Congratulations! You got an in-person callback for that job you forgot you submitted for! Possibly you’re graduating this month and have agent showcases and meetings you’d like to attend! Or maybe you’ve been keeping your eye out for casting announcements for that tour you’re just perfect for. In each of these scenarios, you’re going to need a physical copy of your headshot and resume to hand in. With a majority of casting being completely virtual the last few years, it’s totally possible you’ve never had to print your headshots before - and that’s okay! In the throes of audition seasons, your work and your craft need to be the center of your focus. When auditioning in person, you want things to run smoothly so nothing stands between showing up and doing what you do best! Here, I’ll break down everything you need to know about preparing your physical headshots so your talent can shine - uninterrupted by any confusion or awkwardness at the audition monitor’s table!

Have a professionally taken headshot

This one sounds obvious, but with ring lights and virtual audition backgrounds, it may be tempting to use a nice-looking selfie. Having a professionally taken headshot to begin with will benefit you in many cases. A headshot photographer will translate your brand and goals into an active headshot that increase your chances of getting into the audition room. Your whole package will level up when you invest in a quality headshot taken with careful attention to the work you’re interested in.

Printing your headshot & resume!

There are many different ways to print your headshots - from CVS/Walgreens to professional printing houses that specialize in preparing physical copies of actors' headshots. Here are some things to keep in mind when printing:

• Make sure you are using a high resolution file. When I deliver headshots, I include both high and low resolution files. JPG images are “compressed,” which means the data in the image is minimized so it doesn’t take up as much space (ideal for web usage). When printing, however, you’ll need a larger file size with more data to capture all those details in printing. I usually send this in a PNG file format. The rule of thumb image size for printing is 300 pixels per inch. For an 8x10 inch headshot, that’ll end up with pixel dimensions of 2400x3000 pixels. At a professional printing location, they’ll be able to help you with these small details, but it’s helpful to know if you’re printing on your own online or at a public location with printing services.

• Make sure you’re printing your headshots in color on 8x10 photo paper. Black and white headshots aren’t typically used for marketing anymore (even they are often printed this way in showbills). Gloss or matte is up to you, but it’s important that the paper itself is 8x10 inches. If you’re printing at home, there are many wonderful scrapbooking tools that can help you cleanly cut down your photos to these dimensions.

• Make sure your resume is also printed 8x10 to exactly match your headshots. You can cut the edges with the same scrapbooking tools. Personally, I ordered a box of 8x10 cardstock from Amazon that I love. Regular computer paper is fine - I just like the feel of cardstock!

Preparing your headshot & resume for the audition.

• Staple your resume to the back of your headshot - one staple on each corner with the flat side on the headshot side. Some printing houses will have the option to print your resume on the back of your headshots. I personally don’t recommend this - as our resumes are ideally always growing and changing. It’s also smart to have different resumes that highlight different work and skills for different types of projects! Also, some casting tables like to separate headshots from resumes.

• Have an alternative look or complimentary headshot on your resume. This one isn’t mandatory, but your headshot and resume are like an application - the more opportunities you create to communicate your brand and personality, the better! One headshot can communicate “Okay, they fit in the aesthetic and world we’re trying to create” and the other can say “Oh, they look like a person I want to work with!” Have fun with it!

• It helps to have your name on your headshot as well as your resume. Often, you’ll be handing your headshot to a monitor whose job it is to check you in and bring you into the room. The smoother you make this job for them, the smoother your audition will be at the beginning. You don’t want them scrambling to have your materials in proper order and orientation.

• Make sure your headshot looks like you! As someone who has monitored auditions before, I’ve had times where I was unsure if the person I’m about to bring into the room is the same person on the headshot in my hand. Eliminate any turbulence by keeping your headshots updated with your current look and branding. Click here to read my blog about how often you should update your headshots.

I know many of these tips are very small details - and, honestly, many of the details may seem arbitrary to begin with. There are many narratives that I love to challenge as a photographer when it comes to casting practices! These small details, however, are just part of how casting is commonly run these days. Since professional printing is not always financially accessible, understanding these details will help you find some budget-friendly methods that will serve you equally as well. Regardless of your process, your materials prepared in this way will not only make you look like a calm and confident professional, but they will make the transition into your audition as smooth as possible. You’ll be able to stand out with your talent, craft, and preparation of your audition material. We want to make it easy for the casting table to see through to who we are as a person, a performer, and as an employee. Beginning these interactions with a clean slate will only help us shine in the long run!