Acting headshots in Malmesbury: a relaxed studio session with outfit changes
People sometimes think a headshot session is this intense, awkward thing where you have to “perform” for the camera.
It really isn’t. This recent session is a good example of how I like to work. Calm, simple, and focused on getting you a set of headshots that actually look like you on a good day.
This shoot was in my Malmesbury studio with an aspiring actress who came along with her mum, had a few outfit changes, and left with the final images in both colour and monochrome.
What an acting headshot session with me actually feels like
First, we chat. Just a quick sense of what you need the headshots for, what kind of roles you’re going for (if you know), and what you want to avoid.
Then we shoot steadily for an hour or so.
I’ll guide you the whole way. Where to stand, where to put your shoulders, how to soften your expression without forcing a smile. The goal is to get a range that casting can use: approachable, confident, natural, and a few variations that feel slightly different.
Outfit changes: simple, planned, and genuinely helpful
Outfit changes are useful because they give your gallery variety without changing who you are.
For this session, we kept it simple. A few looks, each one clearly different, but all still “you”. If you’re not sure what to bring, I usually suggest options like:
One plain, neutral top (timeless, casting-friendly, nothing shouty)
One slightly smarter option (jacket, knit, or something with a clean structure)
One more relaxed look (still tidy, just a bit more casual)
Logos and busy patterns can be distracting. Sometimes they look fine in real life, then in a headshot, they become the entire photo. So I tend to steer people away from them.
Bringing a parent, friend, or chaperone
This session included mum, which is very common for younger clients, and honestly, it’s very important that young people bring a chaperone.
It helps you settle in. It keeps the day feeling safe and grounded. And it means there’s someone else there to spot the small practical stuff, like hair sitting oddly on one side, or a collar that’s folded under.
Colour and monochrome: why I deliver both
You’ll receive your final images in both colour and monochrome.
Some casting platforms and agents lean towards colour because it feels current and realistic. Others still like monochrome because it simplifies everything and puts the attention straight on expression.
Also, it’s helpful to have both versions ready to go. You’re not scrambling later, trying to convert something quickly, or wondering if black and white is “allowed”. You’ve got options.
The studio in Malmesbury
I shoot these in my studio here in Malmesbury because it keeps things consistent.
The light is controlled, the background is clean, and we’re not battling wind, rain, squinting, or random people walking through the frame. Sometimes outdoor headshots can be great, but studio headshots are reliable, and for acting work, that reliability matters.
You turn up, we get it done properly, and you leave with images that look like you.
What happens after the shoot
After the session, I’ll select the strongest images and finish them carefully.
Retouching is kept natural. I’m not interested in turning you into someone else. The point of a headshot is recognisability. Casting directors want to see you when you walk into the room. Not a version of you that only exists after heavy editing.
You’ll receive a final set of images ready for web use, agent submissions, and social media, with both colour and monochrome versions included.
If you’re looking for acting headshots near Malmesbury
If you’re an aspiring actor or actress (or a parent booking for your child), and you want a calm headshot session with outfit changes, guidance, and a set of images that feel current without being overworked, you can find more details about my actor headshots and pricing.
