For me personally, I don't like to underrate the work that goes into a headshot from both behind and in front of the camera. Being both an actor and photographer, I am ever-so-aware of the responsibilities of both parties. That's why I came up with the following, which I like to call them the Three Commandments of Headshots. Break any one of them and you will have committed a mortal headshots sin!

KNOW THYSELF - Sure, this is an ongoing lifetime task for all of us, being that we are continually changing.  For what we are concerned with here, the objective is to know who you are...and more importantly, know your type. Get feedback from industry contacts. A great resource is going to meet 'n greets and getting feedback from agents and casting directors, whose first impression of you will say a lot about your type. If you already have an agent, they are definitely going to have a say in your headshots!

KNOW THY RANGE - It's also important that your headshot truly convey both your character range and age range. If your age range and look is wide, consider having multiple headshots. Every audition posting will (or at least should) list the age range of each role. If you have great genes and can play younger, consider having a headshot that shows this side. Especially if you are a character actor, you may want to have several headshots conveying your range of playable characters. For example, you might have a "clean-cut" headshot as well as a "scruffy" headshot. If you know the role you are submitting to, having multiple headshots is a valuable tool.

KNOW THY FIELD - Have you asked yourself what areas of the acting field interest you?  If not, you need to before getting your headshots taken.  Acting can generally be broken down into film, television, theatre and commercial work (aside from other avenues such as reality television and voiceover work). While a single headshot can be used to submit to work in all areas of the acting realm, there are some things to keep in mind.

For instance, in theatre, there is a good chance you will be auditioning for an entire season of plays or a single play with a variety of open roles.  In this case, you should use what the industry calls a "Theatrical" headshot that will leave yourself more open for casting opportunities within the theatre's repertory.

Commercial work also has its peculiarities.  99% of the time, commercials aim to make their viewers feel good.  Therefore, it makes sense that your commercial headshot should not give anything other than "feel good" vibrations.  It should really capture your energy. The important thing to remember is that your commercial headshot should give a good, positive feeling. It's also good to show some teeth and a smile!

You probably don't need to hear me say that if you want to be a working actor, you will need to keep yourself open to getting jobs in all areas of the acting realm. If you are thinking about doing commercial work in addition to theatre, film and television, you should definitely have at least two headshots. And guess what? I won't give you any less for the packages that I offer.