Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Most actors don't need dozens of character headshots. They need the right ones.
In this episode of Adorama TV, Gary Hughes works with a real actor to create three specific character looks requested by her agent: a professional office worker, a procedural television character, and a supportive best-friend type.
Along the way, you'll see how subtle changes in wardrobe, expression, posing, and lighting can help create believable character-driven images without relying on costumes, stereotypes, or random character concepts.
Rather than building a portfolio full of disconnected looks, this approach focuses on creating targeted images that support an actor's goals and help casting directors envision them in specific roles.
In this video:
• What actor character headshots are
• Why agents and coaches often guide character development
• Professional character headshots
• Procedural television character headshots
• Best friend character headshots
• Directing actors for specific roles
• Wardrobe and styling choices
• Creating believable character-driven portraits
SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
🔷
Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Fuji XH2 Mirrorless Camera
adorama.com/fujifilm-x-h2-mirrorless-camera/p/ifjxh2
Fujifilm 50-140mm 2.8
adorama.com/fujifilm-xf-50-140-mm-f-2-8-r-lm-ois-wr-lens/p/ifj50140xf
Tether Tools AeroTrac Workstation Kit
adorama.com/tether-tools-aerotrac-workstation-foldable-pro-kit-laptop-stand/p/ttatwsprokit
Tether Tools Optima 10G Cable
adorama.com/tether-tools-tetherpro-optima-10g-15-ft-usb-c-cable/p/ttcuc15g2org
Manfrotto Xtra Carbon Fiber Tripod
adorama.com/manfrotto-290-xtra-3-section-carbon-fiber-tripod-legs/p/bgt290xtc3us
Manfrotto Grip Action Ball Head
adorama.com/manfrotto-322rc2-grip-action-ball-head-quick-release/p/bg322rc2
Westcott Eyelighter 3
adorama.com/westcott-eyelighter-3-reflective-panel/p/we5333
Glow EZ Lock 12x56" Quick Strip Softbox
adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-12-x-56-inch-quick-strip-softbox-bowens/p/glsbez1256
Glow ParaSnap 44" Octa
adorama.com/glow-parasnap-44-octa-sterlingfibre-softbox-flashpoint-xplor-mount/p/glsbps44go
Flashpoint Turtle Base C-Stand Cross Arm Boom Kit
adorama.com/flashpoint-turtle-base-c-stand-cross-arm-boom-kit-10-5-ft/p/fplscba
Kupo 5/8 Offset Arm
adorama.com/kupo-kg006512-baby-5-8-offset-arm-chrome-plated/p/kukg006512
Flashpoint XPLOR Pro II TTL Pocket Round Flash Head Kit
adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-100-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-round-head-kit/p/fplfx100piik
Flashpoint EVOLV 200 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii
Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-600-pro-ii-r2-ttl-outdoor-flash-godox-ad600pro-ii/p/fplfx600piit
#headshotphotography #portraitphotography #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop adorama.com
➥ Blog adorama.com/alc
➥ Adorama Events youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents
__________________________________
More of Gary Hughes
YouTube: youtube.com/c/GaryHughesOfficial
Instagram: instagram.com/garyhughesofficial
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
Most actors don't need dozens of character headshots. They need the right ones.
In this episode of Adorama TV, Gary Hughes works with a real actor to create three specific character looks requested by her agent: a professional office worker, a procedural television character, and a supportive best-friend type.
Along the way, you'll see how subtle changes in wardrobe, expression, posing, and lighting can help create believable character-driven images without relying on costumes, stereotypes, or random character concepts.
Rather than building a portfolio full of disconnected looks, this approach focuses on creating targeted images that support an actor's goals and help casting directors envision them in specific roles.
In this video:
• What actor character headshots are
• Why agents and coaches often guide character development
• Professional character headshots
• Procedural television character headshots
• Best friend character headshots
• Directing actors for specific roles
• Wardrobe and styling choices
• Creating believable character-driven portraits
SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
🔷
Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Fuji XH2 Mirrorless Camera
adorama.com/fujifilm-x-h2-mirrorless-camera/p/ifjxh2
Fujifilm 50-140mm 2.8
adorama.com/fujifilm-xf-50-140-mm-f-2-8-r-lm-ois-wr-lens/p/ifj50140xf
Tether Tools AeroTrac Workstation Kit
adorama.com/tether-tools-aerotrac-workstation-foldable-pro-kit-laptop-stand/p/ttatwsprokit
Tether Tools Optima 10G Cable
adorama.com/tether-tools-tetherpro-optima-10g-15-ft-usb-c-cable/p/ttcuc15g2org
Manfrotto Xtra Carbon Fiber Tripod
adorama.com/manfrotto-290-xtra-3-section-carbon-fiber-tripod-legs/p/bgt290xtc3us
Manfrotto Grip Action Ball Head
adorama.com/manfrotto-322rc2-grip-action-ball-head-quick-release/p/bg322rc2
Westcott Eyelighter 3
adorama.com/westcott-eyelighter-3-reflective-panel/p/we5333
Glow EZ Lock 12x56" Quick Strip Softbox
adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-12-x-56-inch-quick-strip-softbox-bowens/p/glsbez1256
Glow ParaSnap 44" Octa
adorama.com/glow-parasnap-44-octa-sterlingfibre-softbox-flashpoint-xplor-mount/p/glsbps44go
Flashpoint Turtle Base C-Stand Cross Arm Boom Kit
adorama.com/flashpoint-turtle-base-c-stand-cross-arm-boom-kit-10-5-ft/p/fplscba
Kupo 5/8 Offset Arm
adorama.com/kupo-kg006512-baby-5-8-offset-arm-chrome-plated/p/kukg006512
Flashpoint XPLOR Pro II TTL Pocket Round Flash Head Kit
adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-100-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-round-head-kit/p/fplfx100piik
Flashpoint EVOLV 200 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii
Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-600-pro-ii-r2-ttl-outdoor-flash-godox-ad600pro-ii/p/fplfx600piit
#headshotphotography #portraitphotography #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop adorama.com
➥ Blog adorama.com/alc
➥ Adorama Events youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents
__________________________________
More of Gary Hughes
YouTube: youtube.com/c/GaryHughesOfficial
Instagram: instagram.com/garyhughesofficial
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
