Actor Headshots in NYC
Professional headshots for casting calls and auditions
Our New York City actor headshot sessions are designed for performers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. A session at our photo studio is the most affordable and stress-free way to get high-quality headshots that make a strong impression for your acting career.
Our experienced photographers will guide you through each step to capture natural, confident expressions. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, and we’ll help you select the best images for your casting submissions and online profiles. We aim to make every session productive, comfortable, and fun, so you can focus on showing your best self on camera.
We photograph a variety of looks and expressions to highlight your range. All headshots are delivered in high resolution and professionally formatted for print, websites, and online submissions such as Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage.
- Ideal for beginners and background actors
- up to 60 min session
- 2 looks
- over 150 high-res images
- same day delivery
- fantastic support team
- Ideal for trained actors
- up to 90 min session
- up to 4 looks
- over 250 high-res images
- same day delivery
- fantastic support team
- Ideal for a working actor looking to show their range
- up to 3 hour session
- up to 8 looks
- over 600 high-res images
- same day delivery
- fantastic support team
Please keep in mind that casting directors prefer to see you as you are, with minimal to no makeup or retouching.
Retouching
from $25- per image
Removing imperfections or blemishes, hair flyaways, cleaning eyes, whitening teeth.
Submit for RetouchingHair and Makeup
$250
Includes makeup and light hair styling. Takes one hour prior to your photo session.
Book HMU SessionWe accept cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay
Before a casting director ever meets you, they meet your headshot. In the half-second it takes to scroll past your photo on Actors Access or Casting Networks, it has to answer one question: who do you play? A working actor’s headshot is not a flattering portrait, it is the cornerstone of your brand, the single image that tells the industry your type, your essence, and the roles you are right for.
That is the difference we build into every NYC actor session. We are not just taking a nice picture, we are helping you market a specific, castable version of you, so the photo does the work of getting you in the room.
Every strong headshot is a character read. The warm, grounded lead. The sharp authority figure. The dry comedic best friend. The intense antagonist. Each one lives in the eyes, the energy, and the smallest shift of expression, and each one points you toward a different lane of work.
Casting reads the eyes first, so we direct from the inside out. We give you a point of view to play and an inner thought to hold, so the look reads as a real person with a real story, not a blank, posed smile.
This is where our multi-look sessions earn their place. In our Pro and Max packages the extra looks are not just outfit changes, each is a deliberate character: we shift wardrobe, energy, and expression to build distinct, submission-ready types from a single sitting.
Before we shoot, we talk through the roles you are submitting for and the brand you want to project, then shape every look around that. We review images with you on screen as we go, so you leave knowing exactly which shot lands which type.
Commercial vs. Theatrical
Commercial headshots are bright, open, and approachable, the relatable face that books national spots, print, and friendly on-camera roles. Think genuine warmth and an easy, trustworthy energy.
Theatrical headshots carry more depth and character, the grounded, dramatic read that casting wants for film, television, and stage. Same actor, different story in the eyes.
Most actors submit with both. A single Basic look covers one strong type, while Pro and Max give you room to build a commercial read, a theatrical read, and the specific characters in between.
How many looks do I need for actor headshots?
Most actors want at least a commercial and a theatrical look. Beginners booking one strong type do well with Basic (2 looks); trained and working actors usually want the 4 to 8 looks in Pro and Max to cover more casting types. We help you decide based on what you are submitting for.
What is the difference between commercial and theatrical headshots?
Commercial is bright, warm, and approachable for spots and friendly roles. Theatrical is deeper and more character-driven for film, TV, and stage. Most actors want both, and our multi-look sessions are built to capture them in one sitting.
Will you help me find my type and direct me during the shoot?
Yes. Before we shoot we talk through your casting types and goals, then direct expression and inner thought throughout so each look reads as a specific, castable character. We review on screen as we go so nothing is a guess.
What should I wear to express my casting type?
Bring clean, well-fitting solid colors that signal the types you submit for: warmer and softer tones for commercial, sharper or darker for theatrical. We help you map outfits to looks on the day. See our acting preparation guide.
Do I need makeup or retouching?
Casting directors want to see the real you, so we keep it natural with minimal to no retouching. Light professional hair and makeup is available if you want it, but the goal is that you look exactly like you do when you walk into the audition.
What files do I get, and are they formatted for Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage?
You get all of your high-resolution images, same day, professionally formatted for print and for online casting profiles including Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage.
Studio or outdoor, and where are you located?
Both. We shoot in our Times Square studio at 260 W 44th Street, 5th Floor, and can add natural-light outdoor looks nearby.
How soon will I get my photos?
Same day. You leave your session with all of your high-res images.
How to Prepare
Everything to get you camera-ready for your Acting session — what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day.
How to PrepareWhere to Print
In most cases your digital files are all you'll need. But if you're heading to a casting, a printed headshot is still a good idea — here's where to get it done right.
Where to Print