Acting Headshots —
the process.
An acting headshot session at CinePaul works like a short rehearsal, not a photo shoot: we plan your looks before you arrive, Paul — a trained actor — directs you frame by frame at the East Village studio, and you leave with retouched, casting-ready files in 1–3 days. Here is the whole process, and the difference between theatrical and commercial headshots.
Before the session — planning the looks
Once you book by email (a $100 deposit holds your date), we talk about what you actually submit for: your type, the roles on your breakdown, the platforms your photo will live on. From that we plan the looks — how many, which characters, what wardrobe supports each one. Sessions run in 60, 90, and 120-minute tiers, from two looks up to unlimited; the rates page lays out what each tier includes. Bring a few solid-colored, well-fitted layers; we choose together at the studio.
During the session — direction, not posing
The studio is a private space at 203 2nd Avenue in the East Village, with hand-painted canvas backdrops and lighting tailored to each look. Because Paul trained as an actor at a Paris drama conservatory, the direction is specific: a thought to hold, a line to play, a person just off-camera. He watches for the moment an expression actually lands and shoots that — which is how the frames read as you thinking, not you posing. We review images as we go, so you always know what we have.
After the session — selects, retouching, delivery
You get a full online gallery of the session to choose your selects from. The chosen frames are retouched and color-graded — skin kept natural, the cinematic tone coming from the grade and the backdrops rather than heavy filters — and delivered casting-ready in 1–3 days, sized for casting platforms, agents, and print.
Theatrical vs commercial — the difference
Both are standard acting headshots; the difference is the room each is meant for. A theatrical headshot is character-driven — grounded, specific, a touch more dramatic — built for film, television, and stage submissions. A commercial headshot reads warm, open, and brand-friendly — built for commercials, hosting, and print. Most working actors need both, and a session can cover the two sides in separate looks. For a full side-by-side breakdown, see theatrical vs commercial headshots, or start with the actor headshots overview.
Ready to see the results first? Browse the portfolio, then pick a date. Book a session
How long does an acting headshot session take?
Sessions run in 60, 90, and 120-minute tiers. The shortest covers two looks; the longer tiers add looks, wardrobe changes, and more retouched selects. Most actors covering both theatrical and commercial sides book 90 minutes or more so each look gets unhurried direction.
When do I get my headshots?
You choose your selects from a full online gallery, and retouched, casting-ready files arrive in 1–3 days — sized for casting platforms, agent submissions, and print.
Do I need both theatrical and commercial headshots?
If you submit for both dramatic roles and commercial or hosting work, yes — casting expects a different energy from each. They can be shot in one session as separate looks, with wardrobe and lighting adjusted between them.