The Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile

Profile photos are one of the main ways Casting Directors determine the types of roles you can portray. You can set yourself up for success by adding current and additional pictures of your look, vehicles, and pets you are willing to work with to your online profile. This guide will help you understand more about your profile photo and what Casting Directors are looking for.

Main profile photo

Casting Directors recommend uploading a current headshot and full body shot any time your look changes so they always have an accurate representation of what you look like right now. Don’t forget to update your sizes and other appearance information as your look changes.

When we say headshot at Central Casting, we don’t mean professional photos. These are often retouched and altered and cannot be used to determine if you can portray a role. Photos for your online profile do not need to be taken professionally; we recommend having a friend or family member take photos to ensure they are correctly framed and well lit. See our profile photo guidelines below for more information.

Types of photos

Uploading additional photos to your profile shows Casting Directors the types of roles you can portray and the wardrobe you own. When adding photos, we ask that you only upload unique and distinct looks. For example, if you have a formal look, you do not need to upload photos in multiple formal outfits, just pick one that best represents you. Having too many photos clutters your profile and makes it harder for Casting Directors to find the photos that help determine if you can portray the role they’re booking.

When uploading photos, you may notice multiple slots (categories) you can use to classify your photo. You do not need a photo for every slot, these are just a way to categorize your photos in your online profile.

If you’re wondering what type of photos to upload, these are a good place to start:

Current head and full body shot

These pictures should accurately represent what you look like right now. Full body photos should be from head to toe.

If it’s common for you to change your facial hair or hairstyle frequently, be sure to include current photos of each look.

Different looks and wardrobe

Do you have a Santa suit? A pirate Halloween costume? Can portray 18tly? Costumes, specialty wardrobe, and unique looks are a great opportunity to show off the different types of roles you can portray. Please only upload photos of wardrobe that you own and have access to. If you can’t show up to set in it, you should not upload it to your profile.

Keep in mind, Central Casting does not need photos of all your wardrobe or look options. Casting Directors recommend a casual, business, and formal look, then 1-2 photos of unique looks, like a uniform you own or a period role you can portray. If Casting Directors need to see you in a specific look or wardrobe they will send a message via our casting platform or post on our Jobs page.

Vehicles and pets

No matter the make, model, color, or condition, there’s a chance you can get booked with your vehicle. Add your cars to the “vehicles you own” portion of your profile, then upload photos in the “photographs” section. Just make sure photos are of your actual car and not dealership or ad images. Take photos at an angle so Casting Directors can clearly see the front and sides of your vehicle.

There may also be chances to work with your pet on set. When uploading pet photos, be sure the pet is yours and that picture clearly shows what they look like.

Profile photo guidelines

The profile photos you upload are one of the tools our Casting Directors use when booking their projects and need to accurately represent your appearance. Use the photo taken by Central Casting as an example of the type of pictures we are looking for. These images may also be shown to Assistant Directors, directors, and producers, so your photos should reflect how you want to be seen by production.

What we look for in profile photos:

• Only feature you and include your face
• Are well lit and in focus
• Taken against a white or gray background
• Unaltered/unfiltered
• Reflect your current look

What not to do/include in photos:

• Images with other people
• Dark or blurry pictures
• Do not wear sunglasses (eyeglasses are ok), hats, or other items that obscure your face (unless it’s part of the look, i.e. a fedora for your 1950s wardrobe)
• Photos should not include Instagram, Snapchat, other filters, or be touched up in any way
• Pictures should not be edited to remove tattoos or alter your appearance
• Do not upload photos with a busy background, like at the beach, club, or in the middle of your room

Once your photos are ready, you can upload them in the “photographs” section of your online profile. Don’t forget to update when your look changes!

Want to learn more about how photos help you get booked by Central Casting? Check out our guides What You Need to Know About Selfies and Do’s and Don’ts for Submitting Photos to Casting Directors.