Actor Headshots York

For actors who need headshots that feel current, honest and actually like them.

You already know you need good headshots.

The harder part is getting images that feel like you.
Not over-posed.
Not over-polished.
Not like you’re trying to look like an actor.

I trained as an actor before I became a photographer, so I understand how strange it can feel when the camera is suddenly on you.

I’ll direct you through it properly, keep the session calm, and help you get headshots that feel natural, useful and true to you.

For Spotlight, agents, casting profiles, theatre programmes, websites and social media.

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Totally at ease and super comfortable headshot session
I would highly recommend Sam at York Headshots for an amazing service. Phoebe is 16 and new to the industry he totally put her at ease and made her feel super comfortable. He knew exactly what we needed and how to get the shots required with ease, professionalism and patience. The photos he produced are incredible and we can’t thank you enough. Thanks Sam. We will definitely be back when we need a refresh.
Charlotte Garner

Actor headshots for performers at every stage

Whether you’re updating your Spotlight profile, refreshing your agent images, applying for drama school, or building your first proper set of headshots, the session is shaped around what you need the images for.

Some actors only need a clean update. Others need a broader set with more variety across outfits, expressions and feel. We’ll keep the process simple, but make sure there is enough range in the final gallery for you to have real choice.

I trained as an actor before becoming a photographer, so I understand that actor headshots need to sit somewhere quite specific. They should not feel like corporate headshots, but they should not become theatrical character portraits either. The best ones usually sit somewhere in the middle: clear, natural, professional and still recognisably you.

Headshot Pricing

There are three session options, depending on where you are with your headshots.

If you already have a set you’re happy with and just need one fresh image, the Refresh Session keeps things quick and simple.

If your current headshots are out of date, or you need a clean set of images for Spotlight, casting profiles, agents or websites, the Headshot Session gives you a strong core set without overcomplicating the process.

If you want more variety, more outfit options and a broader set of images to use across different platforms, the Portfolio Session gives us more time to create range without rushing.
You do not need to know exactly which one is right before you book.

THE REFRESH

A quick, simple session for anyone who just needs one strong updated headshot. Ideal for a casting profile refresh, LinkedIn update, or a new business portrait without committing to a longer shoot.

20 minute studio session
1 outfit
1 fully retouched high-resolution image

£100

Book

THE STUDIO SESSION

A headshot session with enough time to settle in, build confidence, and create a small set of strong, versatile images. A great option if you want more choice without going all in on a full portfolio update.

1 hour studio session
2 to 3 outfits
4 fully retouched high-resolution images

£150

Book

THE PORTFOLIO (MOST POPULAR)

The most complete option. More time, more variety, and more room to create a broader set of images. Alongside strong headshots, this session gives us space to create more portrait-led images too. Perfect if you want a gallery that feels more rounded, with a mix of clean headshots and photos with a bit more shape, style, and personality.

2 hour studio session
4 to 5 outfits
8 fully retouched high-resolution images

£250

Book

15% student/under-18 discount

STUDIO ACTOR HEADSHOTS IN YORK

York Headshots is based in my private studio in York.

It is quiet, calm and built for headshots.

Clean light. Simple backdrops. No distractions.

Perfect to help you relax and get strong actor headshots.

What to bring

Bring a few outfit options that feel like you, but give us some room to work.

You do not need to bring half your wardrobe. A handful of strong, simple choices is usually enough.

Plain tops, shirts, jackets, knitwear and layers can all work well. Different necklines, colours and textures can also help us create variety without making the images feel too styled or forced.

Try to avoid anything with large logos, busy patterns, or anything that feels too much like a costume. Actor headshots should show you, not the outfit.

Most importantly, bring clothes you actually feel comfortable in. If something looks good but makes you feel awkward, it will probably show.
If you are not sure whether something will work, bring it anyway. We can look through everything before we start shooting and decide what makes sense on camera.

Retouching and delivery

After your session, you’ll receive a private proof gallery so you can choose the images you want me to edit.

I keep retouching clean and natural. Temporary distractions can go, like spots, stray hairs, small marks or anything that would not normally be there. But I will not reshape your face, smooth your skin into plastic, or edit the image until it stops looking like you.

The finished headshots should feel polished, current and professional, while still looking like the person who will actually walk into the room.

Once you’ve chosen your favourites, I’ll retouch your final images and deliver them as high-resolution files, ready to use for Spotlight, casting profiles, agents, websites, programmes and social media.

GOT SOME QUESTIONS?

For the 1-hour Headshot Session, bring 2 to 3 outfit options.

For the 2-hour Portfolio Session, bring a few more so we have more room to create variety.

You do not need to bring half your wardrobe. Just enough choice for us to shape the session properly.

Yes, if that would make the session easier for you.

Just keep it to one person, and ideally someone who will help you feel comfortable rather than make you overthink.

Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

Yes. Student rates are available on the 1-hour Headshot Session and 2-hour Portfolio Session with valid student ID.

Absolutely fine, if, once your session is done you want more images than are in your package, I’m happy to retouch additional images at £20 per image.