Four professional actors shown in clear casting headshots

15 chapters · 100% free

The headshot casting actually clicks.

Your photo appears as one small face in a crowded grid. Learn how to make your eyes, contrast, type, and truth survive the thumbnail—without trying to look like someone you’re not.

Start with Real Examples →Explore all 15 chapters

15Free chapters

96Faces in the grid

1Photo gets the click

A great headshot does one honest job.
It helps casting recognize where you belong—and recognize you when you walk in.

Review My Headshot →

The same actor shown in commercial and theatrical headshots

What casting sees first

Not scenery. Not wardrobe. You.

At thumbnail size, subtle details disappear. What remains is a readable face, alive eyes, clean separation, and an honest sense of the roles you can walk in and play today.

Eyes with light and thought

A clear, current likeness

Contrast at small size

A specific casting lane

Natural skin and texture

Nothing fighting your face

The complete headshot guide

Five decisions. Fifteen honest chapters.

Follow the guide in order or jump directly to the question you need answered: every chapter has its own link.

A diverse set of professional acting headshots

Part 01 · Learn to SeeChapters 1–3

See your photo the way casting does.

Begin with real examples and learn which differences remain visible when your picture becomes a thumbnail.

01Real Headshot ExamplesRead →02Good Headshots vs. Bad HeadshotsRead →03What to Wear for HeadshotsRead →

Part 02 · Present YourselfChapters 4–6

Give casting a clear, truthful signal.

Choose commercial or theatrical energy, connect through the eyes, and look like the person who will arrive on Tuesday.

04Commercial vs. TheatricalRead →05Poses, Expression & EyesRead →06Hair & MakeupRead →

Part 03 · Make the PictureChapters 7–10

Use the gear you have—wisely.

Know when DIY is enough, fix the real smartphone problems, and give every platform a clean, usable file.

07Can You Shoot It Yourself?Read →08The iPhone HeadshotRead →09Background & LightRead →10Size, Crop & File FormatRead →

Part 04 · Spend CarefullyChapters 11–12

Know what you’re paying for.

Understand the real bill, find the right photographer, and read a portfolio like a casting professional—not a fan.

11What Acting Headshots Really CostRead →12How to Find a Headshot PhotographerRead →›Headshot Photographers by StateBrowse the directory →

Three confident working actors of different ages and body types

Part 05 · Keep It TruthfulChapters 13–15

Protect the person casting needs to meet.

Use AI and retouching with clear eyes, and reject advice written as if every actor has the same body, age, or face.

13The Honest Verdict on AI HeadshotsRead →14Retouching Without Erasing YourselfRead →15Headshots for Every BodyRead →

One actor photographed for both commercial and theatrical casting

One actor. Two clear promises.

Commercial and theatrical are energies—not costumes.

A commercial headshot usually says approachable, open, and ready to connect. A theatrical headshot usually says grounded, specific, and ready to carry story. Both still need to look exactly like you.

CommercialWarm, immediate, open

TheatricalGrounded, specific, story-ready

See the Full Comparison →Learn Poses & Eyes

Pairs with Headshot Review

Does your current photo already work?

Upload your headshot and see how well it holds up on the four things that survive at casting size. If you have more than one, find out which photo should lead. The review is free with a GotAuditions account.

Eyes and connection

Thumbnail clarity and contrast

Current likeness and casting type

Technical quality and distractions

Open Headshot Review →See Tools & Pricing

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