The Difference Between a Good Headshot and a KILLER, Castable Money Shot
Most actors think they need a “good headshot.”
But a good headshot is not what gets you auditions.
Casting directors don’t stop scrolling for “good.”
They stop for KILLER, castable money shots — the images that instantly communicate type, authenticity, and emotional specificity.
That’s the difference between a pleasant picture of your face and the image that actually makes you money.
As a San Diego actor headshot photographer, I see this gap constantly. Actors show up with decent photos, but nothing that sparks a casting director’s interest. Nothing that gets them clicked.
Here’s the real difference between a good headshot and a KILLER, castable money shot.
1. A Good Headshot Shows What You Look Like.
A KILLER Money Shot Shows Who You ARE.
A “good” headshot is technically fine:
In focus
Nice lighting
Natural colors
Clean background
But casting directors aren’t looking for “fine.”
They’re looking for identity.
A KILLER, castable money shot reveals something truthful and specific — the exact energy you bring into a room. It answers the casting question:
“What roles can I put you in?”
A good headshot shows you.
A KILLER headshot shows your type, your brand, and your story.
2. A Good Headshot Has a Pleasant Expression.
A KILLER Money Shot Has INTENTION Behind the Eyes.
Most actors default to:
A safe smile
A neutral face
A “professional” look
Pleasant… and forgettable.
A KILLER, castable shot has emotional charge — subtle but present.
Examples:
Warm but grounded leading-man energy
Sharp, intelligent professional
Approachable comedic tone
Strong, confident authority
Edgy character depth
A good headshot smiles.
A KILLER headshot communicates.
3. A Good Headshot Is “You on a Good Day.”
A KILLER Money Shot Is “You as the Bookable Version of You.”
A good headshot says:
“I’m photogenic.”
A KILLER headshot says:
“I am CASTABLE.”
One is vanity.
The other is strategy.
A KILLER, castable money shot is engineered to highlight:
Your strongest casting type
Your age range
Your market
Your brand identity
The emotional palette you naturally bring
It’s the difference between looking good… and looking right for the role.
4. A Good Headshot Uses Nice Light.
A KILLER Money Shot Uses Light to Amplify Your Type.
Good lighting flatters.
KILLER lighting defines.
Examples:
Softer light for warmth and approachability
Punchier contrast for dramatic, intense roles
Bright, open catchlights for energetic comedic types
A good headshot looks pleasant.
A KILLER headshot looks purposeful.
5. A Good Headshot Looks Like Everyone Else’s.
A KILLER Money Shot STANDS OUT in a Casting Grid.
Casting directors often view hundreds of tiny thumbnails.
Good headshots blend in.
KILLER headshots pop off the screen.
A castable money shot:
Has clarity
Has connection
Shows emotion through the eyes
Looks alive, not posed
Your goal isn’t to be pretty.
Your goal is to be undeniably interesting at one inch tall.
6. A Good Headshot Gets You Seen.
A KILLER Money Shot Gets You CALLED IN.
This is the entire game.
A good headshot gets polite attention.
A KILLER, castable shot gets:
Clicks
Auditions
Pins
Callbacks
Bookings
It does the work FOR you.
A good headshot is a picture.
A KILLER headshot is a tool.
Final Thought
Actors don’t need more “good” headshots.
They need KILLER, emotionally charged, castable headshots that actually move their careers.
That’s the difference between an image that sits in your submissions…
and one that books you work.
If you’re ready for a headshot session built around castability, not vanity, you can learn more or book a session here:
michaelpearcephotography.com