Acting Headshot Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know before your session — wardrobe, skin and hair, mindset, and exactly what to expect.
Before You Book
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Session
Most actors spend more time worrying about their headshot session than preparing for it. That changes here. This guide covers everything that actually matters before you walk into the studio — wardrobe, skin and hair, mindset, what to bring, what to expect, and how to make sure every minute of your session produces images you can actually use.
This guide is written specifically for actors preparing for sessions at Actor Headshot Studio in St. Louis. If you have questions after reading, call Rez directly at 314-221-2166 — we would rather answer your questions before the session than have you show up unprepared.
Wardrobe
The Biggest Variable You Control
Your wardrobe is the single biggest variable in your session that you have complete control over before you arrive. Get it right and everything else becomes easier.
Solid Colors Win
Patterns, stripes, checks, and prints draw the eye away from your face. A subtle texture like a fine knit is the only exception — it adds depth without competing with your expression.
Fit Over Style
A well-fitting plain t-shirt in the right color outperforms a trendy top that doesn’t sit right. If you’re tugging or adjusting, the camera catches it.
No Logos or Text
Anything with writing or a brand mark dates your image instantly and reads as amateur — even subtle logos are distracting at close crop.
Bring More Than Enough
4 to 6 complete looks — more than your package requires. You can always not use something you brought; you can’t use something left in the car.
Steam Everything
Wrinkles are one of the most common retouching requests and one of the easiest things to prevent. A $25 travel steamer pays for itself.
By Look Type
Wardrobe for Commercial & Theatrical Looks
Commercial Looks
Built on warmth, openness, and immediate likability. Your wardrobe should support that energy, not fight it.
Colors that work: Bright jewel tones — teal, cobalt blue, coral, warm red, emerald green. Medium blues and warm grays.
Avoid: All black, very pale neutrals that blend into backgrounds, highly saturated neons.
Styles: For men — a fitted crew neck, casual button-down, clean polo. For women — a fitted scoop or V-neck top, a clean blouse. Nothing overly formal or costume-like.
Theatrical Looks
Conveys depth, seriousness, and emotional range. Your wardrobe should feel like the person who plays complex, interesting roles.
Colors that work: Deep navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green, warm brown, muted olive.
Add texture: A jacket over a henley, a textured blazer, a cardigan with visual weight — these add dimension a plain t-shirt doesn’t.
Styles: For men — a fitted dark henley, structured jacket, layered textures. For women — a dark fitted top, jacket, or cardigan with a neckline that frames the face.
Don’t Forget
What to Bring — The Packing Checklist
- 4 to 6 complete outfit looks — more than your package requires
- A full-length mirror check before you leave the house
- Steamed and pressed clothing — no wrinkles
- Backup versions of your top choices in case of travel wrinkles
- Any jewelry or accessories you want to consider — we’ll decide together
- Hair products you might need for touch-ups between looks
- Any makeup you want available for touch-ups
- A bottle of water — sessions are active, stay hydrated
- Lip balm — so your lips don’t feel dry and distract you
In the Days Before
Skin, Hair & Grooming
Most skin and hair preparation happens in the days before your session, not the morning of. Here’s what actually makes a difference.
3–5 Days Before
If you’re getting a facial, do it now — not the day before. Don’t introduce any new skincare products in the week before your session.
The Night Before
A full night of sleep is the single most visible thing you can do for your skin. Drink water, avoid alcohol, and get to bed at a reasonable hour.
The Morning Of
Moisturize — even if you don’t normally. Dry skin shows texture under studio lighting that disappears when hydrated. Your normal moisturizer works fine.
Makeup
Natural and current for women — matte or satin finishes photograph better than high-shine. For men, a light mattifying product for shine is normal; we have powder in-studio if needed.
Hair
Get any cut or color done 5–7 days before — fresh cuts look different after a few days of natural settling. Style it the way you actually wear it every day.
The Part Most Actors Don’t Think About
Show Up Settled, Focused & Ready
The actors who get the best images aren’t the ones with the most camera experience. They’re the ones who arrive settled, focused, and ready to be directed — rather than anxious, self-conscious, and in their own head.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your session starts. The first five minutes of a session when someone is still mentally in their car are rarely the best five minutes of images.
Eat Beforehand
A headshot session is more physically and mentally active than most people expect. Low blood sugar produces flatness in the eyes that no direction can fully fix.
Know Your Casting Type
You don’t need a complete strategic vision, but a loose sense of the roles you’re pursuing helps us build your looks around real submission opportunities.
Don’t Aim for Perfect
The best headshots come from people who are genuinely present and willing to try things that feel awkward for a moment. Your job is to stay in the room and trust the process.
No Surprises
What to Expect When You Arrive
Welcome & Goals
5–10 minutes talking through your goals, casting priorities, and the looks you brought.
First Look Setup
You change into your first outfit while we set up lighting for your coloring and casting type.
Shooting Each Look
15–25 minutes per look, shot until we have strong options — with specific, real-time direction.
Change & Repeat
Between looks you change outfits and touch up. The pacing is comfortable — never rushed.
Same-Day Review
Sit at a large monitor and choose your favorites for retouching, included in every session.
Delivery in 24–48 Hrs
High-resolution finals formatted for Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, and print.
Preparation Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I prepare for my session?
Start thinking about wardrobe at least a week out. Wash and steam your clothing a few days ahead, and get any haircuts or color done 5–7 days before. The morning of should be calm, not a scramble.
How many outfits should I bring?
Bring 4 to 6 complete looks regardless of which session package you booked. You can always leave outfits in your bag — you can’t create a look you didn’t bring.
Should I get my hair and makeup professionally done before the session?
Not required, and most clients don’t. If you do, schedule it 2–3 hours before so it settles into something that looks like you, not like you just sat in a makeup chair.
Can I bring someone with me to the session?
Yes — a friend, manager, or parent is welcome. We ask that they stay in the waiting area during shooting so the studio energy stays focused. For teen sessions, a parent or guardian is required to be present for the full session.
What if I’m extremely nervous or have never done a professional shoot before?
Completely normal — we hear it constantly. Our approach is built around making the session manageable for people uncomfortable in front of a camera. You don’t need experience, just show up.
Do I need to do anything specific to prepare my skin the night before?
Moisturize, drink water, avoid alcohol, and get a full night of sleep. If you’re prone to redness or breakouts, avoid new skincare products in the week before your session.
Ready to Book Your St. Louis Acting Headshot Session?
Sessions available 7 days a week — weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Spring and fall audition seasons book quickly.
Or call Rez directly: 314-221-2166
📍 5205 Gravois Ave · Bevo Mill District · St. Louis, MO 63116 · Open 7 Days a Week