What to Wear for your Actor Headshots

I am a Acting Headshot Photographer in the Toronto, Canada market. This Blog will help you with wardrobe selection for your actor headshot session. Rather than try to describe in words how you should dress for your shoot, I have pulled photos from my portfolio to illustrate this for you.

A few quick points:

  • Do prepare for the headshot shoot rather than grabbing stuff from the laundry basket at the last minute. Don’t waste your investment in the headshot session.
  • Know you Brand, your possible character types. Select the wardrobe to convey this in your headshot.
  • To me, there is only one rule, that your wardrobe selection does not dominate the headshot.  You want it to be complimentary. 

GET NOTICED IN RED

Actor Headshots Photographer Toronto - David Chang Photography

Red works well, especially reds that lean towards the jewel tones like Ruby. Red attracts attention, so if the casting agent is looking at a group of headshots, yours will grab a bit more attention. Just make sure it works with your skin tone and does not dominate you.

ACTOR HEADSHOTS IN DENIM - CAN'T GO WRONG

I am a big fan of denim for acting headshots. Generally, darker is better and the more texture in the fabric the better. Whether a shirt or jacket, definitely do one Look in Denim.

BLACK OR DARK T-SHIRTS - ALWAYS A WIN

You can’t go wrong with a black t-shirt, tank top or simple cotton shirt. Darker greys works well too, but generally not a fan of lighter greys. If have neckline options, V, scoop or round, bring them all. Your photographer should be able to work black into all their setups.

WHITE CAN BE A CHALLENGE FOR ANY HEADSHOT

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White is a definite challenge for photographers, especially outdoors in sunny conditions.  Large areas of white in your photo pulls attention away from your face. But, test it for your own headshot as it can work with the right backgrounds and lighting.

BLACK LEATHER JACKETS - YES PLEASE!

A definite yes for black leather jackets.  A jacket will give your body structure for the headshot and the shiny leather will provide texture, for that bolder character type. Always a great look with cinematic style lighting.

BLAZERS - CAN ADD DEPTH TO YOUR CHARACTER TYPE

For the young professional look definitely do a blazer.  Generally, I don’t recommend a tie. Style your headshot towards a more relaxed or edgier type to avoid your photo leaning towards a LinkedIn style headshot.

ARE PLAIDS, STRIPES AND PATTERNS TOO MUCH FOR A HEADSHOT?

It depends.  Obviously, the above headshots do not work. When you look at these photos, the patterns dominate.

Complimentary backgrounds can tone down the clothing pattern and make the headshot work. Try a tighter crop or crossing the arms to break up the pattern.

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March 14, 2021 No Comments

I am a Acting Headshot Photographer in the Toronto, Canada market. This Blog will help you with wardrobe selection for your actor headshot session. Rather than try to describe in words how you should dress for your shoot, I have pulled photos from my portfolio to illustrate this for you.

Read More »