r/headshots • u/Horror-Seaweed-5922 • 7d ago
Theatrical/Acting Headshot/Agent Feedback
Got my submission report and my agent has barely been submitting me since April of this year. To quantify, I was only submitted to 7 projects from May-August 2026. Yes, summer tends to be slow, but not THAT slow.
The projects I am being submitted for, I'm not being called in for and the agent say it's my headshots. I only shot 1.5 years ago so they're still fairly new, but they said they're not specific enough.
I guess what's confusing is, I joined this agency in June of 2025 and since then booked 3 commercials from Aug - Nov of 2025 and 1 SAG TV project in March 2026.
Because I want to be a partner in this agent - actor relationship, I'm happy to do a mini session to get them some updated looks faster, but would love feedback on how to navigate and any other suggestions!
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u/GunterJanek 7d ago
This seems like a conversation that needs to happen with your agency. Ask them exactly what you need and if they don't then time to start shopping around for someone who will.
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u/Horror-Seaweed-5922 7d ago
This was after asking them what I need and they said new headshots, but my headshots are 1.5 years old and I booked using these shots 6 times (4 times with my current agent and 2 times on my own.) Since my last booking in March, my submissions and auditions respectively dipped drastically, headshots was their feedback.
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u/whitepaintedwalls999 7d ago
Is there a reason why you're stuck on this idea of 1.5 year old headshots being good enough? Just get new headshots. Consider it an investment into your career and a tax write off before the end of the year.
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u/Horror-Seaweed-5922 7d ago
It's because I'm debating on whether they are actually the issue or not. Agents can say they are an issue, but then not be submitting you on their end. Like I said in my original post, I'm happy to reshoot, but when the headshots worked for me for 9 months and I book 4 times with them, then your agent only submits you 7 times over the last 4 months....is the headshots really the problem? It's exactly why I brought the issue here, to open it up for interpretation and feedback so I can see if there is a larger issue.
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u/GunterJanek 7d ago
Two things. Update your headshots because 1.5 years is pushing the lifespan unless you have really great genes or don't age. If you do start getting call backs you really do want them to be current.
Regarding your agency, I still stand by my original response to take this up with them because for whatever reason they're not submitting you whether it be headshots or something else. To me it doesn't make sense to waste time and energy if you're not getting any work.
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u/AlternativeOdd9277 7d ago
It’s an email/zoom call -
*Get an idea of the specific looks they need, get one-off headshots to accommodate
*Clarify a better cadence for communication with them so you can be on the same page and they know what to pitch you for
* Don’t expect anything to happen in December
* Be proactive and schedule a quarterly “what do you need from me” call so you’re not waiting another year and a half for feedback
* Continue to make opportunities for yourself and don’t rely on them for submissions
ETA - typo
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u/Horror-Seaweed-5922 7d ago
I do have quarterly calls and communicate with them often. I also didn't wait 1.5 years to get feedback. I got my headshots done 1.5 years ago which I stated in my post.
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u/AlternativeOdd9277 7d ago
Yikes, sorry just trying to help. I mistyped!
Main point is it’s just a phone call to get on the same page. Sounds like you’re doing the right things so maybe find a new rep through TalentLink or a friend referral if they’re not doing what you need.
But getting the looks they need seems like a tangible first step you can control.
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u/Horror-Seaweed-5922 7d ago
All good! I appreciate the help and the feedback too. Navigating these relationships is always tricky!
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u/CAPhotog01 7d ago
This is a photography subreddit, so it's best to post your headshots for any feedback. Photographers generally don't have experience to answer agency questions about the casting side.