These days allow for more versatility for clothing choices for wearing to your headshot session. The popularity of color 8×10’s give the diversity in shades, tones and textures that would have been a little trickier in a black and white shot. Digital allows for photographers to capture the original pose in color and then providing the extra service of converting the shot to black and white if the client chooses to do so.

Things to avoid are items that detract from the face and competes for the viewer’s attention. Strong patterns, wrinkles, loud unflattering colors, and even buttons should be worn with caution. The focus of the shot should be the actor and not the clothing. You have to compete with so many other people for work, why compete with yourself?

Use the two following shots as an example:

photo by author

The first shot is not effective as a headshot because the focus is not on the face but instead on the hair and clothing. Although the smile is very vibrant, the one eye is hidden by hair and the clothing pattern is distracting. The pose is also set back and doesn’t appear as confident and friendly as the next shot. The effective headshot uses accessories that may be tricky in an enhancing manner framing the face and giving some personal detail about the subject. The hair color is also more natural which could be perceived as a more flexible option when going for a film role. The facial expression is not forced and a slight lean forward gives more of an approachable likeness compared to the previous shot. The eyes are more properly lit as well which in some cases are harder to achieve with darker eye colors. Make sure your photographer pays special attention to your angle and lighting in order to achieve an effective headshot.

Go for a look that is warm and inviting unless you are submitting for a special character role. Even so, it would be a good option to show the casting directors that you have a more down to earth side and include both shots in your submission.