What Size Headshot for Your Audition: Essential Tips for Actors

The world of acting can be incredibly competitive, with countless talented individuals vying for roles. One crucial component in the audition process is the headshot. However, with the rise of digital platforms and online submissions, the traditional methods of preparing and presenting headshots have evolved. This article aims to provide essential guidelines on choosing the right size headshot for your audition, maintaining your professional portfolio, and tips for ensuring your success.

The Evolution of Headshots

In the digital age, the process of submitting headshots has simplified immensely. Gone are the days when 8x10 photographs with abridged resumes attached were the norm. Today, most casting teams have all the necessary information available within a single click on their laptops. Do people still rely on hard copies of headshots? While some places might still use them, the majority of actors now submit digital headshots and showreels online.

The Standard Size: 8 Inches by 10 Inches

Despite the changes, there is still one standard size that is widely recognized in the industry: the 8x10 inch headshot. These larger photographs provide a clear, detailed image that can help casting directors evaluate your appearance from a distance. However, these physical headshots are often passé, and a digital version is usually preferred for convenience and wide distribution.

Expanding Your Headshot Portfolio

Alongside the 8x10 inch standard, many actors choose to prepare a normal-sized headshot, typically 5x7 inches. This size is versatile and can easily be shared on social media, websites, and digital portfolios. Some actors even go one step further and include an abridged version of their resume or detailed information such as their name, statistics (height, weight, eye color), and contact information (phone number and email address) on the back of the headshot or on a separate card. This provides an additional level of professionalism and ensures that casting directors can easily find vital information about you.

Adapting to the Digital Era

If things haven't changed for you, it might be because you've been in the industry for over 50 years! However, for the majority of actors, it's been a long time since the 8x10 headshot with a resume on the back became the norm. Since the advent of the internet, much of the necessary information can be accessed digitally. Digital headshots are not only more convenient but also more versatile, allowing you to share your portfolio with a wider audience and adapt to the ever-evolving technology in the industry.

In summary, when preparing for an audition, ensure that your headshot is the right size to make a lasting impression. While the 8x10 inch size remains a classic choice for physical prints, a normal-sized headshot (5x7 inches) is ideal for digital and online submissions. By keeping your portfolio up-to-date and leveraging both digital and physical prints, you can streamline your audition process and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of acting.