Of everything that affects how an actor headshot session turns out, lighting does more heavy lifting than most people realise, more than the camera, the location or even the outfit.
Soft, directional light flatters most faces and settings, while harsh or flat light tends to work against almost everything. This is exactly why studio sessions use a controlled setup rather than leaving it to chance, and why location sessions are usually timed around the light rather than around convenience.
Two photographers can shoot the same brief and get noticeably different results, even with similar technical skill, and light is usually why.
See also: The best time of year to book an actor headshot session in London.
See the Actor Headshots page for pricing, or get in touch directly.
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
Worth reading next.