Casting directors and modeling agencies look for one thing above all in a headshot: an accurate, current likeness with genuine expression — not a heavily retouched or overly stylized image. A headshot that doesn’t look like you in person, on the day of a casting call, works against you no matter how polished it is. This one principle drives almost every other guideline below.
Accuracy Beats Polish
The single most common note from casting directors is that the person didn’t look like their headshot. Agencies need to trust that what they’re sending a client is what will show up in the room. That means natural skin texture, true-to-life colouring, and an expression that actually reflects how you come across — not a heavily airbrushed version of you.
This is a genuinely different editing philosophy from, say, a fashion editorial or a personal branding image, where more stylized retouching is often expected. Acting and modeling headshots sit closer to a passport photo in spirit — polished, well-lit, but fundamentally honest.
Range Matters — Especially for Comp Cards
A composite (comp) card typically needs a few distinct looks: a clean, neutral headshot as the anchor image, plus a couple of shots that show range — different expressions, sometimes a full-body or three-quarter shot, and for some categories, a more editorial or commercial-styled image. The goal is to show a casting director or agency the range of roles or campaigns you could realistically book, without needing five separate photo sessions to prove it.
Agencies often have specific format requirements for comp cards — image count, layout, and sometimes measurements or stats printed on the back. It’s worth checking with your agency (or the agencies you’re targeting) before the session so the shoot is planned around the actual deliverable, not adjusted after the fact.
What’s Different for Teen and Younger Actors
Headshots for teen and younger actors generally lean more natural and age-appropriate — casting for that age range wants to see the real person, not an attempt to look older or more “model-polished.” A relaxed, well-lit, accurate headshot outperforms an overly stylized one almost every time in these categories. Parents booking a session for a younger actor should expect a more relaxed pace, with extra time built in for the actor to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Wardrobe and Expression Tips
Solid, simple colours photograph best and won’t distract from your face. Avoid busy patterns, logos, and anything overly trendy that might date the photo quickly — headshots typically need refreshing every year or two anyway, so there’s no need to over-invest in a single “perfect” look. Expression should feel like a natural moment, not a held smile; a good session includes enough variety to find the shot that actually looks like you mid-conversation, not mid-pose.
How Often to Update Your Headshots
As a general guideline, plan to refresh acting or modeling headshots roughly once a year, or sooner if your look changes noticeably (hair, weight, age transitions for younger actors). Agencies and casting platforms often flag outdated headshots, so keeping this current is a practical, ongoing part of the job, not a one-time task. An outdated headshot can actually work against you at a callback if you look noticeably different from your submission photo.
What to Bring to Your Session
- Two to four outfit options in solid, simple colours — avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything too trend-specific.
- A clear sense of the type of roles or campaigns you’re targeting, so shots can be planned around that range.
- Your agency’s specific comp card requirements, if you have one, so the shoot delivers exactly what they need.
- A recent reference photo of your current look, if your hair or styling has changed since your last headshot.
Digital Submissions vs. Printed Comp Cards
Most casting platforms today (self-tape and submission tools, agency databases, online casting calls) work primarily with digital images, so file quality, resolution, and correct cropping for each platform’s specifications matter as much as the photo itself. That said, many agencies still expect a printed comp card for in-person meetings and industry events — worth clarifying with your agency which format takes priority so the shoot is planned around your actual submission workflow, not guesswork.
Common Headshot Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-retouching to the point the photo no longer matches your in-person appearance — this is the single most common casting director complaint.
- Using outdated photos after a significant change in hair, weight, or (for younger actors) age.
- Choosing busy backgrounds or wardrobe that competes with your face for attention.
- Submitting only one expression or angle when a role calls for a specific comp card format with range.
- Skipping professional guidance entirely and relying on phone selfies for anything beyond a quick self-tape submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking a headshot or comp card session? See model and actor headshot examples or get in touch to book your session.
