Your book photo

"First and foremost, an actor should choose a photo which LOOKS LIKE THEM! It's often worth asking a friend who will give an honest opinion, rather than flatter you. The image should be true to life and hopefully carry some indication of your style / personality / type / character" - Janie Frazer, Janie Frazer Casting

As a professional performer your main headshot is vitally important. It must represent who you are. It is your first selling point to get you that audition. Think of your headshot as an investment in your career. If a casting professional is unaware of your work, it is the first thing they will see, and first impressions do count!

Blurry, pixelated or amateur photography will make you look unprofessional and will put casting directors off!

Your book photo must be a head and shoulders, portrait shot. Keep your appearance as neutral as possible. Remember, a casting professional wants to see the 'real' you. Wear something simple and avoid props, hats, distracting backgrounds and accessories. Your eyes are your most important feature, so make sure they are as visible as possible. Casting professionals always recommend your make-up should be subtle.

The more accurate the photo the better. Your photo should be a true indication of your age and build, there's no point in pretending to be someone you're not.

Don't Photoshop out wrinkles, don't airbrush, don't use dramatic studio lighting. Glamour photos are fine for a modelling career, but not for an acting portfolio.

And make sure your photo is recent. Any photos over 3 years old are more likely to hinder your chances of getting an audition than help.

"We make it a policy not to see any actor who has not updated their photo in the last 5 years, unless they are household names who's changing looks we will be aware of" - Francesca Greene

Put simply, it is a waste of time for everyone if you are invited to audition based on your photo, and you walk through the door looking completely different.

For these reasons you must make sure you choose your book photo carefully.

"All I want is a photo that looks like them when they walk into the room" - Susie Parriss

Specific information by book:

1. Actors / Actresses

• Book photos can be replaced for the printed edition in March-May (Actresses), September-November (Actors)
• Book page: Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 81mm wide x 103mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

2. Dancers

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in June-July
• Book Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop book pictures: 60mm wide x 75mm @ 300dpi
• Please note Dancers should submit 2 photographs when joining - a head and shoulders shot, and a full body shot showing head to toes

3. Presenters

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in June-July
• Book Page: Colour or Black & White
• Web page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 108mm wide x 127mm @ 300dpi

4. Children & Young Performers

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in November
• Book Page: Black & White
• Web page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 48mm wide x 60mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

5. Graduates

• An appearance in Spotlight Graduates is a one-off occasion
• Book Page: Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 68mm wide x 85mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

Photo guidelines | Book photo | Portfolio | Managing photos | Technical specs | Photographer