Headshots get you hired. It's as simple as that

Your headshot is the first thing a casting professional will see, so it's super important to make a great first impression. Actor headshots should show emotion, versatility and be a true reflection of what you look like, while model headshots can have a bit more creative license.

We see a lot of headshots here at ModelFactory, so we thought we'd let you know some of the most common mistakes to avoid and increase your chances of getting cast!

1. Not using a recent photo

If you're in the habit of changing your hairstyle, or anything else about your appearance, it's important to keep your headshot up-to-date with your latest look. Even if you haven't changed your appearance that much, a good rule of thumb is to update your headshot every year.

While you may have recent photos on the rest of your profile, a casting professional often only has time to look at your headshot. If you show up to a casting with a completely different look, they may be disappointed and things could get awkward.

2. Not having one

This may seem obvious, but a lot of people don't even have a headshot! Casting professionals often don't have a lot of time, so they'll likely skip over applicants who don't have headshots. To put it bluntly, no headshot, no job.

7 Ways to Take Your Casting Call From Good to Great.

3.Using a Snapchat filter

As mentioned above, your headshot should show what you look like in real life – not with impossibly flawless skin or massive anime-style eyes, and definitely not with puppy ears.

As much as we all love playing around with filters on our favourite apps, using them for your headshot (and other portfolio photos) will make you look unprofessional. Filters change the way you look, and as cliché as it sounds, a casting professional wants to see the real you, not some unrealistic version of yourself.

4.Using a selfie

Just like Snapchat filters, using a selfie for your headshot won't give the best first impression. While it may be tempting to snap a quick selfie in your car, or when you're getting ready in the mirror, this will often do more harm than good if you're using it for your headshot photo.

Especially when you're just starting out, there's no need to fork out money for a professional headshot, ask a friend or family member to help take a photo for you.

It's also worth noting that because of the angle they're taken at, selfies can distort what you look like – which if you haven't got the gist by now, is a big no-no for headshots.

Fashion Studios in India.

5.Using a bad quality photo

By 'bad quality' we mean low resolution, blurry or poorly lit photos. These days, most people are lucky enough to have a high quality camera on their phone, so getting an awesome headshot is easier than ever.

Natural light is the most flattering and will ensure your photo is clear and that you don't have any harsh shadows obscuring your face. Make sure you're facing the source of the light (eg. a window) and ask the person taking the photo to stand between you and the source. You want the light pouring over your face, not behind you.