There are a lot of photographers in New York City. Scroll Instagram for five minutes and you’ll see dozens of portfolios—clean lighting, good framing, sharp focus. Technically solid.
But that’s not what makes a great NYC headshot photographer.
The real difference? The stuff you can’t always see at first glance. The feeling you get during the shoot. The way the photographer sees you. The way they direct you. The way they help you connect to yourself—so your photo connects with someone else.
Here’s what actually matters:
1. Connection
You’re not just a subject. You’re a person with history, vulnerability, a point of view. A great headshot photographer sees that. They create space where you can relax, let go, and actually be yourself in front of the camera.
This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about authenticity. Casting directors can tell when you’re pretending. They can feel when something’s forced. But they can also feel when something’s real. Connection is what gets that.
As an actor myself, I get how weird it is to try to be open and grounded while also “getting a good shot.” My goal is to make it feel less like a photo session and more like a scene—where you’re just living in the moment, and I happen to capture it.
2. Direction
You shouldn’t have to guess what to do. A great NYC headshot photographer gives direction that feels natural and personal—not robotic or overly posey.
Maybe you need help dropping into your eyes. Maybe your smile feels tense and you need a different thought. Maybe you’re not sure what to do with your hands. That’s my job to help you with.
I’ll adjust your body, your energy, your thoughts—without ever making you feel like you’re doing it wrong. Because you’re not. You just need a guide.
3. Lighting That Serves the Story
Lighting is more than aesthetics. It sets tone. It frames energy. It decides whether your photo says “fun, approachable friend” or “calm, complex soul.”
A great headshot photographer uses lighting that matches your brand—not just their favorite setup. It should sculpt your features, highlight your eyes, and enhance—not mask—your natural presence.
I work with a mix of natural light, bounce, and studio tweaks to build the right world around your essence. No cookie-cutter setups. No drama unless the role calls for it.
4. Efficiency (Without Rushing the Art)
In NYC, time matters. You want a photographer who can move fast and get results. That doesn’t mean rushing through clicks. It means knowing exactly how to get the look without dragging you through a four-hour session.
A great NYC headshot photographer knows how to read the room. If we’ve got it, we move on. If we don’t, we explore more. I build my shoots to be open and flexible—but always focused.
You’ll leave with variety. With range. And with images that actually do something for you.
5. The Vibe
Vibe is everything.
Do you feel seen? Are you laughing? Is there music? Do you feel like you’re collaborating—or just posing? Great headshots come from great sessions.
I build every session to feel like you’re hanging out with someone who’s rooting for you. We talk. We play. We chase moments. Because when you’re relaxed and having fun, you show up.
And that’s when the magic happens.
Bonus: The Actor’s Perspective
Not every NYC headshot photographer understands what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera. I do.
I know how it feels to have a casting director scroll past your submission in two seconds. I know what it means to try to capture 20 layers of yourself in one image. And I know how hard it is to find a shot that actually feels like you.
That’s why everything I do—every light, every prompt, every frame—is built around what works for actors. Not models. Not influencers. Actors.
Want to work with me?
Ready to stop guessing and start showing up with intention: