ACTOR + MODEL HEADSHOTS NYC‍ ‍

What is the purpose of an actor headshot?

Your headshot is the first thing a casting director sees, and usually the only thing that decides whether they open your resume. It has to read fast — who you are, what you can play — before anyone gets to your credits or your reel. A strong headshot won't get you cast on its own, but a weak one will keep you out of the room no matter what's on your resume. That's the whole job of the session: get an image that reads as you, clearly enough that someone scrolling two hundred submissions stops on it.

What should I wear for my actor headshot session?

When it comes to acting photos, basic clothing is always the best option. We want you to stand out, not the clothing. Choose items that reflect your personal style and suit the characters you typically portray. Avoid busy patterns and opt for solid colors to ensure your features stand out.

Do I need professional makeup for my acting headshots?

While not mandatory, professional makeup for actors and actresses can enhance your features and create a polished look, contributing to more impactful headshots. Also, having another trained set of eyes on set always helps the creative process.

When will I get my photos?

Typically, you'll receive them in one to two days after the shoot, but in certain instances, it may take longer.

What's the difference between an actor headshot and a business headshot?

A business headshot has one job: look credible and approachable in a single clean, professional look. An actor headshot has to show range. Casting directors are reading your photo for who you could play, so the session covers multiple looks — different wardrobe, different energy — and each one needs to land as a distinct type. That's why the actor packages include more outfit changes, more final images, and more retouching than the corporate sessions.

Should I do a FaceTime call before my photoshoot?

It helps, and it's included in Creative Package 2 and the Portfolio package. Fifteen minutes on video lets us talk through wardrobe, the types you're going out for, and what you want the images to do — so you arrive with the right clothes and we're not figuring it out on the clock. It also means we've met before you're standing in front of a camera, which matters more than people expect.

Do you shoot model headshots and portfolio work too?

Yes. Agencies want something different from casting directors — clean digitals that show your face and body honestly, plus portfolio images with more range and styling. The Portfolio package is built for that: five looks, two backdrops, studio and outdoor, hair and makeup on set. If you're testing for representation or rebuilding a book, that's the one. Newer models submitting to agencies usually need less, and Creative Package 2 covers it.

Why does a fashion photographer shoot headshots?

Twenty-five years of editorial and advertising work — GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, campaigns for Ralph Lauren — shooting people who get booked off their images for a living. That work is about reading someone quickly and lighting them so the camera sees what's actually there. A headshot is the same problem with less time and no styling team. It's also why the actor and model sessions here look less like standard headshots and more like editorial: same eye, same lighting, aimed at what casting and agencies respond to.

How do I book a session?

Text or call 646-450-6971, or email info@newyorkheadshots.com. Tell me roughly what date you need. I'll confirm availability, then you can pay here to lock the date. Most people book a week or two out, but same-week is often possible.