The headshot is an actor’s main calling card in the industry. Whether it’s your first ever headshot session, or you are questioning when to get new headshots, a great headshot is a must have for every professional actor.
When it comes to choosing a photographer, the amount of choice can be frankly overwhelming. No matter where you are in the world, there will be multiple headshot photographers who you could potentially choose. And when you’re looking at investing anywhere from $150 to more than $500 a session, it makes sense to be intentional about which photographer you choose! In order to make the right choice for you, you’ll want to research local options, define the look and energy you need, determine a realistic budget range (ex. $350-$450) and critically review the actor headshots in the photographers’ portfolios for suitability and quality.
Below, we’ll go into detail about each of these and help you feel confident in choosing your next headshot photographer.
Compile a List of Potential Photographers
The first step to choosing a headshot photographer is to find out which photographers are actually available to shoot with in your area. This starts with some targeted research.
How to Research Headshot Photographers
Researching headshot photographers doesn’t have to be complicated. Here at StageMilk, we’ve done the hard work for you for most of the major film and theatre markets in the world. We have a couple of great guides to start your search:
We also have guides to smaller cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne.
Another option, of course, is to begin with a simple online search for headshot photographers. While you search, keep in mind that some amazing photographers may not immediately come up on the first page of Google results. Brands and businesses spend a lot of money to get onto the first page of the search engine results, and if the photographer has invested their time and money into growing their talent and technical skills rather than their online marketing, they may be a bit harder to find.
Another way to find great photographers is to look at the photography credits of actors who are with top agencies based in your location. You can find the photography credits in a number of different ways:
- Reverse image search any headshots that you find that you think are great, and see if they are part of a photographer’s online portfolio.
- IMDBPro allows you to view agency client lists, which often credit the photographers in the public media.
- Go on an actor’s instagram, and see if they’ve posted their headshots, tagging the photographer.
- Spotlight profiles often list the headshot photographer in the copyright information of the actor’s headshot (UK only)
Finally, asking around with your coach, acting friends, or other industry connections is a great way to get clear on which photographers have a great reputation, and who you might like to shoot with.
Define What You Need in a Headshot
Once you’ve got a range of different potential photographers, it’s time to get clear on what you want in a headshot. Now, what you need in a headshot will ultimately determine who the right headshot photographer will be for your next session. Make sure you check out our complete guide to a great headshot for all the info on that!
If this is your first ever headshot session, you’re likely looking for two or three great professional shots that showcase your natural essence.
On the other hand, you might be a more established actor who has some great standard headshots, but your agent has asked you to expand your marketing materials with a few new photos. In this case, they probably have asked for new shots with a different energy to them to help them push you for specific roles (ie. grittier shots that they can use to pitch you for crime dramas). In this case you would likely be looking for a photographer who shoots predominantly in the studio and may lean towards a more cool toned or higher contrast photography style.
Now that you’ve defined your needs, you’ll be able to easily eliminate certain photographers from the list. Looking for a studio photographer, but a few on the list only do natural light? Easy elimination. Cut down your long list to a short list before you start seriously looking at budget.
Consider Your Budget
After you’ve defined which photographers you may work with, and gotten clear on what you need from the shoot, you can start to nail down your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in this shoot.
How much should I spend on headshots?
Before we continue with $$$ amounts, let’s quickly talk about that word: investment. The fact of the matter is that headshots are an investment. While headshots are expensive, they’re not a place for actors to cut corners and try to save a few dollars at the expense of quality.
Headshots are often the very first thing that an agent, casting director, or director will see of you as an actor. Therefore, generally speaking, it’s a good idea to book with the best headshot photographer you can afford.
What’s the going rate?
Most photographers will list their rates on their website. If you are in doubt about how much their offerings cost, most will be quick to reply to an enquiry email. When choosing between different packages, think about what you really need. Most headshots will cost between $200-$600 for the session. Some photographers go lower, some higher, and most offer a range of packages at different price points.
Typically, the standard package will be a great option for actors looking to refresh their headshot after a few years, or for those who are having their first headshot session. Sometimes, an express session with just 1-2 shots is all you need to update your marketing materials. Very occasionally, a deluxe session (usually 2+ hours and 5 to 6 final shots) might be appropriate. Beware that some photographers may try and upsell you when it’s not really necessary. Take time to think about which package is actually right for you.
Reviewing Photographer Headshot Portfolios
Finally, once you’ve got down to the final two or three options for photographers based on style, budget and appropriateness, it’s time to make your final choice. Before you make a final decision, it’s a great idea to go back and seriously review the potential photographers’ portfolios.
Most photographers will have an online portfolio on their website. As you go through the portfolio, look at their work with a critical eye. Things that you want to see in their portfolio include:
- A connection to the actor’s eyes (look for a sparkle or glint in the eyes, do you feel drawn to that actor?)
- Experience shooting in a style that showcases actors of your type.
- High quality photos.
- The ability to create a feeling or mood in alignment with the needs you defined earlier.
- Minimal retouching (photos should look natural, not airbrushed).
Quick decision checklist: Does the work feel current? Do the actors look relaxed and authentic? Is the lighting flattering without being overly polished? Can you picture yourself in a similar shot? If three or more answers are yes, keep the photographer on your shortlist.
While a photographer’s website is an excellent place to start your review, consider also digging a little deeper. Photographers will understandably showcase their best photos on their own site. You can get a more representative view of their work by looking at their Instagram profiles, and can go even further by exploring the tagged photos on their account. Actors will often tag the photographer’s work when they post their recent headshots, which can give you an idea of how active the photographers currently are, and what a typical shoot with them produces as a result.
Final Thoughts
Once you have gone through this whole process, you should have a very clear idea of who you want to work with. If you end up with two strong options, consider getting a second opinion from someone in the industry about who has a better reputation or typically produces the best results. Ultimately, though, trust your own judgment. If you feel drawn to work with a particular photographer, that’s a great sign! If you’re really struggling, email or set up a quick chat with both photographers. Choose whoever you have a better natural rapport with, as their energy on shoot day will help you to relax and get the best possible results.
Once you’ve nailed down a photographer, you’re well on your way to having an amazing set of new headshots. Make sure to check out our companion guide on how to prepare for a headshot session, and enjoy the shoot!
