Headshots We’ve All Tried (and Why It’s Time for an Update)

We’ve All Been There…

Let’s be honest — we’ve all had headshots that make us cringe a little when we look back. The stiff smile. The mysterious chin grab. The ‘90s glamour glow-up with way too much retouching. At the time, it felt like the right move. But in today’s industry, those old-school tricks just don’t hold up.

Casting directors aren’t looking for the most polished, staged, or dramatic picture anymore. They’re looking for authenticity. Actor headshots that feel like you — approachable, believable, and castable.

The Stiff Smile

This is the one where your jaw aches just thinking about it. Over-smiling in headshots was once the default advice for commercial actors, but today, it often looks forced. A headshot with a natural expression says so much more than a photo where you’re clearly straining to look cheerful.

Instead: Think about a moment of genuine connection. A slight smirk, a warm expression, or a subtle sparkle in your eyes does far more than a grin that feels pasted on.

The Serious “Actor” Look

We’ve all seen it — the classic brooding stare into the distance, chin resting on a hand, eyes narrowed like you’re auditioning for a cologne ad. While it may have worked for dramatic portraits, it rarely works as an actor headshot.

Instead: Theatrical shots can (and should) have intensity, but they don’t need to be over-the-top. A grounded, thoughtful look is much stronger than a dramatic pose that feels staged.

The ‘90s Glamour Glow-Up

Remember the headshots where the skin was so airbrushed it looked like plastic? Or where the background was blurred into a dreamy haze with lens flares everywhere? That era had its moment — but today’s casting professionals want realism, not fantasy.

Instead: Clean, sharp images that highlight your natural features win every time. Retouching is fine to polish up, but it should never erase what makes you you.

Why Authentic Actor Headshots Always Win

The truth is, outdated headshot styles don’t just make you look a little cheesy — they can hold you back from auditions. Casting directors are quick to spot when a photo feels inauthentic, overdone, or disconnected from who you really are. And when that happens, they move on to the next submission.

Modern actor headshots put focus where it should be: your type, your range, and your personality. They capture subtle expressions, real energy, and a presence that feels true.

Time for an Update?

If your headshots fall into any of these “we’ve all tried it” categories, it might be time for a refresh. Here are a few quick gut-check questions:

• Do I still look like my headshot today?
• Does this photo match the roles I’m targeting now?
• Does my headshot feel natural — or staged?

If you hesitated on any of those, it’s probably time to book your next session.

We’ve all had those headshots that make us laugh (or cringe) now, but they were part of the journey. What matters most is where you’re headed. And in today’s competitive industry, authentic, professional actor headshots will always outshine the outdated styles of the past.

Your headshot should feel like you — confident, castable, and ready to step into the roles you’re aiming for.

Is it time to retire your stiff smile or mysterious chin grab? Let’s create actor headshots that actually book.