Your agent is looking for an image that will make it easier for them to sell you to a client when an opportunity for you pops up from either a call to your agent or something they see on a breakdown (an aggregated list of acting or commercial modeling jobs that productions are looking to fill that your agent has access to).

At LA Headshots, years of experience working with actors and their agents make us experts at finding your best photographic angles, finding and creating the best light that flatters your features and working with you to bring out the best possible emotion and expressions to give your headshot life and vitality. Whether you’re the hero or the villain, the ingénue or quirky character actor, you’ll get images that will make your agent’s life easier finding you work.

“Who does the best headshots in Los Angeles and Hollywood”? We do at LA Headshots!

Our strong suggestion is yes. Retouching has come a long way in the past few years, but it is still no match for professional makeup applied before you get your photos done.

LA Headshots has in-house professional makeup artists with years of experience working in commercial print, television and motion picture. We’ve got you covered.

“I’m a guy, should I pay for makeup for my headshots?”

And, yes, you too, sir, need makeup. In the industry, when a gentleman sits in the chair we prefer to call it “grooming”.

It’s just as essential for you as it is for the lady’s. Please don’t worry at all, the intention for you is to make you more attractive, more masculine, more handsome.

Still not convinced? Every male actor in Hollywood goes through makeup and hair when they’re working. Better get used to it now, you’re going to be famous soon with LA Headshots!

You should do at least two, but seriously consider adding additional looks.

The most useful looks to have are a commercial and a dramatic look.

The commercial look is an open and inviting take on you. It’s essential when you go out for things like light-hearted television, sitcoms, a Broadway-style stage musical, and commercial print and advertising jobs for example.

The second look you’ll need is a dramatic look. This look showcases a deeper individual- it’s a more serious, contemplative and intense perspective on you.

You’ll need this look for serious live stage/theater work, TV and motion picture dramas, and other similar kinds of work.

Since it’s only a slight additional cost, you should take advantage of third and fourth looks on your headshots.

Why? Because here is a golden opportunity to get an alternative commercial look or alternative dramatic look in a different outfit. Having extra looks that are different provide you and your agent with enormous flexibility when a single look may not be exactly what the client was looking for.

Imagine, for example, the advantage of having a commercial shot in a tailored suit /dress and then a second one that’s more laid back and relaxed in something smart and casual.

That third or fourth look could very well be the one that gets you the film role or print job you really wanted.

For headshots for character actors that have a range of looks and roles that they play, additional headshot looks make complete sense. Bring additional clothing to wear that will help directors and casting directors imagine you in the roles you are best suited to playing or acting.

LA Headshots strongly recommends simple well-fitted, tailored outfits that highlight your best physical features.

As mentioned in the previous section regarding “How many looks should I take for my headshot?” you might be looking at needing to put together three or four outfits.

For men’s headshots

Bring a variety of well-fitting shirts and slack ranging from formal to casual. Have some button down shirts, polos, henleys, and some t-shirts to wear or layer under the other pieces.

Shoes generally don’t make it into the headshot but wear a comfortable good looking pair that works with the pants you bring just in case.

Jeans are ok but you won’t need more than one jean look if you choose that route.

Avoid strong distracting print patterns and logos on t-shirts. Also, avoid solid black pieces and solid white pieces (surprisingly they don’t photography well for headshots and can also be distracting in their own way!)

Clothing pieces that are mid-tone are best, off white, grays, browns, warm earth tones, and soft colors in shades blue and green for example.

For women’s headshots

Bring a variety of well-fitting tops, skirts, light dresses and slacks ranging from formal to casual. Consider pieces that can layer or be worn over other pieces.

Shoes generally don’t make it into the headshot but wear a comfortable good looking pair that works with the pants you bring just in case.

Jeans are ok but you won’t need more than one jean look if you choose that route.

Avoid strong distracting print patterns and logos on t-shirts. Also, avoid solid black pieces and solid white pieces (surprisingly they don’t photography well for headshots and can also be distracting in their own way!)

Clothing pieces that are mid-tone are best, off white, grays, browns, warm earth tones, and soft colors in shades blue and green for example.

Some last general tips for both men and women

We want you to look great, so please for your headshots consider having your outfits professionally cleaned and pressed on hangers. It makes a big difference in pictures!

If you haven’t tried on and worn something for a while, do yourself a big favor and actually try it on before you might be surprised at the headshot shoot!

Lastly, always bring one or two extra outfit options. The number one ensemble you though was perfect when you were leaving your house might not be the best choice for you, some backup options can save the day!