Actor & Actress Headshots in Washington, DC
Your headshot is your first audition. We photograph actors, actresses and performers from across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia with theatrical or commercial looks, hands-on expression coaching, and images that read true to the person casting will meet in the room.
Actor Headshot Session
One final retouched image is included. Every additional image is à la carte at — each, chosen with us in person at the end of your session.
Our 45-minute session includes:
- Unlimited looks: as many wardrobe and backdrop changes as the session allows
- Expression, posing and eye-line coaching on every frame
- Instant image review and selection on the big screen
- 24–48 hour turnaround (1–2 business days)
- 1 final headshot: high-res (300 dpi), fully retouched, ready for casting sites and 8x10 prints
Full makeup application. They'll spend 30–60 minutes with you before the shoot and stay throughout to make any adjustments.
Choose between basic and editorial/fashion/portraiture hair styling.
Your headshot on a range of color backdrops beyond white, gray and black, for a profile that stands out in a casting grid.
Web-sized versions for casting profiles, social and your website, in addition to the high-resolution files.
Delivery within 24–36 hours, for the audition that will not wait.
Beyond our signature retouching: removing braces, correcting teeth, tan lines, hair roots, and more.
How to get a headshot that books the room
Casting directors scroll hundreds of thumbnails for every role. The headshots that get called in look like the actor, show a specific person thinking a specific thought, and make the type obvious at a glance. Here is how we get you there.
The week before
Sleep well, drink water, and skip anything new on your skin or hair in the days before the shoot: no fresh facials, peels or dramatic cuts.
Hang or steam your tops the night before so they arrive wrinkle-free, and bring them on hangers.
What to wear
Solid colors in mid to jewel tones that flatter your skin and eyes. Skip logos, busy patterns, sheer fabric and anything that pulls focus from your face.
Bring two to four tops with different necklines, plus a layer (a jacket, a denim shirt, a cardigan) that suggests the roles you are going out for.
Hair and makeup
Wear your hair the way you wear it to auditions. Makeup should be light and natural, enough to even out skin and control shine, never a different face.
Want it handled? Add our makeup artist or hair stylist and they stay on set for touch-ups between looks.
Think a thought
A great headshot is a moment, not a pose. We give you a specific thought, a person, a line, a situation, so the eyes carry a story instead of a held smile.
This is the coaching most actors say they came for: we direct every frame and show you on the monitor what is working.
Choosing your shot
We review the whole session together on the big screen, in person at the studio, and you make your selections before you leave. Pick the image that matches the roles you are actually submitting for, not simply the prettiest one.
One final retouched image is included in your session; any additional image you love is —.
Use it everywhere
Your file is high resolution and fully retouched, ready for Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage and your own site, and printable at 8x10 for in-person auditions.
Refresh every one to two years, or the moment your look changes. The person in the photo should be the person who walks in the room.
What actors say about HeadshotDC
“I needed headshots to use for auditions in the Baltimore and DC region. I am definitely a bit camera shy and find myself to not be photogenic, but this is without a doubt my favorite picture of myself that I have ever had taken.”
“Can't recommend Moshe enough! I never like photos of myself but Moshe is some kind of magician and I loved them all! The photos also look super professional and high end.”
“He's patient, has an attention for details, and makes sure you don't leave his studio unless you are thrilled with the photos he's taken.”
Actor headshot FAQ
How much do actor headshots cost at HeadshotDC?
What is the difference between a theatrical and a commercial headshot?
How many looks can I do?
Will my headshots work on Actors Access, Casting Networks and Backstage?
Do you offer hair and makeup?
Do you photograph child and teen actors?
How often should an actor update headshots?
Where is the studio?
