What Makes a Good Headshot?

 There are many factors needed in order to have a good headshot photo, this includes:

Background - The background should be an appropriate location for a photo to be taken in, such as a photo studio or in front of an empty wall if indoors. If you're outdoors, areas that have some natural setting to them would make a great background as long as it looks good on camera and isn't messy (litter lying around). The background should also be blurry as you are the main focus of the picture - casting professionals are interested in you, not the background.

Lighting - the lighting in a headshot should be suitable for the person in the shot to be clearly visible, it shouldn't be too bright or too dark. The lights also need to be positioned correctly in order to reduce your head/face casting shadows and hiding certain areas. Natural Lighting can also be considered if you having your photograph taken outside

Editing - Editing should be very minimal on headshot photos as it just needs to be yourself, don't edit out any "imperfections" such as wrinkles or use any special effects and filters. They aren't necessary as casting professionals are only interested in you.

Angles - The angle of the headshot should be straightforward, no high or low angles, no cameras tilted, just a regular portrait picture taken in front of your head is all that is needed

Posing - You should be looking into the camera, your eyes are a very important feature in headshot photos so much makes they are as visible as possible. You should be standing straight up to show confidence and professionalism, if you're slouched down or not looking at the camera correctly it'll look like you're not taking it seriously.

Facial Expression - facial expressions are up to you but should keep your face as natural as possible, don't pull any silly faces. Do whatever feels natural to you, if you want to smile with or without showing your teeth then do so, as long as you don't force it otherwise it'll make you seem disingenuous. one tip to help with that is to try to think of something that'll make you laugh or have your photographer make you laugh/smile.

Dressing - You should be dressed appropriately for the photoshoot, try to wear something that looks professional, for men it would be a buttoned-up shirt, a sweatshirt, or a formal jacket. it can also be applied for women, it's best to wear something that's comfortable to you, but also shows you are being professional about it.

Makeup - Makeup should be kept to a minimum, but it's mainly recommended that you have your picture taken without any makeup as people wanna know what your natural look is. Small amounts of makeup such as lipstick are acceptable, as long as it's not overboard and you don't look like you're going for a night out