Headshots are arguably the most important pictures a model will ever take. They’re the first port of call for agencies, casting directors, and clients, so a standout model headshot that makes a great first impression is the key to getting into casting rooms and landing those jobs – especially when you’re new to the game.
There are lots of photographers out there with different styles, but there are a few ground rules for taking a great model headshot that everyone should know. Here are some tips for how to take a modelling headshot that gets you seen and, most importantly, gets you booked.
JUMP TO
A headshot is a photo of a person’s face, often including their shoulders and chest. It’s the centrepiece of a modelling portfolio and the main visual reference for anyone searching for models to book.
Headshots are an advert for you. They’re the best way to show versatility, demonstrate your skill in front of the camera, and give a strong sense of your personal brand.
You’ll need model headshots for everything from your comp card, submissions to castings and agencies, agency databases, your own website, social media profiles, online casting profiles, and programmes and promotional materials for fashion shows. You probably won’t get far in the world of modelling without them.
The industry norm for headshots is 8 by 10 inches. Your photos should be vertical, and you’ll want both high resolution (which is best for print) and low resolution (standard for digital) versions. Colour is usually preferred over black and white as it’s more impactful and gives a better idea of your colouring and look.
Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
At its simplest, a good headshot should be a high-quality photo that accurately represents your look. A booking-worthy headshot will give a strong sense of your natural beauty, standout features, personality, and visual versatility.
Here are some tips for nailing your model headshots.
1. Prep accordingly.
You can’t control what happens on the day, but set yourself up for success by getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, and sticking to a skincare routine in the lead up to your shoot.
Think beforehand about what type of modelling you’re suited to, and gather examples of shots you like. Notice the similarities between the photos that stand out for you, and take note for your own shots.
Before you step in front of the camera, shake out your body and give your face a mini massage to get rid of any tension. Ask for a few warmup shots so you’re nice and relaxed before you start the official shoot.
2. Don’t overdo your makeup.
A good headshot should capture the essence of your personality but also your versatility. Get plenty of natural shots with minimal makeup, to make it easy for casting teams to visualise you in different looks and settings. Once those are in the bag, you might consider taking a few with more makeup, so you have a contrasting range to choose from.
3. Bring several outfits (well, tops).
Take clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. The more comfortable you feel, the more your personality can shine through. Your top, or at least the top of it, will likely be visible, so take a range of colours and styles to try, but prioritise ones that complement your skin tone and show the structure of your face and neck. Steer clear of distracting patterns, slogans, props, or accessories. Remember, it’s always better to bring too many options than too few.
4. Hone your poses.
You probably know what your strongest features are. Maybe you’ve got brows to rival Sophia Hadjipanteli’s, a pout like Lucky Blue Smith’s, or a jawline sharp enough to cut through all the other model headshots. Choose poses that show off the most striking aspects of your face.
If it feels awkward, it probably looks awkward, so stick with poses and angles that feel natural. Position your head forward and your chin down slightly for a flattering angle that puts your face front and centre. Tilt your head to the side or look over your shoulder to highlight your jawline and cheekbones, but avoid big, exaggerated poses and facial expressions. You can get your hands involved if you fancy, just make sure they’re not obscuring your face. Practice in front of a mirror to find positions that create dynamism without looking forced or over-the-top.
Strong eye contact is key to an engaging headshot. It might help to picture the photographer’s eye behind the camera lens so you’re connecting with a person instead of a camera.
5. Ensure the lighting is optimal.
It might sound obvious, but your face should be well lit, particularly your eyes. Lots of photographers use natural light as it’s soft and flattering, but studio lights are good for adding a bit of drama.
Go for a plain background in a shade that complements your skin tone. For example, warm colours tend to bring warmth into your face, too. Most studios will have a few for you to choose from.
Bo, Mustard Models
Photo credit: Gareth Rhys @garethrhys_ https://www.instagram.com/garethrhys_/
This shot goes to show that a subtle facial expression can be striking with the right lighting and framing. The slight angling of the model’s face shows off that sharp jawline, with a front-on stare that spotlights his piercing eyes. There’s a strong sense of his confident personality, but there’s room to imagine him in different contexts and attitudes, too. His eyes are fully engaged with the viewer, and there’s a hint of playfulness in that fierce gaze.
Photo credit: Dorrell Tibbs
https://unsplash.com/@whatuprell
A dark background and dark top put the model’s face front and centre in this shot. The lighting hits all his strongest features – cheekbones, eyes, brow, and mouth. His chin is slightly lifted and head pushed forward, which gives the sense of his face coming out of the picture. The shot is dynamic, as if the model is mid movement or poised to speak, drawing us in.
Photo credit: Gabriel Silvério
https://unsplash.com/@eugabrielsilverio
The background of the shot perfectly complements the model’s colouring. Her personality shines through with that big smile and red lip, but her hair, clothes, and makeup are still minimal enough to imagine her in a variety of looks. This is a good example of a bigger facial expression that’s still natural, warm, and relaxed.
Adult models are advised to update their headshots every one to two years, but really, the benchmark comes down to whether there have been significant physical changes to your appearance – such as a haircut, a prominent piercing, or if you’ve noticeably aged since your last shots. It’s important your headshots look like the present you, as that’s who casting directors will be booking.
It’s good to have a range, but go for quality over quantity. Your comp card will include two or three headshots, along with one or two mid- or full-length body shots. Make sure you get a variety of photos on the day, then select final shots that capture the essence of your look.
Prices for headshots vary depending on a photographer’s experience and reputation. Someone just starting out is likely to be cheaper than a photographer who’s been in the business for years. Shoots in London and other major cities tend to be pricier because of higher studio and business costs.
Headshot photographers usually offer a range of packages. For between £150 and £250, you might get a two-hour shoot with three or four lighting setups and outfit changes. A basic package will normally include a couple of hundred photos taken, five to 10 final images, and one or two retouches. A longer shoot with more photos and a wide range of looks might cost anywhere from £300 to £800, or even more for an experienced photographer with a solid industry reputation.
Lots of photographers offer student packages, flexible pricing, and pay-per-image options, so it’s always worth chatting to them about your specific needs.
A stellar set of headshots is a must-have for any aspiring model, so get researching and book that shoot. It might feel like a big step, but not only will a few hours with a professional give you valuable practice in front of the camera, it’ll also get you one step closer to the modelling career of your dreams.