Headshot Categories
These are general ideas of popular types of headshot looks. Not shared for the intention of you copying them directly, but to take inspiration from and figure out your type of branding and to learn of some common casting types for commercial and tv. Not everyone can be everything and thats ok. You are unique and can have plenty of room to portray that. Take note of where you think your strong suits are and figure out how to make those aspects of you shine they way you want.
If you need help with wardrobe for your headshots, try a stylist who specializes in ACTOR headshots. Such as my lovely wife www.dressupbychris.com
CASUAL - GUY/GAL/PERSON NEXT DOOR
Casual looks for commercial and theatrical. You can express yourself here a bit. Some of these looks may overlap with other popular types. These types would be the main person or one of the friends in commercial. Theatrical, this may be the person the audience relates to in the wacky comedy. But depending on the person, it could also be a character type. The main place this could land may depend on your look, age, and personality.
BUSINESS
A professional look in a suit. These can be commercial and/or theatrical depending on client needs/wants. Types of roles will be related to white collar, executives, lawyer, government/politician, detective, etc.
OFFICE
This is another version of business but a bit more casual. Roles could be IT person (Silicon Valley), teacher or principal, forensics, assistant, law student. Depending on wardrobe sometimes these can overlap a bit with general business and quirky types.
QUIRKY
This is a character type that can overlap with the office category, but not limited to that setting. Can be a bit nerdy, a source of comedic relief, have a good amount of color and room for some fun patterns or graphics. Can be the goofy person in the friend group. Maybe they love vintage things. They can be cool in their own way without conforming to the norm. They are thinkers. Maybe they think too much? I’m thinking Big Bang Theory.
BLUE COLLAR
They work with their hands, they usual do labor intensive work. Maybe live in rural areas. Maybe mechanics, construction, repair, etc. They live a bit more humbly. They are not the rich. They are the working class.
DAD/MOM/PARENT
This depends more on age in general that you look old enough to have children. That could be an infant to teenage kids and even grandkids. These looks can overlap with other types. They have family and generally can give the feel that they are homeowners. Could be a friendly neighbor thats having a backyard bbq or neighborhood party.
EDGY
These are the rule breakers and trouble makers. They could be good guys or bad guys. They’re heroes, anti-heroes or villains.
