How Actor Headshots Influence Casting Decisions: Real Advice from Agents & Directors

Intro

Headshots are more than just professional photos — they’re your first impression. In an industry where casting decisions are made in seconds, the right headshot can open doors. But what exactly are casting directors and agents looking for when they scroll through hundreds of submissions?

As a photographer and BBC lighting director, I’ve worked closely with performers and production teams for over a decade. In this post, I’ll share insights from industry professionals to help you understand how to create headshots that not only look great — but work hard for your career.

What Casting Directors Look For in a Headshot

Casting directors aren’t just looking for a pretty picture — they want to get a sense of who you are. Here’s what they typically focus on:

Casting type clarity: Your headshot should reflect your casting range — your age, energy, and “type.”
Authenticity: They want to see you, not an over-edited version of you.
Emotion and expression: A headshot that captures real expression stands out in a crowd.
Lighting and composition: Good lighting isn’t flashy — it’s clean, cinematic, and flattering without distraction.
Recency: If your appearance has changed, your headshot should reflect that. Old images can feel dishonest.

Advice from Agents and Industry Pros

Here are some recurring tips I’ve heard from agents, casting directors, and working actors:

Update regularly — at least every 12–18 months, or sooner if your look changes significantly.
Think about the role you want — your expression, styling, and framing should reflect the types of characters you’re being seen for.
Your eyes matter most — casting directors often say “if the eyes aren’t engaged, the shot’s not working.”
Be recognisable from your photo — the biggest red flag is a headshot that doesn’t match the person who walks in.

How My Lighting Background Makes a Difference

As a BBC lighting director, I bring a cinematic approach to my headshot work. That means I understand how to shape light to bring out emotion, detail, and depth. Whether you’re aiming for natural daylight or something more stylised, the goal is always the same: to make you look like a working actor — not just someone with a nice photo.