5 Tips for Getting Great Acting Headshots featuring Claire Qute
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just getting started in the industry, your headshot is your first impression—it speaks before you do. I recently had the pleasure of photographing local actress Claire Qute, and her session was the perfect example of what makes a great headshot experience.
From wardrobe to posing to behind-the-scenes energy, here are five tips to help you get the most out of your next headshot session:
1. Bring Multiple Wardrobe Options
Don’t just bring one outfit—bring variety!
Claire brought several tops in solid, neutral colours that flattered her skin tone and kept the focus on her face. I always recommend avoiding busy patterns or loud logos. Think casting-friendly, timeless, and true to your type.
Bonus tip: Layering pieces like jackets or cardigans can instantly give you a second look without a full outfit change.
2. Keep Your Makeup Clean and Natural
Your headshot should look like you on your best day. Claire’s makeup was soft, clean, and fresh—perfect for letting her natural features shine through. Avoid overly dramatic makeup unless you're doing a stylized shoot or character-specific look.
If you can, hire a professional makeup artist who specializes in camera-ready looks, or at least stick with a natural application that enhances your features without masking them.
3. Know Your Casting Type (and Show Range)
Claire needed updated headshots to reflect her versatility as an actress so we created a variety of images varying the crops and backgrounds.
Think about your type and range, and let your expressions reflect that. Your headshots should say: “I’m confident, castable, and ready.”
4. Relax—You Don’t Have to Know How to Pose
Most of my clients worry about posing. Here’s the truth: that’s my job.
You don’t need to know your angles or give perfect expressions—I’ll guide you every step of the way. During Claire’s shoot, we moved through different micro-expressions and subtle shifts in posture, always checking in to make sure she felt confident and authentic.
We even captured a few behind-the-scenes shots of me directing and adjusting her—because headshots are just as much about connection and trust as they are about the final frame.
5. Zoom In on the Details
Tiny details matter in headshots:
Hair tucked neatly
Necklines centered
Flyaways smoothed
Chin position adjusted
