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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.***
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