Today I want to focus on what makes a good headshot; one that a casting director will actually look at. Remember, your picture will get about one half of a second of review before it’s placed in either a YES pile or a NO pile. You need to be in the YES pile.

1. A good headshot will be a picture of you “as you really are”. This is not a glamour shot or a shot for a magazine. This shot will not be overly retouched. This is a picture of you.

2. Your shot should be something that says to a viewer, “hey, I want to know more about his person.” Unless you’re already famous or if you’re a comedian, you are not going to “act” in the shot. You’re going to smile and invite. And it doesn’t really matter if you’re going to audition for the part of a Serial Killer or a Baby Sitter. For the most part, you want a headshot that shows who you really are.

3. The lighting on the shot will be mostly neutral and not overly dramatic. Again, this is not a fashion shot. This is a greeting cards that says you’re responsible and that you can act.

That’s it for now. Just some things to look for when you’re in your headshot session.