Examples of Great Headshots for Actors: What Casting Directors Really Want to See
When you’re an actor your headshot is your first audition. Before you walk into a casting room or upload a self-tape, your headshot is already speaking for you. It tells casting directors and agents not just what you look like, but whether you’re professional, castable, and memorable.
But not all actor headshots are created equal. A “nice photo” isn’t the same as a great headshot.
In this post, I’ll share examples of what I think are great actor headshots (from my Auckland portfolio), and break down exactly what makes them effective in the eyes of casting directors and agents. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned performer looking to refresh your portfolio, this guide will help you understand what sets a great headshot apart.
What Casting Directors Look For in a Headshot
Casting directors and agents look at hundreds of headshots every week. So what makes them stop scrolling and pay attention to yours?
Authenticity
Your headshot should look like you. Not the Instagram-filtered version of you, not the overly styled version of you; just the real, natural you. Casting directors need to know what you’ll look like when you walk into the room. If your photo feels artificial or “too posed,” it can hurt your chances.Connection
A great headshot captures your ability to connect. That usually happens through your eyes. Agents often say they want to see life, energy, and presence shining through, even in a still image.Clarity
Your headshot should be crisp, well-lit, and focused on your face. Distracting backgrounds, busy outfits, or over-stylised retouching can pull focus away from you.Versatility
One headshot can’t be everything, you’ll want images that show your range. A good mix of commercial-friendly warmth and more dramatic intensity can help you land different types of roles.Professional Quality
DIY phone snaps won’t cut it. Agents and casting directors can immediately tell the difference between a professional headshot and a quick selfie. Investing in quality shows you’re serious about your career.
Why Authenticity Matters in Actor Headshots
In a city like Auckland, where the acting community is tight-knit and opportunities are competitive, you don’t want to blend into the crowd. And yet scroll through any casting platform, and you’ll see endless headshots that look exactly the same. Same backdrop. Same pose. Same expression.
That’s where authenticity and originality make the difference.
Authentic headshots capture you as you are; your quirks, your personality, your spark. When casting directors say they want to see the “real you,” this is what they mean.
Original headshots avoid the cookie-cutter approach. They still meet industry standards but give you space to stand out. Maybe it’s a subtle use of colour, a shift in expression, or a look that’s unique to your casting type.
The combination of authentic and original is what makes an image powerful. You don’t want to be a carbon copy. You want to be memorable.
Examples of Great Actor Headshots (and Why They Work)
Commercial-Friendly Headshot
A bright, approachable look with natural light and a genuine smile. Perfect for TVCs, brand campaigns, and roles that need warmth and relatability.
Dramatic Headshot
Strong eye contact, subtle styling, and moodier tones. Ideal for theatre, film, or television drama castings.
Neutral Casting Headshot
Clean backdrop, minimal styling, and a relaxed expression. This type of headshot works as your “all-rounder”—the photo you’ll use across casting platforms and agent submissions.
Character-Driven Headshot
Without becoming a costume photo, this type leans into your casting “type.” Maybe you naturally read as corporate, edgy, or comedic—the styling and expression here will hint at that without being over the top.
What Actors Say About Their Headshots
Actors often tell me that before their shoot, they hated being photographed. They were nervous about looking stiff, awkward, or just “not like themselves.” Afterward, the feedback is almost always the same:
“I finally have photos that look like me, only more confident.”
“My agent loved them and uploaded them straight away.”
“I actually feel proud to send these headshots with auditions.”
That confidence boost matters as much as the casting opportunity. When you love your headshots, you use them. And when you use them, you get seen.
How to Get Actor’s Headshots That Stand Out in Auckland
If you’re an aspiring or experienced actor in Auckland, here’s how to make sure your next headshot session sets you up for success:
Work with a photographer who understands the acting industry. You want someone who understands what casting directors expect, not just someone who can take “pretty pictures.”
Prepare your wardrobe with your casting type in mind. Bring a mix of neutral looks and one or two options that lean into your personality.
Think about your expressions. Casting directors want to see a range. Don’t default to a forced smile or a blank stare.
Prioritise authenticity. If the image doesn’t feel like you, it won’t work for you.
Final Thoughts: Your Headshot Is Your First Audition
A great actor headshot is more than a professional portrait; it’s your ticket to getting noticed. It’s what agents use to pitch you. It’s what casting directors use to shortlist you. And it’s the first impression you can control.
If you’re ready for headshots that feel authentic, original, and industry-ready, now’s the time to invest. Because the right image doesn’t just show your face, it opens doors.