If you’re an actor in need of a headshot, it’s generally for one of 3 reasons: (1) your brother / best friend / self took your current shot (whoops); (2) your last headshot is 7 years old, so casting directors look from it to you and back again, bewildered; or (3) you’ve decided to pursue some different character types.
If you’re auditioning for “just another pretty face,” then get just another pretty headshot. Otherwise, determine what types you “fit” and want, then work with your photographer to project those types. Don’t get me wrong. You don’t have to limit yourself to one flavor. You’re an actor, after all! So act. But product pitchwoman (commercial) is a different look than brooding girlfriend (legit), and CEO is a different look than murderer (usually). So set your intention for each headshot, change your clothes and makeup to support your intention, and then do what you do best! Here are some examples of what I mean:

Brett Deutsch is co-owner and chief photographer of Headshots NYC, Gotham Family Photos and Deutsch Photography. Formally trained at the New York Institute of Photography, the School of Visual Arts and Pomona College, plus nearly 20 years of photography in New York City and on all 7 continents. His work can be found on The New York Times. Time Out London. Dallas Morning News. Backstage, and on countless websites, newsletters, annual reports and other publications.