The Actor Headshot

 

The Actor Headshot Master Class is a practical, in-depth class designed to help actors understand how to create headshots that clearly communicate type, range, and authenticity in today’s industry. The master class breaks down current standards across commercial, legit, TV, film, and theater, while guiding actors through preparation, wardrobe, hair and makeup, lighting, and indoor vs. outdoor shooting choices. Participants will learn how to work confidently in front of the camera, showcase heritage and individuality, select strong final images, navigate retouching appropriately, and ensure professional print quality. The class also offers valuable insight into actors’ rights, what to expect from a headshot photographer, and what casting directors and agents are truly looking for—empowering actors to make informed, strategic choices that support their careers.

 


 

The Actor Headshot Master Class will cover:

  • Understanding the industry standards for headshots – Commercial, Legit, TV, Film, Theater & Musical Theater.
  • Preparing for your headshot session – How to look your best on your big day.
  • Defining your type – Be sure your headshots make sense for who you are as an actor and how to communicate this to your photographer.
  • Heritage – Showcasing your heritage/culture and diversity in your headshots.
  • Wardrobe choices – What to wear and what not to wear. Colors, necklines, styles and what they say about you.
  • Lighting – The pros and cons of natural, studio, & mixed lighting.
  • Shooting – Indoors vs Outdoors.
  • Hair and Make-Up – Keeping it real. Curly Hair vs Straight Hair.
  • How to work in front of a still camera – Tips to make you feel alive, connected and to bring out your personality.
  • Your rights as an actor and what you should demand of your headshot photographer.
  • Tips for how to choose your final images.
  • Retouching – What is acceptable and doable in the retouch process.
  • Prints – Making sure your 8x10s are done to perfection. Color correction, exposure & contrast. Borders and fonts.
  • Casting Directors & Agents – What they look for in a headshot.

 


General Information and Requirements: 

  • Date: Monday March 16 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Place: Via Zoom.
  • Duration: The master class will last approximately 1.5 hours followed by a 30 min Q&A session.
  • Please connect 5 minutes before the start of the class. The class will start on time.
  • You are required to be present during the whole session. Do not register if you cannot be present for the entire class.
  • No one will be admitted once the class has started. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 


 

About the instructor:


Douglas Gorenstein has been New York’s premier headshot photographer for 30 years and served as the official photographer for The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Backstage voted him “Favorite Headshot Photographer in New York.” He has photographed many Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy-Award winning actors and performers. Clients include the Dramatists Guild and the Actors Studio.

DouglasGorenstein.com

 

 


About HOLA Master Classes series:

HOLA Master Classes present exclusive opportunities for participants to learn from seasoned industry professionals in theater, film, television, streaming media, and voice-overs. Each immersive session delves into the nuances of the craft, guided by the expertise of distinguished instructors who have made their mark across stages, screens, and professional recording environments worldwide. Through focused instruction and practical exercises, aspiring talents hone their skills, receiving personalized feedback and insights that fuel their artistic growth.

HOLA Master Classes take place once a month and are offered at an affordable rate for the broader community—and they’re completely free for HOLA members.

 


HOLA y sus clases magistrales:

Las HOLA Master Classes presentan oportunidades exclusivas para que los participantes aprendan de profesionales experimentados en teatro, cine, televisión, medios de streaming y locución. Cada sesión inmersiva profundiza en los matices de cada disciplina, guiada por la experiencia de distinguidos instructores que han dejado su huella en escenarios, pantallas y entornos de grabación profesionales de todo el mundo. A través de instrucción enfocada y ejercicios prácticos, los talentos en ascenso perfeccionan sus habilidades, recibiendo retroalimentación personalizada y conocimientos que impulsan su crecimiento artístico.

Estas clases magistrales se realizan una vez al mes y se ofrecen a un precio asequible para la comunidad en general, además de ser completamente gratuitas para los miembros de HOLA.

 


Cancellation Policy:

  • This complimentary offer for HOLA members is subject to limited availability. We ask that you register only if you can attend the entire event.
  • In the event that you need to cancel your reservation, we kindly ask for your prompt notification with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Please send an email to inform us of your cancellation at education@holaofficial.org.
  • Failure to provide timely notice or being a no-show will result in a 3-month restriction from participating in HOLA programming, starting from the event date.
  • To register for events during the restriction period, a $35 penalty fee will be required to waive the restriction.

 


Política de cancelación:

  • Esta oferta gratuita para los miembros de HOLA cuenta con plazas limitadas, por lo que les pedimos amablemente que se inscriban únicamente si están seguros de poder asistir al evento completo.
  • Si necesitan cancelar, les solicitamos que nos notifiquen con al menos 24 horas de antelación enviando un correo electrónico a education@holaofficial.org
  • La falta de notificación para cancelar dentro del plazo especificado o la inasistencia resultará en una restricción de 3 meses para participar en las actividades de HOLA.
  • Si desea registrarse en eventos durante su período de restricción, tendrá que pagar una tarifa de penalización de $35 para evitar la restricción.

 

 

This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, as well as by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Miranda Family Fund, Radio Drama Network, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund for their private contributions to our 2025-2026 programming, fostering Hispanic and Latin artists who enrich our culture.

 


 

Date

Monday Mar 16 2026
Expired!

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location

Online via Zoom
Category
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