Female Actress Headshot Mistakes

While it’s always important to know what makes up a perfect headshot, it’s equally important to know what makes a bad headshot. When it comes to taking female actresses headshots here are there are some common mistakes I see them make when they get their headshots taken. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss these issues in hopes that you can avoid repeating these same mistakes that will end up costing you money in the long term.

1. They wear way too much makeup. 

When an actress comes into my studio wearing way too much makeup the first thing it can say about you is that you may not be a serious actor after all. What it can tell others about you is that you really like yourself. You may like the idea of becoming an actress because in your head it’s going to be all about you and so as result you approach the headshot process trying to showcase you in the best possible light as oppose to seeing yourself as a product of your business. The reason this is likely the case is because actress should never wear too much makeup in their headshots because casting directors want to see your face and you, not an overly made-up version of you.

What do I define as way too much makeup? 

I’m talking false eyelashes, super contoured makeup, trendy lipstick shades, and overly done up eye makeup. Basically if you look like the Kardashians when you show up to my studio… I’m still going to do my job and make you look amazing in a headshot and give you a great 5 star experience, but just know it’s not gonna do what you think it’s gonna do.

All you’ll have is a really great photo of yourself, but no one in the business will actually take them as serious acting headshots.   

I have an article on how Glamorized Actor Headshots can actually work against you in the acting industry. Be sure to give that a read as to why.

2. They wear outfits that are way too trendy or fashiony 

A headshot is not a modeling photo. Yet, some girls prepare for their acting headshots trying to look like a model. They will wear trendy cuts and clothing that usually never work for headshots. They are actresses, not a models.

Generally speaking, you want to wear clothes that are timeless so that your headshot stays as fresh as possible. 

On my website I have a wardrobe guide for actors on what are the good styles to bring and wear and which ones to avoid. 

What Not To Wear In Your Actress Headshots

Things like oversized jackets and sweaters are big no. They’re typically unflattering and don’t accurately show your body. 

Laces and ruffles are a no. they’re way too distracting. 

Patterns and graphics are also a big no. they’re also distracting. 

Avoid bringing the wrong outfits and you will save money. 

It’s crazy too because I have a checklist guide where I have my actors go down point by point to get all the info possible to ensure they bring the right clothes, and you’d be surprised how many actresses still don’t listen and do what they want. 

3. Messy hair 

You’d be surprised how many women who come in with unmanageable hair. In some cases it’s either too frizzy with so many flyaways, it looks like it hasn’t been brushed, there are a lot of split ends that I can see when I am retouching, it’s not styled or clean looking, it’s super oily and flat. 

I get that not every girl knows how to beautify themselves, but if that’s the case then hire a hair and makeup artist, because first of all you’re giving so much work in photoshop to have to fix your hair and it stresses me out. 

If you avoid all of these things and follow my headshot checklist guide, you will save yourself from wasting money on unusable headshots. 

To learn about more actor headshot mistakes you can avoid, read my article “What Should You Avoid In Headshots?”

Brandon Andre - Headshots LA Photographer

Brandon Andre is considered by many to be the foremost authority on Acting Headshots and the acting industry. He is dedicated to helping aspiring actors with his regular educational articles, videos, and guides about headshot photography and the acting business.

If you are in the Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Washington DC area and need professional actor headshots with an experienced top headshots photographer, contact Brandon Andre. Brandon Andre is one of the best headshot photographers in Los Angeles and the headshot industry today. He delivers quality headshots that will get you booked!