Skip to main content

The Differences Between Actor Headshots & Model Headshots

One of the many things both actors and models have in common is they require professional headshots for use as proper marketing tools. Whether freelance or agency represented, this is your biggest calling card.

To get caught up on why these types of photos are so essential for pursuing the industry seriously, check out my previous post: "The Importance of Actor Headshots & Model Headshots."

So let's dive into what makes an acting headshot different from a modeling headshot (the "why" is answered in the blog post link above btw).

MOOD/THEME

Acting and modeling headshots all have a particular theme or mood they're trying to capture. 

Model Headshots: Fashion, Runway, Editorial

Headshots for models often are very dramatic/moody in nature. No big toothy smiles or fun facial expressions. This is especially true for high fashion, runway, and editorial models. Although black and white headshots (for acting) are seen as "old school" these days, in the modeling world, they are still very much in style.





Unlike acting headshots, however, models don't have as many different "looks" that they need to achieve. The most common types include: high fashion/editorial, commercial/print/lifestyle, and beauty. Think of beauty headshots for modeling as the fresh-faced, minimal makeup look, with bare shoulders (you know it when you see it, believe me). Below are some quick references for what a beauty headshot for models looks like:

       

      

              

               

Model Headshots: Commercial/Print/Lifestyle

In direct contrast to this, there are modeling headshots that do require smiles and great facial expressions. These are found in the commercial/print/lifestyle modeling world. 

This is perhaps one of the few areas where these headshots could double as a commercial/print/lifestyle headshot for modeling AND a commercial actor headshot so don't be surprised if you find opportunities here where you can kill two birds with one stone.

      

      


STYLE & CHARACTER PORTRAYAL

Actor Headshots: Theatrical (TV/Film)

When casting directors look at actor headshots, they instantly want to envision the role/character an actor can portray. This means getting several different "looks" for an actor to convey the types of roles they'll likely be considered for. 

Additionally, the wardrobe makes a huge difference, along with lighting, posing, etc. Skilled theatrical headshot photographers will know exactly how to guide you in terms of posing, facial expressions, and selecting the right kind of wardrobe to pull off certain looks seamlessly. 

While there are many such looks, I'll focus on some of the most popular:

Leading Lady/Leading Man/Love Interest





Girl/Guy Next Door



Edgy/Bad Girl/Bad Boy



Professional



Nerdy/Quirky/Hipster



Law Enforcement/Military

            

            

            

And, yes, you're going to quickly realize that many of the looks in regards to wardrobe and styling end up looking super similar. This is normal.

If you're wondering, "How can I stand out if my acting headshots look like everyone else?" keep the following in mind: the headshots get your foot in the door with casting directors and talent agencies. 

What will make you stand out from the competition are many other factors that I'll blog about in posts to come. But for now, it's okay if your headshots look similar to the examples: it's a direct sign that you know the quality and caliber that casting directors and agencies are looking for.

***All of the images used for this post and all my blog posts in general are from Google Image searches. I do not claim ownership or copyright over these images. They are intended for illustrative and informative purposes only.***

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who
6 comments
Read more

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It
37 comments
Read more

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks
4 comments
Read more