Preparing for your actor photoshoot is one of the most important steps you can take in building a professional acting career. A strong headshot opens doors. Whether you’re just starting out or updating your portfolio for Spotlight or an agent submission, your headshot is the first impression casting directors get—so it pays to get it right.
The key to a successful shoot begins with understanding your casting type. Before the session, think carefully about the kinds of roles you’d like to be cast in. Are you the approachable best friend, a corporate high-flyer, a femme fatale or a dark and complex villain? Knowing this will help us to create images that feel authentic and specific so casting directors can imagine you in the roles more easily.
Before the shoot, we’ll have a call when I’ll ask you about the roles you’ve played in the past and roles you’d like to be cast for. I’ll send you a shoot plan after the call. We can have three different “looks” during a two-hour shoot with different clothing, lighting and backdrops to give you castability for three different types of role.
The first look is your headshot which will be cropped ot standard 8×10 format shot, head and shoulders. We can then be more creative with the other two looks, depending on the roles you want to be cast for. I shoot hundreds of photos during a two-hour actor portrait shoot, with five images typically being selected for retouching. One of these images is typically a full-length shot.
A light neutral background keeps the focus on your face and works well for commercial and general castings. A darker, moodier backdrop can be perfect for dramatic or period roles. Adding depth with textured backgrounds or subtle environmental context can also suggest character without being overly styled. When you change your clothing—whether it’s a blazer, a soft knit, or something with a bit of edge—you open the door to more opportunities. These changes help casting professionals visualise you in multiple roles, which can make your profile stand out on Spotlight or to an agent or casting director.
We can shoot at my studio in Hammersmith or on location. Location shoots require more pre-planning but can produce cinematic-style images where hair, make-up, wardrobe and lighting combine to make a striking image.
Choosing the right outfits is another essential part of preparing. Simple, solid colours work best, as they keep the attention on your face. Avoid bold patterns, logos, or overly trendy items. Bring several clothing options that reflect different aspects of your casting range. try to make sure your clothing is ironed, I joke that my clothes steamer is my most-used piece of equipment in my studio!
Most actors bring their clothing options in a suitcase or carry-on bag. A case is best to avoid creases. When you come in, we’ll have a coffee and review the options and make choices about what will work best. Don’t forget to bring a variety of shoes to go with the outfits.
Your grooming should reflect your natural, everyday look. Get a haircut a few days in advance if needed, and come to the session well-rested and hydrated so your skin looks its best. For women, makeup, if worn, should be minimal and natural—enough to even out your skin tone without masking your features. You want to look like the person who walks into the casting room. Don’t cover spots with spot concealer, spots can be retouched out easily and the concealer leaves an unsightly smear on the skin.
At Max Marshall Studio in London, I help actors build diverse, versatile portfolios that reflect the range of characters they can play. With thoughtful planning and expert direction, we’ll create a set of photos that work hard for you in every casting situation.
