Casting Photo Tips for Actors & Models

Your casting photos are one of the most important parts of your talent profile. Casting directors use your photos to assess your appearance, personality and suitability for commercial productions.

Strong casting photos should show you naturally and professionally, without heavy retouching or styling. Follow our expert tips to create photos that represent your current look and help you make the best possible first impression.

How Many Casting Photos Should You Submit?

Upload 6 to 10 of your best recent photos.

File requirements

High quality JPEG files
Maximum 7 MB per photo
Full colour

Show variety
Include a combination of professional casting photos and high quality natural snapshots. Your photos should show different facial expressions, hairstyles and clothing styles.

The 3 Essential Casting Photos

1. Portrait photo
A clear headshot looking directly into the camera. Wear your hair loose and show a friendly, natural expression. The most important thing is to show your personality and let your eyes connect with the camera.

2. Smile photo
Include at least one photo where you are smiling with your teeth visible.

3. Full body photo
Show your figure, height and posture with a full length photo.

Background and Lighting for Casting Photos

Choose a neutral background
Use a plain background that keeps the focus on you.

Use good lighting
Make sure your face is clearly visible and well lit. Natural daylight is often the best option.

What Should You Wear for Casting Photos?

Wardrobe choices
Choose a variety of simple outfits, such as casual, sporty and business looks. Avoid stripes, large logos and clothing with visible text.

Makeup and accessories
Keep makeup natural and jewellery minimal.

Pro tip: Empty your pockets to keep your silhouette clean and avoid distractions.

Recommended Photographers for Professional Portfolio Shoots

For professional portfolio photography, we recommend:

High quality photos help casting directors get a clear impression of your appearance and potential. 📸🎬🎥

Casting Photo Dos and Don'ts

Do:

Make direct eye contact with the camera.
Position the camera at eye level.
Use good lighting and a neutral background.
Submit solo photos only. No group photos.

Don't:

Use selfies.
Submit black and white photos. Casting photos should always be in colour.
Wear sunglasses or caps.
Use heavily edited or outdated photos.

Regular glasses are fine.

Keep Your Profile Current

Our clients and casting directors expect your photos to accurately represent how you look today. Please keep your profile updated regularly. Photos older than 4 years will not be considered.

Send updates via email or WeTransfer.

For Actors

Actors can include up to 3 YouTube or approved Vimeo links to showreels or video material (without your contact information).

For Voice Actors

Voice actors can include up to 3 voice recordings in MP3 format.

For Children

We represent children from age 9 and older. From age 15, children can be categorised as commercial models or (semi professional) actors.

Parents are responsible for keeping their child's profile updated with recent photos and current sizes. We recommend updating children's profiles every 6 months.

Ready to apply?

If you are interested in joining Thea Meulenberg Casting, you can register your profile here. Registration is free.