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2 Headshot Styles Every Actor/Model Needs in Their Portfolio

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Headshot Styles For Actors and Models

When it comes to landing roles in film, television, commercials, and modeling gigs, your headshot is your first impression. It’s the first thing casting directors and agents see, and in an industry where decisions are made in seconds, the right headshot can open doors—or close them. That’s why understanding the essential headshot styles every actor and model needs in their portfolio is crucial.

headshot styles

Why Are Professional Headshots Important for Actors and Models?

Professional headshots aren’t just about looking good—they’re about storytelling. Your headshot conveys who you are, your professionalism, and your potential as a performer.

  • First Impressions Matter – Casting directors and agents receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of submissions for a single role. A standout headshot ensures they stop and take notice.
  • Your Headshot Reflects Your Commitment – A professional, well-executed headshot signals that you take your career seriously. It shows you’ve invested in your craft and are ready for opportunities.
  • The Right Headshot Can Make or Break Opportunities – An outdated or poorly styled headshot can result in missed auditions. On the other hand, a high-quality, well-matched headshot can lead to more callbacks and bookings.

The Two Key Headshot Styles You Need

Not all headshots serve the same purpose. Actors and models need at least two primary types of headshots to showcase their versatility: theatrical headshots and commercial headshots.

1. Theatrical Headshots

Theatrical headshots are designed for dramatic, serious, and emotionally complex roles. These headshots highlight an actor’s depth and ability to embody layered characters.

  • What They Communicate: Emotional intensity, range, and the ability to take on dramatic roles.
  • Best Used For: Drama, thrillers, period pieces, crime shows, and intense character-driven films.
  • Styling Tips:
    • Wear darker, solid colors that don’t distract from your face.
    • Keep makeup minimal and natural to highlight your features.
    • Use expressive eyes and a neutral (or subtly intense) expression to convey depth.
    • Opt for moody, dramatic lighting to enhance contrast and character.
Houston Actor Headshots

2. Commercial Headshots

Commercial headshots are all about relatability and marketability. These are the headshots that showcase warmth, approachability, and personality—qualities casting directors look for in commercials and lighthearted roles.

  • What They Communicate: Friendliness, charisma, and an engaging, relatable presence.
  • Best Used For: Commercials, sitcoms, lifestyle campaigns, and print modeling gigs.
  • Styling Tips:
    • Wear brighter colors to project warmth and approachability.
    • Keep makeup natural but polished.
    • Opt for a casual, friendly expression—think genuine smiles and relaxed posture.
    • Use natural or soft lighting to create an inviting feel.
Young man smiling for an acting headshot in Houston, TX.

What Casting Directors Look for in a Headshot

Having the right headshot styles is important, but making sure they meet industry expectations is just as critical. Here’s what casting professionals are looking for:

  • Authenticity – Your headshot should represent how you look in real life. Over-edited images, heavy makeup, or extreme styling can lead to confusion and missed opportunities.
  • A Clear Sense of Your “Type” – Whether you’re the quirky best friend, a corporate executive, or a brooding anti-hero, your headshots should reflect your strengths and casting potential.
  • Engagement – Your eyes should tell a story. A strong, engaging expression can make a headshot stand out and create an emotional connection with casting directors.

Final Thoughts

Your headshots are your most powerful marketing tool as an actor or model. Investing in professional, high-quality headshots that align with industry standards can significantly boost your chances of landing roles. By including both theatrical and commercial headshots in your portfolio, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of opportunities and showcase the full scope of your talent.

Ready to update your headshots? Let’s create a portfolio that helps you stand out and get noticed!

Woman in green dress smiling for her professional headshot as an Opera Performance major for a Masters Degree.

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇

Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one:

1️⃣ Very Formal
Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie
This look builds instant trust and authority.

2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie)
Suit jacket + button-down (no tie)
Polished, approachable, and confident.

3️⃣ Business Casual
Button-down shirt, no jacket
Comfortable and true to your everyday brand.

4️⃣ Branded Apparel
Button-down or polo with company logo
Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots.

5️⃣ Casual
Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding)
Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative.

✨ BONUS TIPS:
– Stick to solid colors
– Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted
– Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded)
– Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session

🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly.

📆 DM to book TODAY!

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Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇 Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence. Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one: 1️⃣ Very Formal Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie This look builds instant trust and authority. 2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie) Suit jacket + button-down (no tie) Polished, approachable, and confident. 3️⃣ Business Casual Button-down shirt, no jacket Comfortable and true to your everyday brand. 4️⃣ Branded Apparel Button-down or polo with company logo Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots. 5️⃣ Casual Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding) Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative. ✨ BONUS TIPS: – Stick to solid colors – Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted – Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded) – Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session 🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly. 📆 DM to book TODAY!

📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190)

Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered.

Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him.

✅ 15-minute in-studio session
✅ 1 fully retouched image
✅ Fast, easy, and giftable

Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait!
📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150

This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌

#fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad

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📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190) Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered. Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him. ✅ 15-minute in-studio session ✅ 1 fully retouched image ✅ Fast, easy, and giftable Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait! 📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150 This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌 #fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad

Let`s talk about it 👇🏻

Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you.

And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good.

Here’s what a great headshot can do:
✅ Build instant trust with clients
✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs
✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market
✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional

It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels.

📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you.

Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation.

Your future self will thank you. 👏

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Let's talk about it 👇🏻 Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you. And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good. Here’s what a great headshot can do: ✅ Build instant trust with clients ✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs ✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market ✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels. 📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you. Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation. Your future self will thank you. 👏

Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen.

And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word.

High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️

✅ Build Trust Instantly

People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business.

✅ Showcase Professionalism

From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business.

✅ Create Brand Clarity

What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence.

✅ Set You Apart

In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style.

If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them.

Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection.

📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

8 0
Open
Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen. And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word. High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️ ✅ Build Trust Instantly People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business. ✅ Showcase Professionalism From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business. ✅ Create Brand Clarity What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence. ✅ Set You Apart In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style. If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them. Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection. 📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.