NYC Actor Headshot Photographer | Dorothy Shi

What Is an Actor Headshot?

An actor headshot is a professional portrait used for casting and auditions. It’s the photo that appears on your profile and submissions- often the first thing a casting director sees before reading your résumé, watching your reel, or requesting a self-tape.

A true actor headshot is not a glamour photo. It’s castable, current, and honest. Dorothy Shi should clearly show:

• what you look like right now
• your age range and overall "type"
• a natural, believable expression
• clear eyes and strong presence (without trying too hard)

Actor headshots are used for:

• casting submissions (film, TV, commercials, theater)
• agency/manager submissions and rosters
• audition requests and self-tape packages
• press kits, playbills, and professional bios

In NYC, your headshot is your first audition- it’s how you get into the room.

Who Needs Actor Headshots in NYC?

If you're pursuing acting in New York City, professional headshots are essential- NYC is a competitive market and casting expects clean, modern, accurate images.

You need actor headshots in NYC if you are:

• an actor submitting for film, TV, theater, or commercials (union or non-union)
• new to acting and building your first professional package
• a working actor updating your look, brand, or casting range
• submitting to agents or managers (headshots are required)
• a theater performer who needs strong, expressive “legit” headshots
• a commercial actor who needs approachable, bookable images
• graduating from an acting program or conservatory
• returning to acting after time away and need updated materials
• anyone whose appearance has changed (haircut/color, weight change, facial hair, braces off, etc.)

If your headshot doesn't match you when you walk into the room, it can cost you opportunities- NYC casting moves fast and relies on accuracy.

What Makes a Great Actor Headshot?

A great actor headshot is a combination of truth + intention. It feels like you, but it’s shaped to help casting understand where you fit, and why they should bring you in.

Here’s what matters most:

1. It Looks Like You (Authentic and Current)

Casting needs accuracy. Heavy editing can work against you. The best headshots are clean, natural, and real- polished but not "filtered."

2. Strong Eye Connection and a Real Expression

The most successful headshots have alive eyes and an expression that feels human, specific, and believable. Not posed. Not performed. Just present.

3. It Communicates Your Casting (Commercial + Theatrical)

A strong set usually includes at least two directions:

• Commercial: warm, friendly, approachable, optimistic
• Theatrical: grounded, confident, more serious or character-ready

You’re not acting a scene- you’re showing range through subtle shifts.

4. Wardrobe That Supports Your Type

Wardrobe should enhance- not distract. Simple pieces and solid tones help casting focus on your face while still suggesting your brand (professional, edgy, youthful, authoritative, etc.).

5. Clean Lighting + Modern Composition

Great headshots are technically strong: flattering light, sharp focus, uncluttered background, and framing that emphasizes your face and expression.

6. Expert Direction (So You Don’t Have to Guess)

Most people don't need more poses- they need better coaching. Great headshots come from expert posing and expression direction, so you look confident, natural, and bookable without forcing it.

2026 Actor Headshot Special

4-Look Actor Headshot Package — $575

Includes professional hair & makeup by Stacy Donnelly, wardrobe guidance, indoor studio plus outdoor natural-light setups, and 8 expertly retouched images.