Modeling Headshots: What Agencies Actually Want

After several years of answering these questions by phone, I decided it's time I shared this info...

Every model or aspiring model who calls the studio asks some version of the same question: "What do I actually need for my submission photos?" So here it is in one place. These are my curtailed defaults. If you were provided specs from an agency, I will shoot to their requests.

The shot list agencies want

• Straight-on headshot, natural expression

• 3/4 body shot

• Full body shot, standing straight, arms relaxed

• Profile shot (some agencies require this, some don't)

• A smiling variant of the headshot, for commercial/print categories

Why over-retouching gets you rejected

This is the one most people get wrong, and it's the one I hear about most from agencies. They want to see your real skin texture. Not a smoothed-out version of your face. If your photographer hands you images that look airbrushed, that's a red flag to the people reviewing submissions, not a selling point. Yes - this goes against every inclination I have as a portrait photographer, but I want to increase your odds of success by complying with industry requests.

Same goes for makeup and hair. Minimal, natural. Plain, fitted clothing in solid colors. No logos, no patterns. Agencies aren't judging your styling. They're judging your face and your body, and they need to see both clearly.

File specs that matter

• High-res JPEG, 300 dpi

• 2000px minimum on the long edge (I deliver 3000 to 3600 depending on aspect ratio)

• Some agencies want an untouched or lightly touched version alongside your finals

One more thing

Photos older than 6-12 months are a common rejection reason. Agencies want to see you now, not you a year ago.

If you're putting together a submission and want it done right the first time, that's exactly what we do here.

What Headshot package should I choose?

I’m not going to say “get the big one” but do make sure you allow time for the some variety and enough to be selective. Your selections will be your first impression.

Headshot package options - This link goes to the headshots page - jumps to the package options.

I can do a lot in a 30 min. Tier 3 session, but Tier 4 is a great mid-point. Three extra files included and double the amount of time to make sure that you can make a greater first impression. Click here to Book your session.