St. Louis Actor Headshots — Commercial, Theatrical, Film/TV & Character
Every image in this portfolio was photographed at our South St. Louis studio at 5205 Gravois Ave. These are real clients — working actors, students, performers, and professionals from across the St. Louis metro area — not models hired for a showcase. What you see here is what you get when you book a session with Actor Headshot Studio.
Browse by look type below. If you see the energy, the expression quality, or the lighting style that matches what you need for your submissions — that is your answer. Book the session that fits your career stage, and we’ll create images just like these for you.
What You’re Looking at in These Images
Every headshot in this portfolio was directed by Rez Behnam at our studio in the Bevo Mill District of South St. Louis. The expressions you see are not accidental — they are coached. Every session includes specific direction through each casting type so that the final image looks like a caught moment rather than a portrait sitting. That is the difference between a headshot that gets you called in and one that gets scrolled past.
The lighting is clean and current — matched to what casting directors and agents in the St. Louis and regional market are responding to right now, not a formula carried over from years ago. The retouching is natural. Every face in this gallery looks like themselves on their best day — not filtered, not smoothed into a different person.
These clients include working actors submitting to The Muny, The Rep, Stray Dog Theatre, and regional touring productions. Students from Webster Conservatory and COCA auditioning for BFA programs. First-time performers putting together their first professional package. And experienced actors who simply needed images that match where their career is today rather than where it was three years ago.
The Four Types of Acting Headshots — What Each One Does
Casting directors look for specific things in a submission headshot depending on the role and the medium. Understanding the difference between headshot types helps you show up to your session with a clear plan — and walk out with images that actually serve your submissions.
Commercial Headshots
Commercial headshots are built on warmth, relatability, and immediate likability. Bright eyes, a genuine smile, open body language. This is the image that makes a casting director think: I can picture this person selling me something — or being my neighbor, my coworker, my friend. If you are pursuing TV commercials, advertising, lifestyle casting, or any kind of brand and product work, a strong commercial headshot is not optional. It is your primary submission tool for the largest volume of available casting opportunities.
Theatrical Headshots
Theatrical headshots show depth, emotional complexity, and range. The expression is more interior — more serious, more layered. The lighting typically has more contrast and dimension. These are the images casting directors and theatre companies look at when they need to see what you are capable of beyond a first impression. If you are submitting to St. Louis theatre companies, regional productions, dramatic film and TV roles, or any kind of serious stage work, your theatrical headshot needs to show a version of you that is fully present and emotionally engaged.
Film & TV Headshots
Film and television headshots occupy the territory between commercial and theatrical. The expression needs to feel completely natural — not posed, not performed, not asked-for. Lived-in. Cinematic. Real. The lighting is clean but dimensional. When a casting director looks at your film and TV headshot, the thought should be: I can see this person on a screen. Not: this person had their photo taken. If you are submitting to Missouri film projects, regional productions, or major casting platforms like Actors Access or Casting Networks, your film headshot must meet current industry expectations.
Character Headshots
Character headshots demonstrate your range beyond your primary casting type. They give casting directors permission to imagine you in roles outside your obvious type — the quirky neighbor, the authority figure, the villain, the comic relief. Not every actor needs character headshots at every stage of their career, but for performers with genuine range or distinctive physical presence, a well-executed character look can open doors that a standard commercial or theatrical submission cannot.
Ready to Create Yours?
Sessions are available 7 days a week at our South St. Louis studio — weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Spring and fall audition seasons book fast. If you have a deadline coming up, call us directly and we will do everything we can to get you in before it hits.
Or call Rez directly: 314-221-2166
Studio address line: 📍 5205 Gravois Ave · Bevo Mill District · St. Louis, MO 63116 · Open 7 Days a Week