and natural posing consistently produces results that casting directors and talent agents respond to.
Browse this gallery and see real sessions for real St. Louis actors. Then book yours.
The Types of Acting Headshots Every Actor Needs
Most working actors maintain at least two distinct headshot looks — a commercial headshot and a theatrical headshot. Each targets a different kind of role and communicates a different side of your range. Here is what each one does and why both matter.
Commercial Acting Headshots
A commercial headshot is your most versatile tool. It shows casting directors the approachable, relatable, likeable version of you — the person they can picture selling a product, playing the friendly neighbor, or anchoring a brand campaign.
What a great commercial headshot communicates:
- Warmth and approachability
- A natural, genuine smile — not forced or performed
- Energy and likability that comes through instantly
- The sense that you are someone an audience would trust and connect with
Wardrobe for commercial headshots: Solid colors in lighter, warmer tones photograph best — blues, greens, soft pastels, and warm neutrals. Avoid busy patterns and heavy graphics. The goal is a clean, fresh look where your face and expression do all the work.
Who books you from a commercial headshot: TV commercial producers, brand campaigns, corporate video casting, print advertising, and any role where the character needs to feel real, warm, and instantly relatable.
Theatrical Acting Headshots
A theatrical headshot is where your depth as an actor lives. It shows casting directors your range, your intensity, and your ability to carry emotional weight — the qualities needed for drama, film, television, and stage productions.
What a great theatrical headshot communicates:
- Emotional depth and complexity
- Intensity, intrigue, or vulnerability — whatever your range delivers
- A sense that there is more going on beneath the surface
- The confidence of someone who can hold a scene
Wardrobe for theatrical headshots: Earth tones, deeper neutrals, and rich jewel colors work best. Darker clothing reinforces emotional weight. Avoid overly casual or distracting pieces — theatrical headshots live or die on the expression, not the outfit.
Who books you from a theatrical headshot: Film and TV casting directors, theatre companies, independent productions, and any project where the roles require emotional complexity and dramatic range.
Film and TV Headshots
Film and TV headshots occupy a specific space between commercial and theatrical. They are natural and cinematic — capturing real, unguarded moments rather than performed expressions. These headshots tend to be slightly more intimate in framing and lighting, with an emphasis on authenticity over polish.
If your primary goal is film and television work — including streaming platforms, indie projects, and network drama — your session should include dedicated film and TV looks alongside your commercial and theatrical shots.
Additional Looks Worth Having
Character headshots — If you have a strong comedic range, a distinctive type, or a specific character niche, a dedicated character look can open additional doors that a standard commercial shot would not.
Younger or older reads — Wardrobe, lighting, and expression choices can shift how old you read by several years. If your type spans a wider age range than your actual age, multiple reads within a single session can expand your casting opportunities significantly.
Color and black and white versions — Black and white headshots remain standard in some theatrical markets and add a timeless quality to any portfolio. We can produce both from a single session.
Why You Need More Than One Headshot
A single headshot limits you to a single type. Most casting directors have a specific role in mind when they pull submissions — and they are looking for someone who fits that role immediately. Having both a commercial and theatrical headshot means you are visible in twice as many searches, twice as many casting calls, and twice as many submissions.
The actors who book consistently are the ones whose headshot libraries match the full range of what they can actually do. A single headshot — no matter how good — tells only part of your story.
St. Louis Acting Headshot Sessions at Shari Photography
Every acting headshot session at Shari Photography includes:
- Expression and emotion coaching — Rez guides you through genuine, castable expressions for each look. No performing for the camera — just real moments captured with intention
- Multiple looks and wardrobe changes — Commercial, theatrical, and film/TV looks in a single session
- Studio and natural light options — Different lighting setups to match different tones and markets
- Same-day image selection — You review and choose your images before you leave the studio
- Industry-standard formatting — Images exported and formatted for Actors Access, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, and all major submission platforms
- Fast delivery — Final retouched images within 24–48 hours
Acting Headshot Packages
Actor Essentials — $275 A focused session for clean, professional updates. 2 looks, 4 retouched images, expert posing and coaching, same-day image selection, images exported to industry standard.
Agency Submission Package — $495 The top choice for actors and performers ready to submit to agencies. 4 looks, 8 retouched images, full color and black and white set, images exported in social, print, and casting platform formats, expert coaching, pre-session wardrobe consultation, same-day selection.
View Full Acting Headshot Pricing
Book Your Acting Headshot Session
Who We Photograph
Our acting headshot clients include:
- Working actors updating their portfolio for a new season
- New actors building their first professional headshot package
- Students auditioning for COCA, Webster University Conservatory, and other St. Louis performing arts programs
- Performers transitioning from theatre into film and television
- Models adding acting to their portfolio
- Talent agency clients across the St. Louis and Midwest market
A note for teen actors: We regularly photograph teenage performers and students. A parent or guardian is required in the studio for the full duration of every session for clients under 18.
What to Wear for Your Acting Headshot Session
Wardrobe is one of the most powerful tools in your acting headshot arsenal — and one of the most misunderstood. Every session includes a pre-shoot wardrobe consultation so you arrive knowing exactly what to bring and why.
Read the Full Acting Headshot Wardrobe Guide
Quick wardrobe rules:
- Bring more options than you think you need — we will choose together
- Avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything that distracts from your face
- Think about your type — dress toward the roles you want to be called in for
- Solid colors almost always photograph better than prints
Frequently Asked Questions
How many headshots do I need as an actor? At minimum, two — a commercial headshot and a theatrical headshot. Actors actively submitting to film, TV, and theatre benefit from having 3–4 distinct looks covering their full casting range. The Agency Submission Package is designed specifically for this.
What is the difference between a commercial and theatrical headshot? A commercial headshot shows your warm, approachable, relatable side — used for commercials, brand work, and likeable character roles. A theatrical headshot shows your depth, intensity, and emotional range — used for drama, film, TV, and stage productions that require more complex characters.
Do you work with first-time actors? Absolutely. Many of our best acting headshot sessions are with people who have never been photographed professionally before. Rez’s relaxed, encouraging style makes the process comfortable and natural for everyone regardless of experience level.
Are your images formatted for Actors Access and Casting Networks? Yes. Every session includes images exported and formatted for all major casting submission platforms — Actors Access, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, and others. We also export social media and print sizes.
How far in advance should I book? We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance. Weekend and evening sessions fill quickly so booking early ensures you get your preferred time.
Do you offer natural light sessions? Yes. Both studio lighting and natural light options are available. We discuss the best approach for your type, your market, and your goals during the pre-session consultation.
Ready to Book Your St. Louis Acting Headshot Session?
Sessions are available 7 days a week — weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Our South St. Louis studio is open and ready.
Book Your Acting Headshot Session
Call or text Rez: 314-221-2166
📍 5205 Gravois Ave · Bevo Mill District · St. Louis, MO 63116 ✉️ contact@shariphotography.com 🕐 Open 7 Days a Week — Weekdays, Evenings & Weekends