Atlanta actor headshots · What to expect
The actor headshot guide
Acting is hard. Navigating an acting career is even harder. Let's just get you some great pictures, okay?
Alright! You've booked your appointment, and we're going to get you looking pretty (or rough?) for pilot season. Now what? Everything you need is below, from the shoot itself to getting your new headshots in front of casting.
How it works
Three steps. That's it.
From the first questions to the final files, here's exactly what happens.
- Step 1
First, let's talk you.
While booking your headshot appointment, you'll answer a few questions so I can start building a picture of who you are, where your career is at, and where you're trying to take it. On shoot day, we'll chat some more about what you need, what your character type is, and start matching wardrobe to those goals.
- Step 2
Second, let's take your picture.
We've already sorted out looks, timing, parking, all of it, so there's not a thing to worry about. Whether you've got years in front of the camera or you're just getting started, I'll give you simple tricks and direction to elevate your game. As an introvert myself, I totally understand the anxiety that comes with getting your headshot taken. I'll be there with you on every single frame, tailoring the lighting and posing so you look and feel your very best.
- Step 3
Lastly, let's get you your shots.
Within 3–5 business days of our shoot, you'll get an invite to view your proofs online. Invite your agent, manager, or anyone else to the gallery to help choose favorites. Once you've picked the shots you want edited, I get to work, and your retouched selects come back in 2 weeks or less. You'll also get every other photo from the session in hi-res .jpg, and you're free to share any of them on social. Hell, I don't even mind if you throw a filter on them.
And that's it! Kinda…
This was your session, where you were given the floor to look and feel as good as possible, and I want you to have full access to those moments. If there's any adjustment you'd like after you get your edits, let's talk and make it happen.
Know your looks
Every photo should have a job
Most of what you'll submit on in Atlanta is film and TV, so a strong theatrical shot usually comes first, with commercial right behind it. From there, build looks around the roles you're actually right for.
Theatrical
Film and TV drama
Grounded, thoughtful, a little guarded. Less grin, more inner life. This is the shot that says you can carry a scene.
Commercial
Ads, brands and comedy
Bright, warm and easy to like. A real smile and open energy: the person you'd trust to sell the product.
Professional
Lawyers, doctors, detectives, execs
Buttoned-up and capable. A blazer or collared shirt with a steady, confident read.
Everyday
Parents, neighbors, lifestyle spots
Approachable and lived-in. Softer layers, relaxed expression, nothing too polished.
Edge
Crime, action, horror, survival
Darker layers, less polish, more tension. It shows casting you can go there.
Your type
The roles you actually book
Cop, nurse, teacher, villain, best friend. If you keep getting called in for it, it deserves its own shot.
Tip: Not sure what your type is? Look at the last five roles you were called in for. Casting has already told you.
What casting wants
The rules that actually matter
A headshot isn't a glamour shot. It's a casting tool, and it only has one job: get you in the room.
- 01
It looks like you
The you who walks into the room on a Tuesday. If they call you in off a photo and someone else shows up, that's a wasted slot.
- 02
The eyes are alive
Sharp focus and a specific thought behind them. A headshot is a close-up, and the eyes do the acting.
- 03
It reads as a thumbnail
Casting scrolls hundreds of tiny images per role. Yours has to land at the size of a postage stamp.
- 04
It's simple and tight
Chest up, head in the upper third, a clean background. Nothing competes with your face.
- 05
Every look has a job
Each photo should point to a kind of role. Two shots that say the same thing are really one shot.
Wardrobe
Please bring options!
Bring a mix of basic staples and pieces that reflect your personal style and chosen looks. We'll go through everything together in the studio before we shoot and decide on the final pieces.
Solids win
Skip busy patterns, small stripes, logos, pure white and head-to-toe black.
Color with purpose
Pick tones that bring out your eyes and skin. Mid-tones and jewel tones read beautifully on camera.
Fit over brand
It's a chest-up photo, so necklines and shoulders matter far more than labels.
Layers are looks
A jacket on or off can change the whole vibe without a full outfit change.
Come camera-ready
Steam or iron everything, and bring a lint roller.
Overpack
Bring more than you think you need. We'll edit down together in the studio.
What to pack · Men
T-shirts
Henleys, V-neck, crew neck, neutrals and a variety of colors
Outerwear and layers
Leather, denim and cargo jackets, hoodies, flannels, light sweaters
Dress shirts
Button-downs, plus ties, suit jackets or a sport coat to take on or off
Jeans or pants
A pair you don't mind being seen in, in case they show
What to pack · Women
Basics
Tank tops and T-shirts: V-neck, crew neck, neutrals and colors
Blouses and dressy tops
Anything from office wear to date night
Outerwear and layers
Blazers, leather and denim jackets, hoodies, cardigans, flannels, light sweaters
Dresses
A couple of options that fit the roles you're going for
Jeans or pants
A pair you don't mind being seen in, in case they show
Undergarments
Specific to your pieces: nude or strapless bra, pasties, etc.
For headshots, make sure your pants are a pair you don't mind being photographed in, in case they show. For portraits, make sure they go with the overall look.
Prep timeline
Show up ready, not stressed
Little things in the days before make a big difference on camera.
1–2 weeks out
- Get your haircut or color done now, not the day before, so it can settle in
- Ask your agent or manager which looks they want most
- Start pulling wardrobe and try everything on
- Debating facial hair? Come in with it. You can shave mid-session, but you can't grow it back
The night before
- Get a real night's sleep
- Drink water and go easy on salt and alcohol
- Steam your clothes and pack them on hangers
- Skip any new skincare or treatments
Day of
- Arrive with a clean, moisturized face, unless you've booked hair and makeup
- Wear your hair the way you wear it to auditions
- Eat beforehand and bring water
- Wear glasses in real life? Bring them. They can be their own look
The studio
Hair, makeup and a place to change
Everything you need to get ready is already here.
Hair and makeup station
With a full-length mirror for final checks.
Wardrobe rack
Room to hang every option so we can build looks together.
Fully air-conditioned
No melting under the lights.
Bathroom on-site
For quick changes and touch-ups.
The music's on you
We always have music playing, and I'll ask if you have a musical preference, so be thinking about what artist or artist radio you'd like to listen to! If not, we'll play whatever I'm into that day.
Booking hair and makeup? If you've hired one of our HMUAs, you'll pay them separately from us, after the session is done.
After the shoot
Put your new headshots to work
Great photos only help if casting sees them. Here's how to make them count.
Lead with your strongest
Set your best theatrical shot as the primary photo on Actors Access, Casting Networks and Backstage, and keep your profiles consistent across all of them.
Let your team weigh in
Your agent or manager knows what's getting called in. Ask which shot goes where.
Know when to update
Every 1–2 years, or right away after a new haircut, color, facial hair or a big change in weight. Kids and teens need updates more often.
FAQ
Questions actors ask
How many looks should I get?
Most actors do best with 2–4 strong looks: theatrical and commercial first, then your specific type. More isn't better if they all say the same thing. We'll plan your looks around your package.
Should I smile?
Both, depending on the look. Commercial wants a real, warm smile. Theatrical wants a thought, not a grin. We'll shoot plenty of each.
Can my agent or manager help me choose?
Yes. You can invite them, or anyone else you trust, straight into your online gallery.
Can I post the photos I didn't pick?
Absolutely. You get every photo from the session in hi-res, and you're free to share any of them.
What if I'm not happy with an edit?
Tell me. I want you to be thrilled with your headshots, so if anything needs adjusting after you get your edits, we'll make it happen.
Do I need hair and makeup?
It's not required, but a pro HMUA takes care of shine, flyaways and on-camera polish so you can focus on the work. If you book one of our HMUAs, you'll pay them separately from us, after the session is done.
I'm nervous. Is that normal?
Completely. I'm an introvert myself. You'll get clear direction the whole way, and we'll keep shooting until it feels like you.
Press & professional organizations
Chase Anderson Photo is a proud partner of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city’s official convention and visitors bureau. Alyssa & Chase have been published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AccessAtlanta, Atlanta Magazine, Essence, & Deadline, among others.