New! Zoom: FREE Online SEMINAR - BE THE THUMBNAIL THEY CLICK: Creating Headshots That Get Specific, Get Seen, and Get the Audition led by top NY/PA Headshot Photographer Maggie Shirk
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Your headshot is one of the first pieces of information casting receives about you. Before they meet you, hear your voice, or see you audition, they may see a tiny thumbnail of your face among hundreds of other actors.
What are they seeing? And does it tell them who you are?
In this virtual seminar, acting headshot photographer and working NYC actress Maggie Shirk takes a look at the choices you, the actor, can make to create headshots that feel authentic, communicate your casting brand, and give casting a specific reason to click.
1. GET SPECIFIC
Create recognizable characters without losing yourself.
We'll explore authentic expression, character choices, color theory, wardrobe, and how small
changes in your choices can create dramatically different impressions. We'll also look at when breaking traditional headshot “rules” can help you create a more memorable and specific character.
You'll learn how to create multiple distinct characters from each look you bring.
2. GET SEEN
Why the thumbnail matters and what casting sees first.
Your headshot may first appear as a tiny thumbnail surrounded by dozens or even hundreds of other actors. What makes someone stop and look closer?
We'll explore what you can control before and during your session to make sure your image
immediately communicates something specific about you.
3. GET THE AUDITION
Understanding the difference between a beautiful photo and a useful casting photo.
Looking great is not the same thing as looking castable.
Your headshot has one very important job: to help casting see a reason to bring you into the room.
We'll explore how actors can make stronger choices about the characters, qualities, and casting possibilities they want their headshots to communicate.
Maggie brings both sides of the camera to the conversation, drawing from her experience as a working NYC actress and an acting headshot photographer to help actors understand the choices that matter most when preparing for and creating their headshots.
Your headshot doesn't need to show casting everything you can do.
It needs to make them want to see what you can do.
Come learn how to make your headshots:
GET SPECIFIC.
GET SEEN.
GET THE AUDITION.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please follow the procedures listed below:
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Arrive at least 10 MINUTES before your event is slated to start. Your host will give important information about the event at this time.
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Instructions and the ZOOM link for access to this online event will be emailed to you in advance. If you have not received the link by 12pm (EST) the day-of the event, please reach out to registration@actorsconnection.com at least one hour PRIOR to the start of class.
**Actors Connection classes and programming are for ADULTS (18+). With permission, some teens (14+) are allowed to take adult programming. To inquire about getting permission, please send an email to: info@actorsconnection.com**
**No recording of any kind is permitted by participants during class.**
**Please keep in mind that all programs at Actors Connection are for educational and professional development purposes. Participating in any class or event is not a promise of employment.**
Maggie Shirk
Maggie Shirk is an NYC headshot photographer and working actor with a unique perspective on both sides of the camera.
A former working model for two decades, Maggie understands how to create authentic, compelling images and stays current with the ever-changing trends in actor headshots and casting.
She has been photographing actors professionally for 9 years, and her acting credits include FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, and Tommy, along with several feature and short films, including projects currently in post-production.
Learn more and schedule your session at www.mshirkphotography.com.
The following disclaimer is provided specifically at the request of and in accordance with SAG/AFTRA: Seminars or classes are for educational purposes only and will not secure or provide opportunity for employment in the field or representation by an agent or casting director.
