How to take actor headshots at home

Create your actor website on ActorCV

How to get killer headshots at home without spending a fortune

A professional headshot is one of the most important tools in your acting toolkit. It’s often your first impression with casting directors, agents, and anyone who might want to work with you. While hiring a photographer is ideal, you don’t always need a studio session to get a strong, casting-ready headshot. With some planning and the right setup, you can take high-quality headshots at home.

Here’s how to do it

Set up your space

You don’t need expensive equipment or a professional backdrop. What matters most is lighting and simplicity.

Use natural light: Position yourself near a large window with indirect daylight. Early morning or late afternoon light works best. Avoid overhead lights, backlighting, or direct sunlight on your face, which can create harsh shadows.

Choose a neutral background: Stand in front of a plain wall. White, grey, or beige is ideal but other colours work as well. Make sure the background is clean and free of distractions. If your wall doesn’t work, hang up a solid sheet or poster board as a backdrop.

Choose your camera

You don’t need an advanced camera setup. A recent smartphone with portrait mode is good enough if you use it well. If you do have access to a better camera, great but it’s not required.

Use the rear camera, not the selfie cam. It’s higher quality and gives better results.

Get the right framing

Your headshot should be from the chest up, with your eyes about one-third of the way down the frame. Leave some space above your head, but not too much. Keep the camera at eye level for a natural perspective.

Ask a friend to take the photos or use a tripod with a remote or timer. Try a few different angles: straight on, slightly turned, smiling, neutral. Review your shots as you go to adjust framing and lighting if needed.

Dress for the part

Wear solid colours that complement your skin tone and avoid patterns, logos, or bright colours that distract from your face. Think about your casting type and choose clothing that matches it. Aim for a few looks, e.g. one that’s more casual, one more professional, to give you options. For your first headshots, stick to your normal clothes rather than any costumes or character outfits.

Keep your makeup and hair natural and true to how you usually present yourself in castings

Focus on expression

The most important part of a headshot is your expression. You want to look confident, approachable, and like yourself. Avoid overposing. Look directly into the camera and keep your energy up, even if you’re not smiling. Try variations: one with a soft smile, one more serious, one with a spark in your eyes.

Your headshot should give casting directors a sense of who you are and what you might be like to work with.

Edit lightly

Once you’ve picked your best shots, use a basic photo editor to adjust lighting, contrast, and colour balance if needed. Don’t over-edit. Avoid filters or retouching that changes your appearance. Your headshot should reflect what you actually look like.

Crop the photo cleanly, usually from the chest up, and export it in high resolution.

Final checklist before you submit

• Is your face well lit and in focus?
• Are your eyes clearly visible?
• Is the background simple and uncluttered?
• Do you look like yourself?
• Do you look confident, relaxed, and professional?

Keep your headshots up to date

Your headshot should reflect what you actually look like today. If your photo is from several years ago or doesn’t match your current appearance, it can work against you in the casting process.

Casting directors want to know what you look like now. If you show up to an audition looking different from your headshot, it can create confusion or frustration, and it may affect your chances of being cast.

Get in the habit of updating your headshots at least once a year, or sooner if your look changes. For example:

• You’ve cut or dyed your hair
• You’ve grown or shaved facial hair
• You’ve significantly changed your weight or style

This doesn’t mean you need a full photo shoot every few months. But even a quick home update that accurately reflects your current look is better than sending in old images that no longer represent you.

When to invest in a professional shoot

While DIY headshots can work well (especially when starting out) consider investing in a professional photographer once you have the budget. They’ll help with lighting, posing, and editing, and give you even more polished results. But until then, a well-planned home setup can absolutely do the job.

Ready to upload your headshots?

Your ActorCV website is the perfect place to showcase your new headshots and keep your professional profile up to date. Make sure they’re front and center on your homepage or gallery so casting directors can see you at your best.

Want help with your actor website? That’s what we’re here for.