What to Wear for Actor Headshots in NYC

Not Sure What to Wear? That’s Normal

Picking clothes for your headshots can feel confusing. You want to look good. You also want to look like yourself. It’s easy to overthink it.

This post will help you figure out what to wear. It’s written for actors getting headshots in New York City. Whether you have reps or not, you’ll find something useful here.

The goal is simple. Help casting see you clearly. Help them picture you in the roles you want.

We’ll walk through the two best questions to ask before your session. Then we’ll talk about looks, types, color, and what to bring.

You’ll leave feeling clear and ready.

Start by Asking the Right Questions

If you have an agent or manager, ask them what looks to bring. They know the kinds of roles you're likely to be seen for—and what casting is looking for right now.

If you don’t have reps yet, that’s totally fine. You can still figure it out by asking two simple questions:

1. What roles am I most likely to be called in for?
2. What roles do I want to play, even if I’m not the usual fit?

These questions are the best way to get clear on how to prepare, what to wear and just generally what headspace to be in.

Look #1: Focus on How Casting Already Sees You

The first question: What roles you’re most likely to be called in for? - is the one to really zero in on.

This is your primary look. The goal is to reinforce to casting what they already believe about you. Through the entire casting process, we want the casting director's job to be as easy. When the casting directors job is easy, the director and/or producers are comfortable with who you are and where you fit into their project making you more castable.

Pick clothes that support your story. Clean, simple options that reflect how you're seen most often.

Look #2: Stretch Toward the Roles You Want

This look is for the parts you want, even if you’re not the obvious choice yet. You can stretch a little here, just don’t push too far.

Let the outfit suggest the role, not scream it.

Examples:

• A darker shirt can feel more serious
• A sharp jacket might say “leader”
• A soft tee can feel more open or kind

No costumes or props. Just small shifts in tone. We can also tweak the background and lighting to match the vibe. That way, the photo hints at something new while still feeling like you.

Putting It All Together

These two looks give you a strong start. One shows who you are. The other shows where you’d like to go.

You will probably select multiple images in each look with more specific niches in mind(TV, Film, Theatre, Commercial)

So to Recap, focus on these two points to get started:

• What helps you get seen now
• What points to roles you’re drawn to

If you’re unsure, bring a few extra pieces. We’ll look at them together and pick what works best.

Simple works. Honest works. That’s how casting connects the dots.

Quick Checklist: What to Pack for Your Session

Packing for your headshot session doesn’t need to be hard. Here’s a short list to help:

Bring:

• 1 to 2 outfits you wear often and feel good in
• 1 to 2 outfits that hints at roles you want
• 1–2 extra tops just in case
• Layers like jackets or sweaters (they add variety)
• Neutral colors, solid tones, or soft patterns

Skip:

• Bright neon colors
• Logos or text
• Loud patterns that distract
• Anything stiff or too tight

Make sure everything is clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to wear. Hang items or fold them neatly so they look good when it’s time to shoot.

FAQs

How many outfits should I bring?

This depends on the package we agree is best for you. Bring at least 2 more looks than the package includes.

Should I dress for TV, film, or stage?

If you know where you want to work most, lean that way. If not, we can cover more than one.

What if I don’t know my type yet?

That’s okay. We’ll talk it out before we shoot. I’ll help you find looks that make sense.

Do I need to bring shoes?

Only if they help you feel more like yourself or the type of roll you aspire to be cast in. We won’t see them, but if they help your posture or mood, bring them.

Choosing what to wear shouldn’t feel stressful. You don’t need to overthink it or get it perfect.

Just show up as yourself - and through the process, we’ll figure the rest out together.