Male Headshots For Actors: Top Tips

If you’re just stepping into the acting world or you’ve been in the industry for a while, there’s one thing you’ve probably heard over and over again: your headshot matters. It’s true. The best headshots do a lot of the heavy lifting for male actors. They can get you called in for an audition before you’ve even said a single line. But what are male actor headshots and how do you have to prepare yourself to get the most out of your session? That’s what I’m going to cover today; from why acting headshots for men are such an essential part of your toolkit to some of my top tips on how you can make yours stand out.

I know what I’m talking about. Hi, I’m Andrew and I've been photographing actors across London for years. So don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a list of cliches about ‘smiling more’ or ‘acting natural’. I know that the best male headshots for actors come down to something much more personal: capturing your true, stripped down self… But on your best day.

What Are Male Actor Headshots?

Let’s start with the basics. A male actor headshot is your professional calling card. It’s the image casting directors will use to decide if you’re worth calling in for an audition. When they’re flicking through hundreds of submissions, your headshot is the very first impression that they have of you. This happens fast. Before they’ve even seen your showreel or, potentially, your audition.

You might be thinking it’s hard to stand out amongst the sea of headshots that casting agents see. But an acting headshot for men isn’t just about looking sharp. It’s about showing producers your authentic self so they can picture you in the roles you’re auditioning for. That doesn't mean turning up in full costume for every possible part you can imagine. For acting headshots it’s about being subtle. You want to look like yourself. If your photo is too airbrushed or you haven’t updated it in a couple of years and you’ve grown a full beard in that time, your photo may not look like you. If you then walk into an audition room and casting agents can’t recognise you, that won’t go down well. 

How Are Male Headshots Different For Actors?

On paper, the process of getting male headshots and headshots for male actors isn’t wildly different. Both are photos taken up close of your face, and both are used with a similar goal in mind. Except one maybe is to look professional on LinkedIn so clients are more inclined to work with you, and one is to be cast in a film, theatre or television role. Both still need to feel authentic and polished, but in practice, the subtle differences will influence how your male acting headshot will turn out.

For actors, you will want to showcase your authentic self. Casting directors often look for specific ‘types’ for their roles. The lead. The best friend. The villain. The dad. This type can shine through your headshot. It needs to nod to your range but still feel real. For male headshots they’re usually stripped back. Less is more. Think clean grooming, simple outfits and expressions that range from approachable to intense depending on the type of actor you are.

Casting agents are essentially looking for a blank canvas in male actor headshots. They want to be able to project roles on to you, because if they can’t see you playing the antagonist in their new up and coming sitcom, then you can kiss goodbye to that audition. The balance between that and still letting some personality shine through is tricky. But that’s where a good photographer can help you find that perfect balance.

Why You Need Acting Headshots For Men

I’m going to be blunt: you’re not going to get far in the acting industry without professional headshots. It doesn’t matter how talented you are or how convincing you are when you’re reciting a monologue; if your photo doesn’t get you through the door you’ll never get to showcase what you can do.

A strong male actor headshot does a few things for you:

It gets you seen:

Casting directors look through hundreds of submissions on Spotlight. But sending a polished professional headshot instantly makes you stand out amongst the stacks of average images.

It shows you take your career seriously:

When you invest in good headshots, you’re signalling that you’re not just dabbling. You’re committed to your craft, professional, and worth considering for serious roles before casting agents have even looked at your filmography.

It represents your brand:

You might not even realise it yet, but every actor has a brand. Casting agents are known for type casting whether you like it or not. For you this could be the charming lead, maybe you’re the comic relief or you could be the antagonist. Your headshot can lean into that so those in charge of casting can instantly picture where you fit.

It works everywhere:

Acting headshots for men don’t just sit on Spotlight. You’ll use them for agency submission and personal websites. If you do land that dream role it could even be used for promotional materials. It’s the photo that keeps working for you long after the session is over.

So if you've been putting off getting proper male headshots for acting because you think you can just wing it with a decent phone snap, I hate to break it to you but that won’t cut it. Acting is a competitive industry as it is, and you need to make sure you have every tool at your disposal working in your favour.

Tips On Getting The Best Male Headshots For Actors

So how do you go about making sure the photo you submit stands out amongst the hundreds of other actors? Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your headshot sessions from an experienced headshot photographer:

Hair

You might think it’s a good idea to get your hair done before your headshot session. But this is a mistake I see a lot of actors make. Yes, you want to look groomed, but freshly cutting or dying your hair the day before you get your headshots taken won’t look flattering on camera. You run the risk of your hair looking way too sharp and may draw attention away from your face. My advice? Get it cut a week or two before your shoot. That way it will have chance to settle down and look natural; you’ll also have had time to get used to styling it.

Beards

Beard or no beard? Well that’s up to you. But if you do have one you still need to keep it neat. Make sure it’s trimmed evenly so it doesn’t look scruffy. If you’re opting for no beard, have a clean shave the morning of the shoot to avoid stubble as this can look unpolished on camera. My general rule is to commit to your facial hair, anything in between can come across messy and unkept. 

Skin

You don’t need to have perfectly flawless skin. But headshots show a close up of your face so any imperfections are going to show. You’ll want to take care of it. You don’t need to start adopting a 10-step skincare routine, but you’ll be surprised how some small tweaks will improve the appearance of your skin. My tips are to stay out of the sun before your session as any redness will show up on camera. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated leading up to your headshot appointment, this will help you look refreshed for the camera.

Facial Expression

Your face is an instrument, and your headshot should showcase your range. That doesn’t mean pulling dramatic faces. It means subtle shifts that suggest different sides of you. Your eyes will do most of the talking. But if you’re stuck don’t worry, your headshot photographer can guide you on what faces you should be making and where you should be looking. You may think this would come easily to actors, but headshots are completely different to acting out a scene, and a professional photographer can help you come out of your shell.

How to Dress For Your Male Actor Headshots

What you wear does matter, but it’s not about fashion, it’s about casting. Many actors get stuck on this, but the rule of thumb is to not overcomplicate it. Solid colours always work best; you should avoid loud patterns or logos. You want the focus to be on your face so don’t wear anything that’s going to divert attention. And here’s something most people don’t realise: fit matters more than fashion. A £20 plain shirt that fits you properly will always look better than an expensive one that pulls in the wrong places. So take the time to try things on before the shoot. I also recommend bringing options. Even if you’re 100% sure about one outfit, a backup or two can save the day if it doesn’t photograph how you expected.

How To Pose For Male Actor Headshots

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know how to pose. It’s my job to show and help you. But a few things can help you feel more confident. Relax your shoulders. Tension shows instantly on camera. Slightly angle your body instead of standing square-on. It looks more natural. Don’t overthink your hands. In most headshots, they won’t even be in frame. Trust the process. A good photographer will guide you into positions that feel comfortable and look great. Remember, this isn’t about modelling. It’s about authenticity.

Book With Me For Acting Headshots For Men

At the end of the day, the best male headshots aren’t about a perfect backdrop or a slick suit. They’re about capturing you;  your range, your personality, your potential. That’s where I come in.

I’m Andrew, a headshot photographer based in Wimbledon, London. I’ve worked with countless male actors, helping them create headshots that open doors and get them noticed. My sessions are relaxed, collaborative, and tailored to you. No unnatural poses. No awkward “say cheese.” Just real, powerful images that look like you, and make casting directors want to see more.

If you’re ready to take your acting career seriously, then investing in professional male actor headshots is one of the smartest moves you can make. So whether you need clean, classic shots for Spotlight, or a more varied portfolio that shows your range, I’d love to help.

Drop me a message, and let’s create something that does more than just sit in your portfolio. Let’s make headshots that actually get you in the room.