First things first: your headshot is a business tool.
It’s your calling card, your first impression, your visual elevator pitch. It’s also something that needs to evolve with you. If your look, age range, or casting type has changed—your headshots need to change too. So why are some actors spending half their rent on a single session as if it's a once-in-a-lifetime investment?
How Often Should You Update Your Headshots?
Your portfolio should be updated every 1 to 3 years, and even sooner if you’ve made a major change to your hair, your look, or your age range has shifted. Your headshot should reflect what you look like right now and what roles you’re actively going out for.
Letting old headshots linger on casting sites is like handing someone your high school resume. It tells casting that you’re not keeping up, and worse, it can create a trust gap if you walk into the room looking different.
The $1000 Headshot: Is It Really Worth It?
We need to talk about this idea that a more expensive headshot equals a more successful career. It doesn’t.
Yes, you want to invest in a quality photographer. Yes, you want great lighting, sharp focus, and intentional direction. But throwing a grand at a headshot session doesn’t guarantee any of that. Sometimes you’re paying for the hype.
When you start treating your headshot like the business tool it is—not just a pretty picture—you realize that over-investing is a real thing.
Here’s the big truth: casting doesn’t care if your headshot was expensive. If it doesn’t speak to the roles you play, you won’t get called in. It’s not about looking good—it’s about looking castable.
And there’s something deflating about realizing you have to update your headshots yet again—only to retire that overpriced, outdated photo.
If you want a firsthand look at how easy it is to fall into the overpayment trap, this blog post by Acting Plan shares lessons from getting first-time headshots in LA—and why strategy matters more than price.
Why DIY and Cheap Headshots Don’t Work Either
On the other end of the spectrum, we have DIY headshots and $50 sessions from a friend with a nice camera.
Here’s the thing: you’re not saving money if you’re costing yourself opportunities. Casting can spot a bad headshot in a second. You’re not fooling anyone except yourself. And when your materials scream "unprofessional," you're automatically in the 'no' pile, even if your talent says otherwise.
Your friend may mean well, and your cousin might be dabbling in photography, but headshots require more than a decent camera. They require an understanding of casting, character types, expression, industry trends, and how to create a tool—not just a nice photo.
The Sweet Spot: Strategic Investment
Luckily, there’s a sweet spot in pricing that balances affordability with real value.
The best headshot photographers aren’t just technically skilled—they’re strategic partners in your career. They understand casting, help guide your wardrobe decisions, and direct you in a way that captures characters, not just a flattering photo.
It’s not about booking the cheapest photographer or assuming the most expensive one is better. It’s about finding someone who understands your goals and knows how to help you reach them.
- You can find that level of professionalism, collaboration, and casting-savvy direction in the $300 to $600 range—a smart investment that gives you headshots designed to actually work for you.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to go broke, and you don’t need to cut corners. You just need to think like a working actor who understands that headshots are a career tool, not a vanity project.
The good news? There are photographers who care about capturing headshots that benefit you. Not just a flattering photo. Not just what looks good for Instagram. But headshots that get you seen, submitted, and called in.
Looking for more guidance on how to strategically dress for your headshots? Check out my post on what to wear for headshots.
- Ready to work with someone who cares about your career as much as you? Book your session here!
