ACTOR HEADSHOTS
Unscripted Actor Headshots in Midtown NYC
Photographing NYC’s Creative Community for over 20 years.
Midtown | Theatre District | New York City Studio
Unscripted Moments. Real Character
I believe the most compelling headshots aren’t planned—they’re discovered. In my Midtown studio, right in the heart of the Theatre District, we create a free-flowing, low-pressure environment that taps into your authentic energy, capturing the raw, visceral character types that actually get you called into the room.
Getting You Out of Your Head and Into the Moment
Having studied film at NYU Tisch, completed the two-year acting program at the William Esper Studio, and trained under Austin Pendleton at HB Studio, I approach every session through both a director’s lens and an actor’s craft. I understand truthful impulse, moment-to-moment behavior, and cinematic screen presence.
Headshots Shot for Actual Casting Types
Casting directors make decisions in seconds. We direct and frame your session around the specific character types you actually get called into the room for:
The Procedural Professional
Sharp, authoritative, and focused—the detective, lawyer, doctor, or FBI agent on a TV drama.
The Warm Commercial
Friendly, engaging, and trustworthy—the relatable parent, approachable coworker, or tech startup founder.
The Antagonist / Anti-Hero
Intense, complex, and grounded—the brooding outsider, gritty investigator, or corporate schemer.
The Next-Door Lead
Earnest, honest, and accessible—the loyal best friend, relatable partner, or indie film protagonist.
The Quirky Character
Distinct, energetic, and vivid—the eccentric tech expert, high-strung assistant, or comedic relief.
How We Work Together
A clear, collaborative process from start to finish.
1. Preparation & Consult
\We review your wardrobe and character targets at the start of your shoot, mapping out specific looks for the roles you actually get called in for.
2. The Shooting Experience
Using impulse-based direction and instant on-site proof previews, we ditch stiff poses to capture honest, grounded reactions in real time.
3. Gallery & Master Edits
Receive your private online proofing gallery within 24 to 48 hours, followed by expert retouching on your chosen master images.
THIS IS FOR: Actors who need a sharp, targeted shot for an immediate audition, a single commercial look, or a drama school submission.
1 Look / Wardrobe Concept
20-Minute Collaborative Studio Session
Signature Lighting & Background Setup
Immediate On-Site Proof Review
1 High-Res Retouched Master Image
Private Online Proofing Gallery
THIS IS FOR: Working actors who need the core duo every agent asks for—one warm commercial look and one grounded dramatic character.
2 Distinct Looks / Wardrobe Changes
Lighting & Mood Shifts Between Looks
40-Minute Collaborative Studio Session
Immediate On-Site Proof Review
2 High-Res Retouched Master Images
Private Online Proofing Gallery
THIS IS FOR: Performers who need a full portfolio update—capturing their complete range across commercial, theatrical, and ¾ portraits.
3 to 4 Distinct Looks / Wardrobe Changes
Headshots + ¾ Editorial Framing
75-Minute Deep-Dive Studio Session
Immediate On-Site Proof Review
5 High-Res Retouched Master Images
Full License for Agency, Web, & Print
Frequently Asked Questions
Bring clothes that fit well and represent your specific casting types. Jewel tones, earthy solids, textured layers (jackets, blazers, knits), and clean necklines work best. Avoid heavy logos, distracting neon colors, or overly busy patterns. We’ll review your wardrobe together at the start of the session to select the best options for your target roles.
For headshots, we strongly recommend keeping your look close to how you walk into an audition room—natural, clean, and authentic to you. Male actors generally come camera-ready. Female and non-binary actors are welcome to do their own makeup or bring a professional artist. If you need a recommended HMUA, let us know after booking and we’ll share our preferred artist list.
You’ll review your proofs on-site immediately after our session, and your private online gallery will be sent within 24 to 48 hours. Once you select your final retouches, high-resolution edited images are delivered within 5 to 7 business days.
We don’t just put you in front of lights and press a button. Drawing from Meisner and impulse-based acting technique, we direct you through specific character objectives, inner monologues, and active beats during the shoot. You won’t be stuck holding a fake smile—we capture real, grounded reactions.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date on the calendar, with the remaining balance due on the day of the shoot. If you need to reschedule due to an audition, illness, or emergency, you can transfer your deposit to a new date with at least 48 hours’ notice.
The Midtown Studio Experience
20+ Years of NYC Energy Behind the Lens
No Poses, Just New York Energy
We ditch rigid postures to capture genuine reactions, dynamic movement, and authentic character beats as they happen.
Built for Working Actors
Two decades of shooting NYC talent means we know exactly what casting directors look for—and how to get it out of you on camera.
Real-time progression: tracking subtle shifts in character, energy, and expression across a single session.
The Beyda Edge: A Sixth Sense for Authenticity
NYU Tisch & William Esper Studio Background
I’ve been capturing the energy of NYC’s talent in the heart of Manhattan since 1997. Having trained in Film at NYU Tisch and the Meisner technique at the William Esper Studio, I understand the craft from both sides of the lens.
My sessions ditch stiff poses for an unscripted, intuitive flow. It’s like catching a wave together—uplifting your energy until the focus shifts, the camera disappears, and we hit that groove where the moment just becomes real.
The Collaborative Groove
Drop the “Camera Face” — I build a zero-pressure space where you drop the stiff posture and just be yourself. That’s where we catch the unscripted look that actually looks like you.
A Free Exchange of Ideas — We work together to unlock range. It’s an interactive flow of ideas to find expressions a rigid set of poses could never capture.
Your Vision, Amplified — I start with the specific looks and casting profiles you need to hit, then build on them to take the session in unexpected, high-impact directions.
No Generic Shots — I’m always digging deeper—finding that genuine, individual personality that makes your headshot stand out in a stack of thousands.
Your Success is My Commitment
I’m not finished until we’ve captured a look that feels confident, polished, and incredible—and most importantly, until you are truly happy with the way you look.