March 5, 2026
men
women
Kids
THEATRICAL Vs. COmmercial headshots
First of all, before I give these tips, I want to say that there is a lot of overlap and an engaging well lit clean headshot can work for almost any project or role. The reason we do “looks” to distinguish your headshot session is to add variety and give a sense of what your range is. Unless a casting office knows you, they are going to look at your actor headshot and thin slice but all this said there are always always exceptions where an actor fits a niche look or has a certain skill and will get called in and booked from a snapshot or specific headshot that in another situation would not be considered at all. You don't want to try to be "everything" in your headshots.
So…. Here is what I have to say about commercial vs. theatrical wardrobe...
Commercial wardrobe for your actor headshots is informed by the modern, warm, inclusive and relatable idea of a product to appeal to a lot of people all across the country. It’s less about you and more about the audience for a product. The commercial is usually a tiny representation of the audience for a commercial. The lead in a commercial is usually referred to as “the hero” so you want to have a commercial headshot that represents that.
Theatrical wardrobe is informed by the genre and social status/character/time period and age of the character you would play. This one you are showing your range and how you fit in someone else’s story.
Commercial wardrobe for commercial actor headshots tends to be more conservative, age appropriate and generic or super fun, bright, cheery, quirky and hip. Usually doesn’t show a lot of skin.
Theatrical wardrobe for theatrical actor headshots is more personal and really informs a character. It can be edgier and grittier or sleek, sexier and chic. It should really highlight what you naturally already are.Commercial wardrobe can cross more easily over into network sit-com and comedies for movies and tv.
For all headshots, you have to tell that story from the waist or chest up.
Yes! There are always exceptions but your headshots can be used for multiple things so you want to have a variety of looks to cover the characters that fit you.
Commercial headshot makeup and hair needs to match that too. Natural and fresh faced and approachable. Not gritty and not overdone. Just accessible and fresh. The product should always take focus, it’s never about you. There are, of course, exceptions where commercials are shot like mini films or period pieces.
It’s ok not to be every person in your actor headshots. It’s better to focus on what roles fit you at the age range you are now. Your age range is the thing that informs what roles are the most and then you can play within that to stretch your range.
The best way to figure out what it is for you, is to watch commercials and see who has your part. Every time you see yourself represented, write down what the product is, what job or function that character has and what they are wearing. See if there is a trend. You can pick up something similar for your headshot shoot.
Lastly, it’s not true that casting directors don’t have any imagination. They just have a lot of options and don’t want to waist yours or their time. Here is my little analogy for that…If you have a few days to find a pair of shorts and there is a store full of shorts, are you going to take the time to try on long pants that you can cut or have tailored and may or may not work? Chances are, if you know what you want, you will find loads of options that will fit perfectly.
headshots for non-actor professionals
What if you're not an actor, but you work in the corporate world and a need a professional photo? Nowadays, everyone needs a headshot for work or headshot for a website! I take corporate headshots, business headshots, author headshots, realtor headshots, therapist headshots, lawyer headshots, and even headshots for medical professionals. Any professional who has a website for their business needs a great headshot that shows who they are and what they bring to the table. So much of our interaction is virtual, so it's important to look like your best self online so clients/customers/patients/etc can get a good sense of who you are before you ever connect in-person. Here are some examples of great business headshots for working professionals in a variety of sectors.
headshots for Kids vs adults
What makes kids headshots pop? Kids bring excitement to their shoot – kids don't always focus on their insecurities and that allows them to be in the moment! With youth headshots, you can feel their energy through the photos. Wardrobe for kids headshots can be more colorful, fun, and playful. Keep them youthful – avoid clothes that age them up. Keep in mind that even a dramatic headshot for kids in an HBO or Netflix Drama will have a different vibe to a Headshot for Disney. Here are some great kids headshot examples that show personality.
