What's the most important question to ask a headshot photographer?

Ask exactly what's included in the price: number of looks, number of final images, whether web-ready files are already sized and ready to upload, and whether hi-res prints and retouching are part of the package or purchased separately.

Should I choose the cheapest headshot photographer I can find?

No. The cheapest option often skips correctly sized web-ready files or enough looks to market you properly, and rarely spells out whether hi-res prints and retouching are purchased separately, which usually means paying for a second session sooner than you'd like.

How many marketing looks do I need from a professional headshot photographer?

Most working actors need more than one. A commercial look and a theatrical look cover most submissions, so ask upfront how many looks are included before you compare prices.

Are high-resolution files always included in a headshot package?

Not always, and that's true in my own studio too: web-ready files sized for casting sites are included in every session, but hi-res, retouched prints are purchased separately. Always ask which category you're getting before you compare prices.

Is hair and makeup usually included with actor headshots?

It depends on the photographer. Some include it in the package price, others offer it as an add-on, and some don't offer it at all, so confirm before your session.

How do I know if a headshot photographer is worth the price?

Ask the eight questions above and compare the answers, not just the invoice total. A photographer who answers clearly and delivers real value is worth more than one who's simply cheaper.

Actors

Actor Headshot Makeup: Why Less Is More (And What Agents Actually Want to See)

What Is the Purpose of a Headshot? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

The Biggest Mistake Actors Make When Moving to the LA Market

How Your Attitude Can Make or Break Your Actor Headshots

Actor Advice: What Every Actor Needs to Know Before Getting Headshots

How to Take Great Actor Headshots Without Following the Rules

Headshot Branding: How Actor Headshots Tell Casting Directors Who You Are

What Makes Actor Headshots Actually Effective?

Actor Headshot Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Your Session

Actor Headshots: What Every Serious Actor Needs to Know

Actor Headshot Rules: What You Actually Need to Know

The Difference Between Your Brand and Your Looks

A Major Headshot Don’t is Now a Do

Specific Looks Work, Until They Don’t

Stereotypes: To Shoot or Not to Shoot?

What You Don’t Know About Casting Sites

The number one headshot mistake

How to alleviate your headshot anxiety

“When you try to be everything to everyone, you accomplish being nothing to anyone.”

Do your headshots make you look GREEN? Updated Q4, 2025