Quick Answer
The best acting headshots in New York City come from experienced photographers who specialize in capturing performers' essence and personality. Top recommendations include David Genik for his natural, cinematic style; Peter Hurley for timeless flair; Ronald Stewart for bold NYC character; Kathryn Holm for bright and optimistic shots; and Michael Roud for laid-back fun. Schedule consultations to find the ideal photographer match for your brand and budget. Expect to invest around $400-800 for quality headshots showcasing you at your best. The cost quickly pays off by booking more auditions. Take the time to choose the right photographer, prepare thoughtfully, and collaborate on delivering headshots that stand out. Great headshots give you a real competitive edge in NYC's ultra-competitive acting market.
Introduction
New York City is the epicenter of the acting world, home to Broadway, off-Broadway theaters, television studios, and film sets. As an actor in NYC, having professional headshots is absolutely essential for auditioning and booking roles. But with hundreds of photographers to choose from, how do you know where to get headshots that accurately capture your look and will help you land more jobs?
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting great acting headshots in New York City. We’ll discuss:
The importance of headshots for actors
What makes a good headshot
How to choose the right photographer
The top headshot photographers in NYC
Headshot dos and don'ts
Pricing and packages
How to prepare for your shoot
What to expect on set
After your shoot: selecting, editing and retouching
When and why you may need new headshots
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned actor looking for updated shots, read on for tips to get affordable yet high-quality headshots that will impress casting directors.
The Importance of Headshots for Actors
Your headshot is one of the most important marketing tools for your acting career. It's the first impression casting directors have of you and helps them envision you in a role for their project. Unlike a portrait, an acting headshot should capture your personality and acting range while meeting technical guidelines to successfully represent you when printed for casting submissions.
Great headshots are essential for getting auditions and callbacks. Low quality or unprofessional photos can actually limit your ability to get hired. Casting directors see hundreds of submissions and often decide in just seconds whether they want to see more of you. A headshot that stands out makes their job easier and keeps you in consideration.
In New York City where the competition is fierce, investing in top quality headshots from an experienced photographer with a style you like can give you a massive advantage. Your headshots need to look current and reflect the actual way you look today, not 5 years ago. Poorly lit, awkwardly posed or heavily retouched photos scream “amateur”.
With reputable headshot photographers in NYC charging $400-$1000 for sessions, the expense may seem daunting. But remember that headshots are some of the most valuable tools in your acting career. They can pay for themselves quickly when you start booking more auditions and jobs.
What Makes a Good Headshot?
Great acting headshots need to strike a careful balance between creative art and meeting the technical needs of casting directors. Here are the key elements of successful headshots:
Reflects your look: The #1 goal is for your headshot to show your authentic look. Hairstyle, makeup, and clothing should look natural and be part of your personal brand. The photo should capture your eyes accurately and show your skin tone realistically.
Shows your personality: While remaining natural, your expression and pose should give a sense of your personality type(s) and acting abilities. Many actors opt for a “commercial” smile headshot plus a more intense/dramatic version.
Good lighting: Soft, even lighting without heavy shadows hides flaws. Quality lighting can make a big impact. Outdoor natural light or professional studio lighting is ideal. Avoid on-camera flash.
Sharp focus and depth of field: Your eyes should be pin-sharp. A shallow depth of field blurs the background to keep attention on you.
Minimal retouching: Light retouching like color correction and minor skin clean-up is okay, but avoid using “airbrushing” filters. You don’t want the photo to misrepresent your real look.
Composition: Framing, pose, and cropping should be flattering. Leave enough head room above your head and look directly at the camera.
Print quality: When printed at 8”x10” or submitted digitally, your headshot needs to remain crisp and clear, not pixelated or blurry. High resolution files are essential.
Current look: Headshots should show your actual look and hairstyle today. They expire when you get a new haircut, change hair color, gain/lose weight, or age. Plan to update your shots every 2 years.
Choosing an experienced headshot photographer who can deliver photos meeting these standards within your budget is key to getting shots that work.
How to Choose the Right NYC Headshot Photographer
With literally hundreds of photographers offering headshots in New York City, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are tips for choosing:
Check their headshot portfolio: Look through many examples to see consistent quality and check if their style matches what you want. Do they show the actor’s personality and any retouching is minimal?
Read reviews: Reviews give insight into photographers' customer service, how they make people feel comfortable on set, and if clients are happy with the results. Sites like Yelp can be helpful.
Ask for recommendations: Fellow actors who have headshots you like are one of the best sources for referrals. Many photographers specialize in either theatrical or commercial looks, so get recommendations from actors in your niche.
Consider style and branding: For example, if you frequently book hipster roles, select a photographer with modern, edgy samples in their portfolio over a more traditional glamour style.
Meet or have a consultation: The photographer’s personality and communication style matters. You want to feel comfortable with them behind the camera and confident they will meet your needs. Ask questions about their approach.
Compare pricing: Headshot sessions can range from $150 for limited mini-sessions up to $1,000+ for an extensive experience with makeup, hair, wardrobe changes and a high volume of shots. Set a budget before inquiring so you can quickly narrow down options.
While cost is a factor, the real value comes from getting shots good enough to keep working. Saving money on a photographer who delivers mediocre results that you can’t use professionally is false economy. Prioritize quality within your budget.
Top Headshot Photographers in New York City
Here are our top picks for headshot photographers that consistently deliver excellent results for NYC actors:
1. David Genik Headshots
Location: Manhattan
Price Range: $200 - $1000
David Genik is our top choice for headshots in NYC. He’s worked with major networks like HBO, Netflix, NBC, and Showtime and photographed A-list celebrities.
Genik’s style of headshots look extremely natural yet cinematic. He’s a master of lighting that flatters. He also guides you to relax and express authentic personality and emotion. Many clients describe his warmth and ability to quickly put them at ease.
The value is clear in his results. David’s headshots empower actors to compete at the highest level in NYC. While his packages are an investment, they quickly pay off by booking jobs.
2. Peter Hurley Headshots
Location: Chelsea
Price Range: $550 - $850
Peter Hurley built his reputation as a fashion and headshot photographer for major brands like Levi’s and Reebok. His style captures the “essence” of actors with a timeless yet modern flair.
Hurley spends extensive time with clients, coaching subtle expression and movement to organically channel emotion. He nails the technical aspects like flattering lighting and optimal framing. While pricier than some, his headshots have an intangible quality that makes them shine.
3. Ronald Stewart Headshots
Location: Midtown West
Price Range: $400 - $700
Ronald Stewart has 30+ years experience photographing actors and entertainers. He keeps up with changing headshot trends to balance timeless appeal with contemporary style.
Stewart meticulously sculpts studio lighting to be both edgy and flattering. He guides actors through an array of expressions and poses to deliver a range of commercial to theatrical options. His headshots have a bold yet authentic New York City vibe.
4. Kathryn Holm Headshots
Location: Midtown East
Price Range: $400 - $650
Kathryn Holm creates headshots with a bright, warm style that feels optimistic. She builds strong rapport with her clients to capture relaxed, real expressions.
While painting with light, Holm keeps retouching minimal. Her goal is for headshots to get actors in the room, not misrepresent their look. She also offers business and portrait sessions in a range of styles.
5. Michael Roud Photography
Location: Union Square area
Price range: $350 - $550
Michael Roud has over 20 years experience photographing actors’ headshots in NYC. He creates a fun, laid-back environment while maintaining professional results.
Roud combines natural light with strobe for optimal skin tone and catch lights in the eyes. His retouching enhances without overly smoothing or altering the subject. Widely praised for putting clients at ease, his vibe shines through in the shots.
Headshot Dos and Don'ts
Succeeding with your headshot session requires planning and preparation. Follow these tips:
DO get a good night's sleep to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Hydrate for fresh, vibrant skin.
DO have a hairstyle and makeup that look natural and polished, but still like your typical look.
DO wear solid color clothing free of loud logos or distracting patterns. Neutrals and jewel tones work well.
DO come with a range of emotion levels and smiles to try - from subtle to broad. Experiment!
DO follow the photographer's coaching to adjust your pose, expression and eye line. Trust their guidance to get shots that work.
DO relax and have fun! The best shots come from authentic, unforced emotion.
DON'T book a photographer without seeing full resolution examples of their headshot work.
DON'T get drastic hair/style makeovers right before your shoot that don't represent your real look.
DON'T wear heavy makeup that covers up your features and skin texture.
DON'T overpluck your brows or grow them out weeks before. Do regular maintenance.
DON'T stress over minor temporary flaws like a pimple or dark circles. Good photographers know how to minimize them.
DON'T force an inauthentic smile - it will look unnatural. Don't undermine your brand.
Following basic best practices will help you look your best and get the most out of your session. Trust your photographer to guide you - the results are what matters most.
Headshot Pricing: What to Expect
Headshot prices vary based on factors like session length, location, amount of retouching, and the experience level of the photographer. Here is a general breakdown of pricing tiers in NYC:
Budget: $150 - $300
Mini sessions, limited looks, few included retouched photos.
Moderate: $300 - $600
1-2 hour session with multiple looks. More extensive retouching and included photos.
Premium: $600 - $1000+
Up to 4+ hours with hair, makeup, outfit changes, and high volume of different poses shot. Very extensive retouching.
Photographers may offer prints, digital downloads, or both. Extra fees often apply for touch-ups, printing, and usage rights.
While budget options under $300 are tempting, quality usually suffers. Be wary of Groupon deals too good to be true.
At the premium end, you pay for an in-depth experience with high-end retouching and a large volume of photos delivered. Top photographers' rates reflect their expertise and brand value.
For most actors, expect to invest $400 - $800 for headshots from an established pro photographer in NYC. This gives quality that makes your investment pay off in bookings.
How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Advance preparation ensures you look and feel your best for headshots that capture the real you:
Pick your wardrobe: Select at least 2 outfits in solid colors that represent your brand. Keep patterns and logos minimal. Bring extras to give your photographer options.
Style your hair: Get a tidy haircut or trim if needed. Style it the way you typically wear it day-to-day. The camera sees more than the mirror.
Prepare your skin: Hydrate, avoid sodium, and minimize alcohol to reduce puffiness. Get facials or other treatments at least 1 week before.
Trim/groom: Neatly shape or trim facial hair. Tweeze, wax eyebrows into a natural yet polished shape.
Study inspiration: Look at headshots of actors who resemble you or your “type”. Note poses and expressions.
Share references: Provide examples you like to your photographer so they understand the look you want.
Know your brand: Prepare 2-3 adjectives describing your essence and acting brand so your personality shines through.
Rest up: Get a good night’s sleep to reduce under eye circles and have energy.
Hydrate and nourish: Drink extra water and eat healthy foods with antioxidants. Avoid excess salt, sugar and alcohol which can bloat you.
Preparing both externally and mentally will instill confidence and help create your best photos.
What to Expect On Your Headshot Photo Shoot
Professional headshot sessions are fun and interactive. The photographer leads you through locations, poses, and expressions to get the perfect shots. Here's a typical agenda:
Consultation: The photographer greets you, learns about your needs and goals, and makes you feel comfortable. Location options are reviewed.
Makeup and hair: Minor touch ups to shine on camera - powder, lips, flyaways. Not for major beauty makeup.
Wardrobe: Review the outfits you brought. Select looks and change into the first one.
Backdrops: Simple solid color backdrops are common. May also use urban settings.
Posing and lighting: The photographer guides you through flattering stances. Pro lighting setups are adjusted.
Expression: Smiles, serious gazes, etc. Subtle direction helps emotions read as authentic. Lots of variety to choose from.
FLOW: You ease into a flow together collaborating through many, many shots. Photographer helps you relax and have fun with it.
Outfit changes: More wardrobe and backdrop combinations are set up for fresh looks.
Review: At the end, the photographer will often do an initial edit with you on set. Flag favorite options before wrapping up.
This guided process results in a range of natural expressions and relaxed confidence that shines in your final edited photos.
After Your Headshot Session: Editing and Retouching
You’ll work closely with your photographer through the editing process to get headshots you love:
Initial edit: Typically the photographer does an initial edit first, pulling their top photo choices.
Review: You'll get online gallery access or a slideshow meeting to review and give feedback on which shots you favor.
Expression and look selection: Curate your expressions - commercial, dramatic, smiling, serious. Cover your acting range.
Basic adjustments: Global adjustments like color correction, exposure tuning, cropping.
Blemish clean up: Minor skin smoothing, stray hair removal. Not overly airbrushed.
Retouching: More extensive adjustments like removing blemishes, evening skin/hair color, whitening teeth.
Feedback: You approve the final retouched photos or request tweaks and additional edits.
Printing and digital delivery: Determining file sizes, print packages, usage rights.
Collaborating with your photographer ensures you get headshots you love and accurately represent you.
When Do You Need New Headshots?
You've invested in great headshots. How long will they last before needing new ones?
Significant weight loss or gain - new face shape
Aging - staying current as you mature
New hairstyle - cut, color, growing out greys
Major life change - if your look shifts significantly
Fresh start - reinventing your acting image
Improved skills - elevating from amateur to pro photos
Bookings slow down - update your look to revitalize your brand
Every 2 years - headshots expire and start to look dated
Scheduling regular check-ins every year or two keeps your photos fresh as you evolve. Investing in new shots can quickly pay off by boosting your bookings.
Key Takeaways
Great headshots are crucial for NYC actors to book auditions and roles.
Choosing an experienced headshot photographer matches your needs and style.
Prepare your look, skin, and mood to shine on camera.
Have fun collaborating on your session for authentic results.
Retouching should enhance without dramatic changes.
Update headshots every 1-2 years as you mature and reinvent your brand.
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Introduction |
|
| Importance of Headshots |
|
| Elements of Good Headshots |
|
| Choosing a Photographer |
|
| Top NYC Photographers |
|
| Headshot Dos and Don'ts |
|
| Pricing Overview |
|
| Preparing for Shoot |
|
| What to Expect On Set |
|
| Post-Shoot Editing |
|
| When to Update Headshots |
|
| Conclusion |
|
Conclusion
Getting exceptional headshots is a milestone achievement for actors in New York City. In an ultra-competitive market, they are essential tools to booking coveted roles in theater, television, and film. By investing time in careful research and preparation, actors can find the ideal photographer and collaborate to create headshots that authentically reflect their brand and acting abilities.
The key is choosing an experienced photographer whose style matches your needs and who can guide you to relaxed, natural expressions. When your personality and uniqueness shine through, casting directors take notice. Ongoing maintenance through minor retouching and updating your look every couple years ensures your headshots continue to work for you.
While professional photos require an investment, it quickly pays dividends by getting your foot in the door to audition. In an image-driven entertainment industry, headshots make or break whether you’re considered for coveted roles amongst fierce competition. Take your time to get them right, and great headshots become some of the wisest investments an actor can make in their career.