The difference between

Commercial Headshots VS Theatrical Headshots?

This guide, “Commercial Headshots vs Theatrical Headshots: Complete Guide,” provides actors with everything they need to know about the two types of headshots required in the industry. With comprehensive information, you will learn what to ask your headshot photographer and what to look for in examples.

Good actor headshots capture your authentic personality for the specific look needed, and they are crucial for obtaining an agent, manager, or landing roles. This guide will prepare you for your headshot session and help you make the right decision. Let’s dive into the differences between Commercial and Theatrical Headshots.

What Are Commercial Headshots for Actors?

Commercial headshots are an essential tool for actors looking to secure roles in the commercial industry. The primary goal of commercial acting is to sell a product or lifestyle, and casting directors are constantly searching for actors who can connect with a broad audience and effectively promote a brand.

Unlike other types of acting, commercial acting jobs often offer higher pay, making it a desirable field for actors to pursue. For instance, consider the famous Flo from the Progressive commercials.

To capture the perfect commercial headshots for acting, it is essential to follow specific tips that will be covered in this guide.

The main goal of commercial headshots is to capture you in a warm, inviting way, reflecting your genuine and approachable personality. You want to appear as if you’re having the best day of your life, showing that you’re warm, friendly, approachable, and the kind of person everyone wants to be around.

Quick-Tips for Great Commercial Headshots ✍🏼

Smile

When taking commercial headshots, your smile should be authentic and not forced, so the photographer should help make the session fun and relaxed to capture a true smile or laugh.

Eyes

The eyes can also convey a lot of emotion and play a vital role in appearing approachable without necessarily having to smile. It’s essential to think about something that makes you happy to capture a genuine expression.

Wardrobe Tips

Wardrobe choice is crucial in capturing the best commercial headshots. Soft colors that complement your eyes work well, and your photographer should be able to assist in wardrobe selection. Bold, saturated colors can work too, but softer colors are generally more comfortable on the eyes and won’t detract attention away from you.

Hair & Make-Up for Commercial Headshots

In terms of hair and makeup, it’s crucial to maintain a casually presentable appearance for your commercial headshots. Avoid overdoing makeup and aim for a fresh, natural look. Men should clean up wild hairs around their nose, ears, and eyebrows and moisturize their face and apply chapstick.

It’s worth noting that the industry standard for good commercial headshots is typically chest and up, with even lighting that makes you appear more approachable.

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Examples of Commercial Headshots

Commercial Headshots Recap

Smiling in your actor headshot is recommended, especially for commercial headshots. These types of headshots are intended to be inviting and friendly, and a smile can achieve this goal. However, it’s also possible to hint at a smile as long as your eyes are warm and inviting. Hiring a professional headshot photographer can help guide you in achieving the right expression.

When it comes to clothing, choose colors that complement your eyes and skin tone. Avoid wearing clothing with distracting logos or patterns. Men should opt for clean crew necks and avoid white, while women can wear a simple blouse and avoid low-cut tops. T-shirts can also work well for women, layered with a cardigan or shirt for contrast. Wrinkled or stained clothing should be avoided.

The goal of commercial headshots is to capture warm, inviting, and authentic photos that will appeal to casting directors. With the help of a professional headshot photographer, you can achieve the best commercial headshots that will lead to booking more acting jobs.

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What Are Theatrical Headshots?

The headshots required for actors when submitting for plays, film productions and television roles are known as theatrical headshots. Generally, in theatrical headshots, the actor wears darker and muted clothes, and the backgrounds are also darker.

You will also observe that the actor’s expressions in theatrical headshots are often more introspective, although you should show some complexity and depth to your personality.

Unlike commercial headshots, theatrical headshots are not meant to appeal to a broad audience as they don’t sell a lifestyle or product.

Theatrical Headshot Tips for Booking Roles

The goal of theatrical headshots is to book roles in TV, theatre, or major film productions. To achieve this, you want to showcase your personality in a professional manner with layers, just like an onion. Here are some tips to follow:

Quick-Tips for Great Commercial Headshots ✍🏼

Mouth and Jaw

There are various ways to play with your jawline and lips. Clenching down on your back teeth can help strengthen your jawline, creating a serious look in your expression. Adding a little smirk can take you from serious to mischievous.

Working Your Eyes

Emotion behind the eyes is crucial, and a technique to achieve this is by having the actor give a little “squinch” in the eyes. Squinching is like focusing on something in front of you, lifting the bottom lid slightly. This technique, along with other factors, will result in a perfect headshot.

Muted Wardrobe Options

The colors you choose for your wardrobe should be darker and muted to match the mysterious, pensive, and confident persona required for theatrical headshots. Layering your wardrobe with jackets, flannels, and blazers can help create levels of depth.

Hair and Make-up

For men, keep the hair tidy, moisturize the skin, use chapstick, and clean up any crazy eyebrow hairs, nose hairs, and facial hair. For women, a tousled hairstyle can give you an edge. Keep the make-up clean, avoid heavy application, and choose a lip shade similar to your natural lip color.

The Art of Dramatic Headshots

When taking theatrical headshots, it is recommended to try different expressions, including confidence and strength, pensive, serious, and a smirk. Remember, not all headshots need to be serious. It’s essential to hire a professional headshot photographer to capture the required emotions and expressions.

In conclusion, theatrical headshots are an important aspect of an actor’s career. By following the above tips, you can create a headshot that captures your personality and increases your chances of booking roles.

Examples of Theatrical Headshots

Tips for Dramatic Headshot Wardrobe Choices

Wardrobe Tips for Dramatic Headshots

For dramatic headshots, it’s best to keep your color choices on the darker and more muted side. Earth tones and desaturated colors work particularly well. However, if you want to use a brighter color, consider layering it with a darker color. Avoid wearing hats, bandanas, or other distracting accessories, unless they’re essential to your specific look.

If you’re going for a layered look, always come prepared with clothing that you can layer on top of your blouse or t-shirt. For men, solid crew necks or v necks work well. Crew necks are preferred, but v necks can add a bit more punch if needed. Just make sure they’re not wrinkled and free of stains. Cool military jackets, leather jackets, or black/gray denim jackets are great layering options for men, as are undershirts or muscle shirts when layered appropriately.

For women, darker tank tops are recommended for that edgy, bad-ass look. Layering them with a cool jacket, such as a leather or denim one, can add even more drama. Solid colored shirts that hug close to the neck are also a great choice, but avoid tops that are too loose.

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Headshot Costs

Good actor headshots can range from $300 to $1000 or more, depending on the photographer’s reputation and your location. The cost of living and other expenses can affect headshot prices in different areas.

Remember that the most expensive headshots may not always be the top quality ones, and affordable headshots may not always be the best quality. It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability when looking for good actor or business/corporate headshots.

In Los Angeles, affordable headshots will mean different things to different people. Some may consider $150 affordable, while others may not mind paying $1300 for headshots from an established photographer. When choosing a photographer, it’s important to consider their experience, reputation, and the quality of their work, as well as your budget.

How to Spot the Difference Between Good and Bad Headshots

When it comes to getting a headshot for professional or personal purposes, it’s important to be able to differentiate between good and bad headshots. With numerous headshot photographers available in Los Angeles, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are some guidelines that will help you distinguish between good and bad headshots:

Check the Lighting

The photographer’s lighting should be soft and even, spreading evenly across the face to create the most flattering headshot. This type of lighting softens any hard shadows that may naturally appear under the nose, chin, and eyes.

Focus

Good headshots should be sharp and clear, with the focus on the subject’s face rather than other distracting elements in the background.

Zoom Out

Headshots should show the subject’s chest and up, without cropping the neck or being too far away.

Background Blurring

The background should be blurred to keep the focus on the subject rather than on any distracting elements.

How to Spot Bad Headshots

Poor Lighting

Unflattering lighting can create unwanted shadows under the eyes, making the subject look tired and unattractive.

Overexposure

Overexposure: Overexposure, or lighting that is too bright, can create washed-out or pale-looking headshots, while underexposure or too-dark lighting can make the subject blend into the background.

Over-Photoshopping

To ensure you get a good headshot, it’s important to consider more than just cost. While good headshots don’t necessarily have to come from the most expensive photographers, it’s important to invest in a good one.

Use these guidelines to spot the difference between good and bad headshots. The more you do it, the easier it will become to differentiate between good and bad headshots.

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