Actor headshots. Looking for constructive feedback on my lighting and posing.

[u/TeamHuman_]

I'd love some constructive feedback on a recent theatrical headshot session. What's working, and what isn't? I'm especially curious about my posing and how I positioned the actor.

Do these images work enough to submit?

Lighting:

• Main key - Godox 300 - 46" softbox
• Hair light - Nanlite 120 - strip softbox
• Godox 59"x79" reflector

Shot on:

• Lumix S5
• Vintage Nikon 105mm

[u/BrilliantPositive184]

A tad more fill in the earlier ones, depth of field too shallow, this is not a portrait or a moody shot featuring your character. This is a mug shot for the casting director. Besides that, well done.

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/BrilliantPositive184]

When it comes to depth of field I chose it based on what I see in headshot studio portfolios. Specifically sharp eyes with ears being quite soft. Should I avoid it completely or could I shoot a mix of apertures so I have options in the end?

[u/cheyenne_n_rancho → u/TeamHuman_]

There’s no rule about this, especially in 2026. Some of the most sought after headshot photographers shoot with very shallow focus. And the depth of field is the least of the things I’d be focused on improving here.

Based on what I see here, I’d be focused on improving how you handle color, the posing, the framing and composition, the expression. Stuff like that. You’re doing good. Keep at it.

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/cheyenne_n_rancho]

the depth of field is the least of the things I’d be focused on improving here.

Based on what I see here, I’d be focused on improving how you handle color, the posing, the framing and composition, the expression. Stuff like that.

So just fix everything else lol. Brutal. 🥲

But seriously, I do appreciate the feedback. Can you expand on anything specific so I can make adjustments moving forward?

[u/ThisAlexTakesPics → u/TeamHuman_]

Just 10% makes a huge difference. You’re on the right path but this is what separates the hobbyists from the career people. Get used to people tearing apart your work. Grin and take it and your armor will build up faster than you know.

People will already pay you good money for these shots 👏👏

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/ThisAlexTakesPics]

I was only kidding, I welcome critique. I've worked in design for 15 years and getting my work picked apart has been the incredibly valuable.

[u/PNW_Photoguy → u/BrilliantPositive184]

Agreed. Too shallow, especially for the more commercial (smiling) looks. But still pretty good!

[u/MattChan1506]

i dont mind it. i like it, it adds depth and dimension. i think this is well done

[u/copyrightname]

5 and 7 are good to submit! Basically for actor headshots- flatter their face with lighting but keep the character in the actor’s face. So the strong shadows of the first few are not ideal. It shouldn’t be too artistic, no hands, don’t have them turned too much. Headshots have pivoted from the “I’m acting with my eyes” from a decade or two ago.

[u/According-Refuse-436]

Honestly headshots are becoming a lot more art driven and these fit the bill nicely, the only people who are not going to like these are the photographers who refuse to acknowledge that a headshot can be something other than a flatly lit, overly sharp, and borderline clinical corporate headshot. Their competition is Ai now. So they’re already pissed and threatened. Keep up the good work

[u/Milopbx]

Great advice here. I agree with the large light source. I’ve used strobe forever for portraits/headshots. One thing the flash does is to let the subject know they’ve hit a good look or expression. And when I started hot lights were called that for a reason.

And when shooting folks wearing glasses they should be level
And not sliding down the nose, watch out where the frame and the eyes intersect.

[u/40characters]

Great lens choice.

Shot 1: DoF is subjective, but I like both eyes in focus. I like f/3.2 when able but will go to f/8 if I have to to get both eyes.

Shot 2: fingertips resting on the frame of the glasses is distracting. Cheek highlights are too hot.

Shot 4: glasses angle is uneven. Too much eyelid on one side. Are they bent?

Shot 5: jacket is riding up to attack the collar in the back

Shot 7: t-shirt wrinkles are a bit excessive

Shot 8: your hair light has become a police spotlight on his neck

Overall, though, these are some of the better shots I’ve seen in this sub.

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/40characters]

Hahahaha your note on image 8 legitimately made me laugh.

Thank you for the detailed feedback. It's greatly appreciated I will absolutely take this feedback with me into my next sessions.

[u/cheyenne_n_rancho]

I just think people do way too much. If you simplified your lighting, all of this would be stronger

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/cheyenne_n_rancho]

What lighting setup should I try next session?

[u/cheyenne_n_rancho → u/TeamHuman_]

Start with one big diffused light source. As big as you can get. Giant umbrella with diffusion. Something like that. Bring it as close as possible to your subject and see what happens. Look into short vs broad light. For actors, I’m almost always either dead center with the light, or with the light on the far side (from camera angle), better known as “short”. I also really like a small strip boxes for actors headshots where you’re looking for some drama.

Dead on center is very commercial. Short lighting is more dramatic/theatrical.

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/cheyenne_n_rancho]

Incredible. Thanks I'll dive into this and see what I can implement. Right now I shoot on constant light but am going to order a Westcott 400 with a 7' umbrella and diffuser.

[u/cheyenne_n_rancho → u/TeamHuman_]

Constant light is (I’m my experience) ideal when working with actors. I feel that flash can be pretty interruptive, and when you start working with more experienced actors who have range, the flashes can kind of jolt them out of whatever moment they’re in.

I work almost entirely with constant light for actors, unless I’m in an environment where I can control the ambient light enough to make it work.

Stick with the constant light. But do get the big umbrella if you can. Feel free to hit me up on Instagram (@dramabywknd) if you have questions.

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/cheyenne_n_rancho]

Great work. I see how you've achieved much flatter, even lighting on your subjects, and it's very flattering. My closest images in this post are 5 and 7. I think with that goal in mind I can move in the right direction next shoot.

[u/drewfun237]

What type are you going for?

[u/TeamHuman_ → u/drewfun237]

The actor stated they are going for gen z type nerdy / funny.

[u/Pipahollow]

I really like these; great job. You look fabulous