Why You Need Character Headshots
One of the most common frustrations I gather from fellow actors is the desire to do more film and television. Although there can be several factors coming into play here- your agent, the market you are in, etc., character headshots are many times the common factor that is lacking for many actors. Is it an absolute must? No, but it may play a pivotal role in getting more opportunities and therefore bookings because casting directors can physically see you in a variety of roles. It’s just like an audition: Do you just show up wearing the same white t-shirt and jeans to every audition? Or, do you dress the part? In doing so, you are leaving less for them to try to imagine for you, and you’re saying, hey I can play these different kinds of people!
I’ve heard direct from some film/TV agents who are getting incredible auditions for their talent that this is where you can really set yourself apart from the crowd. This is where they take more notice of new potential talent they want to sign. This is where the magic happens, baby!
So what makes a character headshot different than any other headshot in your portfolio?
It requires a certain level of knowing yourself and what kinds of characters you would be casted as. It’s knowing your typecast(s). It is not just putting on a different color shirt. It requires intentionality from your hair to your makeup to your clothes to your emotion.
Although I am a 32-year-old Caucasian woman with certain typecasts, my goal here is to equip you with all kinds of ideas, strategies, and inspiration to help prepare you for your next headshot session, no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, or look.
Where to Look to Find Your Typecasts
If you are struggling to figure out your typecasts, don’t worry! There are so many places to find inspiration!
One of those places is the casting databases you are probably already connected to. Look at your previous film/TV/commercial auditions and see if there are any common themes or adjectives in the roles you are auditioning for. What roles do you tend to get positive feedback and/or bookings for?
Another place to look is your network. Ask casting directors, acting coaches, agents, fellow actors for their feedback on what kinds of roles they see you in and take notes! Are any of the same characters repeating?
Furthermore, do not forget to look inward. What kinds of film/TV do you want to do? What other actors do you aspire to be like? What are your favorite movies and shows? What genres do you like? Write it all down and try to categorize the types of characters that stand out to you.
An additional way to brainstorm possible typecasts is to look at what you are passionate about. What hobbies, skillsets and/or certifications do you have? What may set you apart from someone who looks like you?
Another approach: What is your age range? Ask your friends/family for their honest take! I tend to think of mine as somewhere around 20 to 35. What characters could you play that would be a good illustration of either extreme? If the character is “Girl Next Door” for example, the lower age range of that character type could be a preppy college freshman and the higher could be a polished real estate agent.
Still feel stuck? I’ve got a list for you! Write down the ones that line up most with you!
Artsy
Athlete
Ballerina
Beauty/Love Interest
Best Friend
Biker
B*tch
Blue Collar
Bohemian
Business
Camper/Hiker
Cheerleader
Chic
Choir Boy
Class Clown
Clown
College Freshman
Construction Worker
Cook/Chef
Cowboy/Cowgirl
Dancer
Doctor
Edgy/Bad*ss
Elegant
EMT
Exotic
Executive
Farmer
Fireman
Flamboyant
Flapper
Football Player
Frat Boy
Gang Member
Granola Girl
Golfer
Gothic/Emo
Guy/Girl Next Door
Hipster
Jock
Karate Black Belt
Magician
Military
Model
Nerd
Nurse
Paramedic
Police Officer
Preppy
Punk
Real Estate Agent
Renaissance
Rapper
Reporter
Santa Claus
Senior
Serial K*ller
Sexy
Soccer Mom
Soccer Player
Sorority Girl
Stewardess
Student
Sumo Wrestler
Surfer
Swimmer
Teacher
Techy
Tennis Player
Tomboy
Truck Driver
Tuxedo/James Bond-Type
Wounded Soul
Yogi
Practical Strategies for Setting up the Shoot
Once you have your character list, then we can start to break it down practically by typecast, wardrobe, hair, makeup, backdrop, and any particular character notes. I made this chart to get myself organized, and since I had a lot of characters I wanted to get through, I organized them by color to determine which looks I would shoot together. I did this by figuring out which characters I could morph into the next based off their hair and makeup. Usually it’s easiest to start with the most natural makeup look first and build to a more glam look as necessary.
Once you have all your notes organized, I highly recommend finding examples of these character headshots and then putting those examples under each typecast category. For my character headshots, I scoured multiple headshot photographers’ socials and other actors’ socials. I also did various google searches of those typecasts as well as of my favorite actresses that I could be like. Any photo that resembled the kind of emotion, look, etc. I was going for- I added to my document so that under each category I had 2 to 5 examples. These visuals will be an invaluable resource to both you and your photographer. It’s just like when you get your haircut from a stylist, especially if you are new to each other—You are much more likely to be happy with the end result if you showed them exactly the kind of feel you were going for.
A Headshot that Everyone Should Have
Let’s assume you already have at least one solid theatrical and one solid commercial headshot. Great! You say, Julie, I’ve got my typecasts figured out! Awesome! I’ve got one more for you… it’s something that I think pretty much anyone could benefit from having in their portfolio! Even if you and I are nothing alike physically…
Something I heard multiple film/TV agents say is that they would like to see at least one raw headshot- the most authentic, vulnerable version of you with moody lighting and little to no makeup. I found that so interesting! I think many of us tend to think of the classic commercial headshot, smiley and polished, or even the striking theatrical headshot when we think of headshots, but the raw headshot adds a certain depth and dimension to your acting ability that could well-suited for a variety of roles, particularly in drama.
Personally, I had my raw headshot (entitled “Wounded” in my Typecast Chart above) taken at the very end of my session, right after my most glam look since all I needed to do was just wipe all the makeup off, mess up my hair a bit, and voila! Bring on the dramaaa!
So you’ve made it this far! You’re all excited & inspired about your next headshot session but… who should take your photos?
Fear not, I’ve got you!
My good friend and fellow actress, Alessandra Sierra of Sierra Headshots, is an amazing headshot photographer!
Plus, she is giving readers of my blog an exclusive discount! When you book a headshot session with her, she will email you a questionnaire to fill out on what your goals are for the shoot. Just include promo code “JULIE” at the bottom of that questionnaire for 15% off all shoot packages!! Click the link below to book your session with her!
I hope these ideas and practical strategies have given you so much inspiration for your next headshot session and that you feel excited and energized in knowing the next steps to achieve your dreams! Success is rarely achieved overnight, but each step you take, you are getting closer and closer to where you long to be. You are not alone in the grind; I am rooting for you! You’ve got this! I can’t wait to see you on the big screen!!
