How much are student headshots?

Student headshots are £225, including a two-hour studio and location shoot and three retouched high-resolution images. Two students sharing a session pay £150 each.

Are the headshots accepted by Spotlight?

Yes. Mad Photography is a recommended Spotlight and Castingcall Pro photographer, and the headshots meet the technical specifications required for both casting platforms.

What should a drama student wear for a headshot?

Bring a few plain, well-fitting tops in mid-tones, avoid heavy patterns and logos, and come as yourself. Mark guides you on expression and angles throughout the shoot.

Drama School Headshots London: Student & Audition Headshots

Q: Do you arrange group sessions for theatre schools?

Yes. We photograph students from leading theatre and drama schools in group and block sessions arranged around the school’s timetable, to a consistent professional standard. Contact us to discuss dates.

Most drama schools ask for a recent, natural head-and-shoulders photo with your application, and many don’t insist on a professional shoot. Always check each school’s current instructions. A professional student headshot is worth it when you want one image that works for your applications now and for Spotlight and casting profiles later. A recommended Spotlight and Castingcall Pro photographer since 1997, Mark Davis has photographed thousands of student and graduating actors. Student headshots are £225, or £150 each on a shared session.

Do you need a professional headshot to apply to drama school?

Not always. Requirements differ from school to school and from year to year. Some ask for a simple passport-style photo, others for an actor’s headshot, and many set their own file size or format. Read the guidance for the exact course and entry year before you book anything. The panel is judging your audition, not your photo. But they will look at the photo, so it needs to look like you on a good day.

When to book: the 2027 entry timeline

For 2027 entry, the UCAS Conservatoires deadline for most undergraduate dance, drama and musical theatre courses is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 (UK time). Schools that take direct applications set their own dates, so check each one. Book your shoot well ahead of your deadline so your retouched images are ready before you upload them.

What drama school panels want to see

A true likeness: current hair, current look, and your real age.
Natural expression: relaxed and open, not posed or “moody” for the sake of it.
Light retouching only: no filters and no smoothed-away skin.
Simple clothing: plain tops in colours that suit you, nothing that pulls focus. See what colour to wear for a headshot.

Can I use an AI headshot?

We’d advise against it. Your photo has to be a true likeness of you, and the casting world is moving firmly towards authenticity. In 2026 the International Casting Directors Association published AI guidelines for casting platforms, and Spotlight welcomed them. A phone selfie of the real you is more useful than a polished image that isn’t quite you. See is a selfie OK for a headshot?

Headshots for student actors

Your headshot is the first thing a casting director sees. For a drama student stepping into the industry, it has to look professional, natural and genuinely like you. We create relaxed, character-true headshots that meet the technical specifications for Spotlight and casting profiles. Graduating performers start auditioning with an image that holds its own against working actors.

Working with theatre & drama schools

We regularly photograph students from leading theatre and performing-arts schools, including group and block sessions arranged around the school’s timetable. Mark has years of experience putting young performers at ease. Sessions stay fun and efficient, so a whole cohort can be photographed to a consistent, professional standard. If you run a theatre school and would like to arrange student headshots, get in touch to discuss group sessions.

Recommended by Spotlight & Castingcall Pro

Mad Photography is a recommended photographer for Spotlight and Castingcall Pro, the UK’s leading casting platforms. Your student headshots will upload correctly and present you the way casting directors expect.

Student headshot pricing

Student headshots are £225. The price includes:

a two-hour studio and location shoot;
a digital viewing session;
contact sheets of 150–200 colour and black & white shots, emailed the same day;
three retouched high-resolution images.

Two students can share a two-hour session for £150 each, and each receives two retouched images. It’s a popular option for friends applying or graduating together.

Drama school headshots: FAQ

Do I need a professional headshot for my drama school application?

Not always. Many schools accept a clear, recent, natural photo. Check each school’s current instructions. A professional shoot makes sense if you also want an image you can use for Spotlight and castings afterwards.

Colour or black and white?

Colour is now the norm for casting profiles, but follow the school’s instructions if they specify. Our sessions include both colour and black & white shots.

How recent does my headshot need to be?

Recent enough that it still looks like you. If your hair, weight or look has changed noticeably, update it.

Can I use my drama school headshot for Spotlight later?

Often, yes, if it still looks like you and meets Spotlight’s upload requirements. Many graduates update their headshots before their showcase.

Can I use an AI-generated headshot?

We don’t recommend it. Panels and casting directors need a true likeness, and the industry is moving away from AI-altered images.

Book a student headshot session →
See full headshot prices, or view actor headshots and kids’ headshots.