ACTOR HEADSHOTS
Unscripted Actor Headshots in Midtown NYC
Real Character. True Beauty.
Midtown | Theatre District | New York City Studio
Having photographed thousands of wonderful people across every walk of life over the decades, I’ve found that character and beauty go hand in hand—capturing your real character, with proper lighting and angles, reveals your true beauty. My Midtown space sits right in the heart of NYC’s Theatre District: a simple workshop focused on genuine creative collaboration. Having run my own headshot studio in NYC for over 20 years, alongside studying film at NYU Tisch and completing intensive actor training at William Esper Studio and HB Studio, I approach every session with a sincere appreciation for the actor’s life, craft, struggle, and dreams.
Great headshot portraiture isn’t about marketing tricks or posing for a checklist—it’s about honest human connection. Because of my background as a student of film and my own training as an actor, our sessions focus on how you naturally move and express yourself rather than stiff, artificial posing. I create an easy, open space where genuine moments happen quickly and naturally—keeping your unique style intact, which is of the utmost importance for your career.
Photographing NYC’s Creative Community for over 20 years.
Your Headshot Shoot!
When you step into my studio for an actor headshot session, the focus is always on keeping things easy, professional, and fun. We start by sitting down to chat through your goals and favorite wardrobe choices. Lighting, background tones, and camera angles are precise technical tools, but they serve a singular purpose: capturing your authentic self and unique temperament—whether charming, gritty, or anywhere in between.
With intuitive direction and quick check-ins along the way, we keep the session flowing naturally while capturing genuine, unscripted reactions. Seeing your images as we move along allows us to adjust expressions, fine-tune wardrobe pairings, and make sure we lock in the organic energy of who you really are. You will leave the session knowing we’ve captured who you are today.
My goal as an NYC headshot photographer is to give you an affordable, zero-pressure experience where you can let your guard down—delivering a positive, collaborative environment and updated headshots that showcase your unique individuality. I keep my rates straightforward and accessible, making it easy to keep your portfolio fresh whenever your look evolves. Reach out anytime to book a session or set up a quick consultation—I’d love to collaborate with you.
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
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
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
5 High-Res Retouched Master Images
Full License for Agency, Web, & Print
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 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.
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.
How We Work Together
A clear, collaborative process from start to finish.
1. Preparation & Consult
We start by reviewing your wardrobe and casting targets, mapping out specific looks for the roles you actually get called in for.
2. The Shooting Experience
With responsive direction and quick check-ins along the way, we keep the session flowing naturally while capturing genuine, unscripted reactions.
3. Gallery & Master Edits
Receive your private online proofing gallery within 24 to 48 hours, followed by expert retouching on your chosen master images.
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.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
- Had a great experience working with David! He was professional, friendly, and made the whole process easy and comfortable. I really appreciated how responsive he was to my feedback, and I’m very happy with how my professional headshots turned out. Highly recommend!
- David is a hell of a photographer with great energy that went above and beyond expectation
- David is the best of the best – incredibly talented and patient, we spent an hour working together to capture the best shot and through several rounds of editing. David is a perfectionist and I would highly recommend working with him on your next project!
- David is AMAZING and did such a great job with my photos. He made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera and made it so easy!!!
THE COLLABORATIVE FLOW
The Unique You — 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.
Genuine Personality — 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.