How many photos can I have in Spotlight?
Spotlight members can have unlimited photographs on their Spotlight web page. The more you have, the more information this gives to casting directors - so try to include as many shots as you can, and update them regularly.
For your book page, you must select one photo, known as your 'main photo' (with the exception of dancers, who should supply two book photos).
What sort of photos should I use?
Always use photos which actually look like you! It may be tempting to go for glamorous, air-brushed shots: but it is very important for casting directors to see the most accurate likeness possible. If you turn up at an audition looking completely different, you are wasting their time. Make sure you update your photographs regularly as your appearance changes.
- For your book page (your main photo) we recommend a simple, head and shoulders, portrait shot. Keep your appearance as neutral as possible. Remember, the casting director wants to see the 'real' you. Wear something simple and avoid props, backgrounds and accessories. Your eyes are the most important features, so make sure they are as visible as possible.
- For your web page, in addition to this main photo, we recommend that you show yourself in a range of distinct characters and looks, in order to demonstrate your versatility to casting directors. Consider submitting a broad variety including full-body shots, stage-shots, or stills from film / TV.
How do I submit photos to Spotlight?
Please click here for full photographic specifications and details on how to upload or send us your Spotlight photos.
How do photos appear on my web page?
On your web page, you have one big photo and then a 'portfolio' of photos which the casting director browses when looking at your CV.
Click here to see an example of an online CV with a portfolio
You or your agent can decide which photograph you want to have as the first (biggest!) viewable photo on your web CV - so that you can tailor this if you are going forward for a specific type of casting.
Your book photo must remain on your web page whilst it is in print, so that casting directors can associate the two - but it can be moved into your portfolio.
How much do photos cost?
It costs £5 for each new photo you supply to Spotlight. This is a one-off charge for uploading it onto our system. Your photo will then remain on your web page or in print, for as long as you wish - although we do recommend updating them frequently so that they are accurate!
How can I find a photographer?
To select a photographer, we recommend that you look through Contacts, our best-selling industry handbook, where many photographers advertise.
To see different photographic styles, you can also visit the Spotlight offices and browse through the photographers' portfolios in our reception area, or look through the Spotlight directories themselves. Our offices are open Monday – Friday, 10.00am - 5.30pm.