Get Started- Your First Actor Headshot

If you're new to the business, we want to make getting a great headshot easy.
SCROLL DOWN for more info and photo samples. Any questions- Please email.

Then and Now

Before we went digital- most headshots were black and white.

Where will we shoot?

I shoot mostly in NYC- your location or mine. My other locations- The Hudson Valley & The Catskills - Bucks County & Philly, PA - NJ & the Jersey Shore - Westchester, NY - CT - Washington DC - and of course LA.

Lighting

I find most agents and managers prefer daylight shots. The kids are more relaxed and get a natural shot this way. Plus every headshot can be unique. Indoor sessions are always available and even preferred for certain shoots- like some model portfolio shots, corporate headshots, family portraits, pet portraits, and shooting with small children and babies. Lighting is a choice. I am experienced in all types of lighting.

Legit or Commercial Headshot?

I shoot a variety of shots- Headshots (face shots), 3/4 (body shots), Legit (for TV and Movie auditions) and Commercial (for TV,  comedy and commercial auditions). Most headshots have a more serious look. If you have a great smile- you should showcase it. Here are some Legit vs Commercial actor headshots.

How much will a Headshot cost?

Private shoots available at your location or mine. Private headshot sessions start at $400. Prices vary depending on the client's age and needs- types of shots, location, and also if it's a private, share or group session. You can schedule your own Share-a-Shoot with a friend, or a Group-Day-Shoot for 3-4 actors. Let me know and we will discuss the discounts. A share or group day is fun for the kids! Plus, you can also join a scheduled group-day. Adult Headshot sessions start at $500, and may require a make-up artist. Baby and toddler photo shoots offered at a special rate. A Stylist (make-up, hair or clothing) is available at an additional cost- fee paid directly to the stylist. Retouching and prints are also additional- paid directly to the retouching or printing lab. Please Email to discuss your session needs.

It's a great compliment when a casting director tells a client-
I like your headshot, and it looks like you.

Wear a hair style you can easily maintain. Get your hair trimmed, but not too much! As an actor- your hair needs to stay consistent. Ask your agent/ manager before you think to change your look.

Do Not Over-Pluck Eyebrows! Your eyebrows should be kept as natural as possible. They define your face. Look at photos of the top working kids, and you will see that most have natural eyebrows.

Moist, un-chapped lips are a must! Please wear Carmex (or your favorite lip balm) starting 3 days before your session. A pimple or two...will not ruin your photo day! Skin can be retouched. Some teens can benefit from a teen facial, or should visit a dermatologist.

If you want to be a working actor- All of this grooming needs to be done ahead of time, and as an ongoing routine if you are to be ready for an audition or job.

Make-up, Hair, Clothing

I'm always glad to do light make-up and hair for kids and teens. A Make-up artist may be required for older teen girls and adults. Clients should come with hair styled the way they wear it on auditions- then we can take it from there. Wardrobe styling is available- a NYC Stylist/ Personal Shopper for sessions like corporate headshots and model portfolios.

Discuss clothing with your child's manager/agent. Every rep has specific requests- what they do and do not like. Certain hair-dos, preferred poses...Some may prefer a simple look, others may require you to have several looks. Always ask before you shoot. You can also look at the choices my clients made.

One great shirt is better than bringing your whole wardrobe! Shoes are not needed. Yes, some parents do bring two suitcases full of pants and shoes! Pick age-appropriate clothes that compliment you- and favor the roles you may play. The clothes you choose will project a definite look. I don't suggest clothes that are too specific to one type of role an actor might play- if you dress in a ballerina tutu, baseball uniform, or party dress- that's the part the casting director will see as when they look at your headshot.

Keep it simple. Avoid busy patterns. Pick colors that compliment. The clothes should not take away from the face. It is very important that the clothes fit well, especially around the neck area- try them on and look in the mirror! Make sure they are comfortable and they move well when you do! Make sure they are steamed/ ironed and in good condition. I will help you choose when I see the clothes you bring. If you are doing modeling shots, you will need several full outfits, and those shoes.

The Week Before Your Shoot

Get your hair trimmed and take care of eyebrows, teeth cleaning, and clothes shopping- whatever you need to get done. Treat your headshot session just like you would an important audition or job. Please try to clear your schedule for one day! Don't try to squeeze your photoshoot into an already OVER-booked day. Remember to let your agent/ manager know you are shooting and need to book-out for that day. If you have an important audition or call-back, do not schedule your session on the same day. Weekend shoots are available to make scheduling easier.

Shoot Day

Get sleep and eat a good breakfast before your shoot! Bring water, and a healthy snack. Perhaps a protein shake drink.

Do not wear perfume the day of your photo shoot. It is a professional courtesy for photo sessions, auditions, and on set when you work. Do not bring clothing that is saturated with perfume.

No cell phones ON-SET. If you need to take a break to go check your phone- that is fine. I find it very distracting for a client/ or parent to be on the phone while we are shooting. You will not be on your phone if you book a job.

Proofs, Retouching and Prints

After we shoot you will view your raw proofs online and you/ your representatives will choose your headshots- usually a legit (serious) shot, and a commercial (smile) shot. Then the raw files will be digitally retouched. After we approve files, they will be sent to the printer.

This can all be done via the Internet. If you can not go into NYC to view a test print and/ or pick up your headshots- they can be shipped to you. Printing costs run about one dollar per headshot.

Most submissions are now done online -so most clients choose one Legit headshot, and print 25-100 (8x10) paper copies to hand out. Some choose a 2nd commercial shot. It is up to you. Remember- if you have a great smile- showcase it! It is more cost effective to have several shots done for web-viewing only.

Kids change- so best not to print too many! Most of my clients use these 3 trusted headshot printers. Check out their websites for location, prices and if needed- shipping options too.
Quick Color
Reproductions
ModernAge

Web-Viewing Files

We will supply you with the finished print files, and web-viewing files of your finished headshots. Web-viewing files are used for online submissions and websites like Actors Access Casting  and  IMDb. Prints and Web-viewing files available with or without borders.

Publicity Photos

Headshots are printed as (8x10) color prints with the actor's name on them. Digital files are color, but the finished product can be saved as a B&W file to use for Playbill entries, publicity, and press photos. Use your headshot to make business cards, postcards, CD covers and other promotional tools.

Model Comp Cards and Composite Acting Prints

Actors that do commercial print work (modeling) can also print a (6x9) model comp/sed card with their print agent's logo on it. Sometimes you want to show more than one look. Some child actors group 2 or 3 photos on a (8x10) print.

Sometimes we snap a family portrait for framing and greeting cards.

Actor Demo Reels & Headshot Webpages

Visit the Gallery page for more headshots. Have fun reading the newsletter archives. This site is for clients referred to us by their child's agent, manager, acting teacher or vocal coach, or by a past client. This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, legal, financial or any other type of professional advice.