Modeling and Acting Headshots: 4 Powerful Do’s and Don’ts to Avoid Common Pitfalls

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!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Modeling and Acting Headshots

When it comes to the competitive world of modeling and acting, your headshot is your first call to action. It’s what casting directors and agents see before they meet you, making modeling and acting headshots not just photographs, but your branding tools. To navigate this crucial aspect, we’ve compiled four do’s and four don’ts that are pivotal in preparing and taking headshots that not only catch the eye but also open doors.

Embrace Natural Lighting

Do: Opt for natural lighting whenever possible. It highlights your features in the most flattering way, providing a soft yet clear illumination that can bring out your best.

Don’t: Rely heavily on harsh lighting. It can create unwanted shadows and emphasize features in a less flattering manner, potentially detracting from the natural appeal of your headshot.

modeling and acting headshots tips

Keep Your Background Simple

Do: Choose a simple, uncluttered background that doesn’t distract from the main subject: you. A neutral or muted background ensures that your face and expressions take center stage.

Don’t: Settle for a busy or overly detailed background. Complex backgrounds can pull focus from you, making the headshot less effective in showcasing your potential for modeling and acting roles.

modeling and acting headshots the woodlands

Dress Appropriately for Your Role or Brand

Do: Wear clothing that aligns with the type of roles you are seeking or reflects your personal brand. This helps casting directors envision you in potential roles right from the start.

Don’t: Wear clothes that clash with the role you’re aiming for or that are too trendy. Outfits that are too specific can pigeonhole you, while overly trendy clothes may date your headshot quickly.

model and acting headshots houston

Collaborate with a Professional Headshot Photographer

Do: Partner with a professional photographer for your headshots. A professional brings an expert eye for lighting, composition, and detail that can significantly elevate the quality of your headshot.

Don’t: Rely on self-taken photos or non-professional options. Self-taken photos can lack the proper lighting, background, and composition, making your headshot look unprofessional. This can give casting directors and agents the impression that you’re not serious about your career in modeling and acting.

The Advantage of Working with a Professional Headshot Photographer

Navigating the do’s and don’ts of modeling and acting headshots can be complex, but working with a professional headshot photographer can simplify this process. A professional brings a trained eye for detail, understanding how to use lighting, angles, and settings to showcase you in the best possible light. They can guide you on wardrobe choices, suggest poses that flatter your unique features, and help elicit natural expressions.

Moreover, a professional photographer is skilled at editing photos to enhance your features subtly without making you look unrecognizable. This balance is crucial in maintaining the authenticity casting directors look for in headshots.

Your Headshot: The Key to Unlocking Doors in Modeling and Acting

Your modeling and acting headshots are more than just pictures; they are your ticket to making a great first impression in a highly competitive industry. By following these do’s and don’ts and choosing to work with a professional photographer, you can ensure that your headshot stands out for all the right reasons. Remember, in the sea of aspiring talents, a great headshot can be the beacon that guides attention to you.

Recent Modeling and Acting Headshot Sessions

Take a look at the success stories behind our recent modeling and acting clients through their captivating headshots. Each image is a testament to their unique talent and our commitment to highlighting their individuality.

Acting and modeling headshots

headshots for models and actors

- INSTAGRAM -

@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!
📸 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. 👏
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.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.