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What Actors Get Wrong About Headshot Styling
I've styled hundreds of actors for headshot sessions, and I can spot the problems in your photos within three seconds. Most actors think their headshots aren't working because of lighting or their photographer's skill. Wrong. Nine times out of ten, it's what you're wearing and how you're presenting yourself.
Let me fix the most common styling mistakes that are costing you auditions.
Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Fashion Shoot
What You're Doing Wrong: Wearing your 'best' outfit—the one that looks amazing in person or got compliments at a party.
Why It's Not Working: Headshots aren't about fashion. They're about casting directors seeing you as a character type instantly. That trendy patterned shirt? It's pulling focus from your face. Those statement earrings? They're the star of the photo now, not you.
What to Do Instead: Wear simple, solid colors that complement your skin tone. Your face should be the only thing anyone notices. If someone comments on your outfit in your headshot, you've already lost.
Mistake #2: 'Just Being Yourself' Without Strategy
What You're Doing Wrong: Showing up to your session with whatever feels comfortable, thinking authenticity is enough.
Why It's Not Working: Casting directors aren't casting 'you being yourself.' They're casting specific roles. Your headshot needs to show them which roles you can play. Comfortable jeans and a t-shirt might be authentic, but does it communicate 'young professional' or 'edgy outsider' or 'reliable best friend'?
What to Do Instead: Before your session, identify your 2-3 most castable types. Bring wardrobe that clearly communicates those types. If you're going for 'corporate professional,' bring the blazer. If you're 'quirky creative,' bring the vintage cardigan. Strategic isn't fake—it's smart.
Mistake #3: Overdoing Hair and Makeup
What You're Doing Wrong: Getting full glam hair and makeup like it's your wedding day, or doing nothing at all.
Why It's Not Working: Casting directors need to recognize you when you walk into the audition room. If your headshot shows perfect blown-out hair and full contour but you show up with messy waves and minimal makeup, you've wasted everyone's time. On the flip side, if you do nothing, the camera will wash you out and you'll disappear in the thumbnail.
What to Do Instead: Your headshot should look like 'you on your best Tuesday'—like you put in effort but didn't try too hard. For women: natural makeup that defines your features without transforming them. For men: groomed but not overly styled. Your hair should be how you'd actually wear it to an audition, just the best version of that.
Mistake #4: Ignoring What Actually Photographs Well
What You're Doing Wrong: Wearing what looks good in the mirror without considering how it translates to camera.
Why It's Not Working: Certain fabrics photograph terribly (shiny materials create hot spots). Certain necklines close off your face (high crew necks make your neck disappear). Certain colors drain your face (wearing white when you're pale, wearing black when you have a dark complexion).
What to Do Instead:
- Necklines matter: V-necks and scoop necks elongate your neck and open up your face. Avoid turtlenecks and high crew necks unless that's specifically your character type.
- Fabric matters: Matte fabrics photograph best. Avoid anything shiny, sequined, or with obvious texture that creates visual noise.
- Color matters: Jewel tones (navy, emerald, burgundy) work for most skin tones. Test colors against your face before your session—does it make your skin glow or look sallow?
Mistake #5: Bringing Too Many Options (Or Too Few)
What You're Doing Wrong: Showing up with either one outfit or fifteen, thinking more options = better results.
Why It's Not Working: One outfit means you're limiting yourself to one castable type. Fifteen outfits means you'll spend the whole session changing clothes instead of getting great shots. Your photographer has limited time with you—use it on shooting, not wardrobe changes.
What to Do Instead: Bring 3-4 strategic looks maximum:
- One casual/approachable look
- One professional/put-together look
- One look specific to your most castable type
- (Optional) One wildcard if you have a specific niche
Each look should be complete: top, accessories if needed, backup options in case something doesn't photograph well.
Mistake #6: Wearing Visible Logos and Patterns
What You're Doing Wrong: That Nike swoosh, that designer label, that striped shirt that looked great in your closet.
Why It's Not Working: Logos date your photo and distract from your face. Patterns (especially stripes, busy prints, or small checks) create a visual mess on camera. Casting directors aren't looking at your clothes—unless your clothes are forcing them to.
What to Do Instead: Solid colors only. No logos. No visible brand names. No patterns unless they're extremely subtle. When in doubt, go simpler.
Mistake #7: Not Testing Your Look Before the Session
What You're Doing Wrong: Deciding what to wear the morning of your session, or worse, letting your photographer tell you what works once you're already there.
Why It's Not Working: Your photographer can guide you, but they can't fix a wardrobe that doesn't serve your casting goals. By the time you're in the session, it's too late to go shopping.
What to Do Instead: Two weeks before your session:
- Lay out all wardrobe options
- Take mirror selfies in each outfit
- Ask your agent, manager, or acting coach which looks communicate your types best
- Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and fits properly
- Buy or borrow anything you're missing
Day before your session:
- Try on your final selections one more time
- Steam or iron everything
- Pack your bag with all looks organized
The Styling Formula That Actually Works
Here's the simple framework I give every actor:
For each look, answer these questions:
- What specific role type am I communicating?
- Does this outfit help or hurt that communication?
- Would I wear this to an audition for that role type?
- Does my face stay the focal point?
If the answer to any of these is unclear or 'no,' change the outfit.
Your Headshot Session Prep Checklist
Two Weeks Out:
- Identify your 2-3 most castable types
- Pull wardrobe options for each type
- Get feedback from your professional network
- Buy/borrow anything missing
One Week Out:
- Finalize 3-4 looks
- Get everything cleaned and pressed
- Schedule hair/makeup if needed (or plan your own)
- Test makeup under bright lighting
Day Before:
- Pack wardrobe bag with complete looks
- Include backup options for each look
- Confirm session details with photographer
- Get good sleep (it shows in your eyes)
The Bottom Line
Your headshot is a marketing tool, not a vanity project. Every styling choice should serve one purpose: helping casting directors see you in specific roles immediately.
Stop dressing for compliments. Start dressing for callbacks.
Looking for a photographer who understands headshot styling? Our directory features pros who can guide you through wardrobe choices and help you create shots that actually book work.
