Acting Headshots in Portland

Professional acting and modeling headshots serve a number of roles. The primary function for acting headshots is to help give casting directors a sense of your personality and look, guiding them towards what roles you might be best suited for. This can feel limiting if you haven’t found your place yet, but it’s essential in connecting you with the roles that you’re going to do well in. A professional headshot says that you’re serious about your work and understand that it’s a competitive field with high standards. Don’t stress too much about it because the images themselves aren’t there to get you the jobs, they’re there to get you in the door. After all this is the most important part, it’s about opening up opportunities to showcase your abilities and ultimately get casted.

What are agencies looking for?

You’ll want to check with the specific agency that you’re working with as they can have specific requirements. Most of the time it’s pretty straight forward - they want well lit professional images that will give them a sense who you are and ultimate what you look like. You’ll see some examples below.

What to wear to an acting headshot session?

Wardrobe plays a big role in how your headshots read but it should always support you, not distract from you. The best approach is to bring a small range of well-fitted, clean pieces in solid colors that feel authentic to your style. Simple, modern clothing tends to photograph best and keeps the focus where it belongs, on your expression. It’s important to match your clothing to the type of work you are trying to land. Think of the character you might play or the context you’ll be in, then dress appropriately.

Before your session, we’ll go over wardrobe together to make sure each option aligns with your casting type and the looks we’re creating. Most clients bring around three outfits, plus one piece with a bit more personality.

If you want more tips, you can find them on my headshot page: https://www.pdx-portraits.com/headshots-pricing-and-info

Do you need an agent before booking headshots?

Headshots can help you move forward on the process, get work or land an agent. Waiting to get headshots leaves you with little to portray yourself or your professionalism in the field.