Actor Headshot Gallery
We promise that our headshots WILL get you more auditions.
What matters most is specificity, or focusing on a particular TYPE for each shot.
What matters most is specificity, or focusing on a particular TYPE for each shot.
Can you guess the "Type" each shot above represented? Click a photo to see if your guess was right.
Why "Type" is Critical
Casting directors want extremely specific "Type" headshots, where you look exactly like the character they're casting. They want to easily be able to imagine YOU playing that role.
That's why the more generalized or "vague" your headshot is, the fewer auditions you'll get – because no casting director is ever casting for a "generalized/vague" character! Unless it's a background role.
And don't worry about typecasting or pigeonholing yourself. On our Headshot Process page, we show you how to capture specific Types in your headshots while actually expanding your range.
See if you can guess some of the "Types" of the headshots below (remember you can click each picture to see the Type represented):
That's why the more generalized or "vague" your headshot is, the fewer auditions you'll get – because no casting director is ever casting for a "generalized/vague" character! Unless it's a background role.
And don't worry about typecasting or pigeonholing yourself. On our Headshot Process page, we show you how to capture specific Types in your headshots while actually expanding your range.
See if you can guess some of the "Types" of the headshots below (remember you can click each picture to see the Type represented):
The 4 Keys to an Effective Headshot
There's a BIG difference between a beautiful headshot and an effective headshot. For instance, headshots that make you look different than you do in real life can actually lead to fewer bookings.
Here are the 4 critical elements for effective headshots – shots that not only get you more auditions, but also help you book more work:
Here are the 4 critical elements for effective headshots – shots that not only get you more auditions, but also help you book more work:
- Key #1: The More Specific You Are, the Better – as we've discussed already, a "versatile" headshot can actually create LESS audition opportunities because casting directors want someone who looks EXACTLY like the character they want (our Headshot Process page shows you a technique to find your Type in just 10 minutes – while EXPANDING your range instead of pigeonholing you)
- Key #2: Your Headshot Must Make it Look Like You're Willing to Invest in Your Career – if your headshot is not up to date with current industry trends, casting directors will assume you're not actively working, meaning they'll call you in for auditions less frequently (here are the most up-to-date headshot trends of 2023-2024)
- Key #3: Your Expression Can Make Casting Directors Believe You're Experienced (or Inexperienced) – the wrong expression could cause casting directors to completely skip over your clips & resume, never even giving you a chance (this guide shows you numerous tricks to capturing fantastic expressions)
- Key #4: Not Doing Your Homework Before the Shoot Can Cost You – after shooting with less experienced photographers, some actors realize they need to do a reshoot because they forgot to ask themselves a few key questions before their session, resulting in headshots that did NOT help them get more auditions (the questions you should ask are listed on our Headshot Process page)
Headshots are Just One Part of the Equation
Getting more auditions isn't just about the specificity of your headshot. It's also about how you use your headshots. Check out some of our free guides:
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting an Agent
- The Ultimate Guide to Demo Reels (or you can hire our sister company Actor Screener Shoot to create a reel for you)
- Designing Your Professional Actor Resume (includes a free Google Docs template that works on any device)
- Or, see our full list of actor resources here.
Happy Clients
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Star Tapia - landed an agent and booked numerous co-star roles.
“I can't say thanks enough for my headshots! Without a doubt these photos played a role in me booking Co-Star roles, signing with my agent, and being called in to audition for Primetime TV shows, major films, and more. When you're in a market like New York City, you have to "bring it." Working with City Headshots was easy and all my questions were answered prior to the shoot. I had time to change wardrobe, touch-up makeup, and I was given help with posing and expressions. My photos turned out great, and as you can see, the proof is in the pudding!” Read Star's story in more detail here. |
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Eric Michael Gillet - booked 12 films within just a few months
“For years, City Headshots has been my go-to place for character and type-specific headshots. The team ‘hears’ you when you explain what you're trying to target in terms of roles and projects, and the images they capture have helped me book most of the work I’ve done in television and film for the past few years. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also professional, courteous, prompt, and truly fun people. ” Read Eric Michael's story in more detail here. |
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Stephanie Terrero - signed with an agent and started making 30% of her income from acting.
"Not only was my shoot laid back and easy, But they helped capture the right expressions too. I got the exact commercial and legit shots I needed by discussing my career goals and going over what wardrobe would work best for each shot. "I received amazing shots and used them to get signed by Dream Maker Talent within just a few months. It wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gotten my headshots done with you guys. Thank you!" Read Stephanie's story in more detail here. |
Shooting Your Headshot?
Create Your Reel, Too.
City Headshots partners with Actor Screener Shoot and Demo Reels NYC to offer reel production and editing services.
Imagine shooting high-end, professional footage to create a sleek reel that impresses casting directors and agents.
We offer combo packages for Headshot + Reel updates – just email us to ask.
Imagine shooting high-end, professional footage to create a sleek reel that impresses casting directors and agents.
We offer combo packages for Headshot + Reel updates – just email us to ask.
