What to Do After Getting Headshots: A Step-by-Step Guide for Actors
Headshots and Cold Brews – Scottsdale & Phoenix Actor, Kid, and Business Headshots
So, you’ve invested in professional headshots.
Now what?
This is where a lot of actors get stuck. You finally have strong images, you feel ready to move forward—but you’re not sure what the next step is.
At Headshots and Cold Brews, we work with actors across Scottsdale and Phoenix who are navigating this exact moment. And the truth is:
Your headshot is just the beginning.
Step 1: Start Submitting to Agencies
Once you have a professional headshot, your next move is to start researching talent agencies in your market.
Look for:
Reputable agencies in Arizona
Agencies that represent your type
Agencies actively booking in commercial or theatrical work
Some agencies may allow submissions without headshots—but having one immediately positions you as more serious and professional.
Step 2: Follow Submission Guidelines Exactly
This is one of the most important—and most overlooked—steps.
Every agency has different submission guidelines.
They may require:
Specific file formats
Certain subject lines
Particular materials (resume, slate, etc.)
And yet, many actors ignore this and take a “just send it” approach.
That’s a mistake.
Why This Matters
Following instructions shows:
Professionalism
Attention to detail
Ability to take direction
Agents are not just looking for talent—they’re looking for people who are easy to work with.
If you can’t follow submission guidelines, it raises concerns before they even meet you.
Step 3: Understand the Competition
Agents receive hundreds of submissions every month.
That means:
You are not the only talented person applying
You may fit a category they already have filled
Rejection is part of the process
And that’s okay.
Even if an agent passes on you, it doesn’t mean you’re not right for the industry—it just means you’re not right for them right now.
Step 4: Stay Persistent
Acting is a long game.
Rejection isn’t the exception—it’s the norm.
You will submit and not hear back
You will audition and not book
You may even book and still face setbacks
That’s part of building a career.
The actors who succeed are the ones who keep going.
Step 5: Focus on Growth, Not Perfection
It’s easy to think:
“I need everything to be perfect before I submit.”
You don’t.
What matters more is:
Taking action
Learning as you go
Improving over time
Every submission, every audition, every experience builds your skill and confidence.
Step 6: Find the Right Fit
Not every agent is your agent.
You’re not just looking for someone to sign you—you’re looking for someone who:
Believes in you
Understands your brand
Wants to build with you long-term
This goes back to a core idea in acting:
You don’t need everyone. You need the right ones.
Step 7: Use Your Headshot as a Tool
Your headshot is your first impression.
It should:
Represent you honestly
Align with your casting type
Feel professional and current
For actors in Scottsdale and Phoenix, this is especially important as you compete locally while also submitting to larger markets.
A strong headshot helps you:
Get noticed
Get called in
Get opportunities
Final Thought
Getting headshots is a big step—but it’s not the finish line.
It’s the starting point.
From there, your job is to:
Take action
Stay consistent
Keep improving
And most importantly, don’t get discouraged.
Every working actor has faced rejection, setbacks, and uncertainty.
The difference is—they didn’t stop.
Book Your Headshot Session
If you’re ready to update your actor or business headshots in Scottsdale or Phoenix, visit: HeadshotsAndColdBrews.com
Follow us on Instagram: @HeadshotsAndColdBrews
