A good actor headshot session is shaped as much by what happens on either side of it as by the session itself.
Before: confirm the brief in writing, sort out what you’re wearing or bringing, and build in time either side of the session so there’s no rushing in or straight back out again the moment it wraps.
During: trust the direction. Most people relax within ten minutes.
After: review the proofing gallery properly rather than rushing a decision, and flag any specific retouching requests clearly so nothing gets missed in the final files.
See also: What a lot of photographers get wrong about an actor headshot session.
The Actor Headshots page covers pricing in full. Get in touch for anything specific to your situation.
FAQs
The short version follows.
Do you shoot for Spotlight?
Yes. Images are delivered at the crop and resolution Spotlight profiles need, along with uncropped versions for a portfolio or site.
Do you retouch actor headshots the same way as other portraits?
Retouching stays light and natural. Casting directors want to see the real person, not a heavily edited version, so it stays to skin and stray hair rather than reshaping anything.
Further reading
A handful of related posts.
- Booking an actor headshot session in Chelsea: what to know
- Can I request a specific style or mood for my actor headshot session?
- Red flags to watch for when booking an actor headshot session in London
- How much does an actor headshot session cost in London in 2026?
- What to wear for an actor headshot session, and what to avoid
The steps
Broken into steps below.
- Before. Confirm the brief in writing, sort out what to wear or bring, and build in time either side.
- During. Trust the direction you're given. Most people relax within the first ten minutes.
- After. Review the proofing gallery properly and flag retouching requests clearly.