Actor Headshots London
Professional casting-ready headshots from £200. Relaxed sessions in South East London with fast turnaround.
163 Google reviews
Thousands of actors photographed
Previous clients include Ross Armstrong (The Crown, Ripper Street and Endeavour), Roger Ringrose (Berlin Station, The Hack and The Long Shadow), Michael Smiley (Kill List, Free Fire and Alien: Earth)
Actor Headshot Packages
Standard
£200
- Session length: 1 hour
- 3 professionally edited images
Best for: Actors needing professional casting-ready headshots
Performance
£330
- Session length: 2 hours
- 6 professionally edited images
Best for: Actors looking to build a strong, versatile portfolio
Also available as a shared session
Add-ons available: One Extra (£25), Help Me Pick (£30), 48h Express Editing (£50), Lucky Dip (£25)
How It Works
Choose and Book
Pick your package and secure with a deposit.
Your Session
Relaxed, guided photoshoot at the Herne Hill studio.
Get Your Shots
Retouched images delivered digitally within 7 to 10 business days.
About Your Photographer
I'm Maxim, a professional actor headshot photographer based in South East London, with more than eight years of experience and thousands of actors photographed in London. My studio is in Herne Hill.
The nearest rail station is Herne Hill (Thameslink), which is seven minutes from Victoria, twelve minutes from City Thameslink and around twenty minutes from St Pancras. Brixton underground station (Victoria line) is a twenty-minute walk or short bus ride, giving direct connections to Victoria (4 minutes), Oxford Circus (9 minutes) and King's Cross (15 minutes). The studio is also a short walk from North Dulwich station with trains from London Bridge, making it genuinely accessible from anywhere in the city.
I photograph actors at every stage of their career, from drama school students preparing for their first agent submission to established performers refreshing their portfolio.
What Makes a Strong Actor Headshot?
A strong actor headshot is clear, well-lit and captures a natural, engaging expression. It should look like you on your best day, not a heavily retouched version of someone else. Casting directors scroll through hundreds of submissions for every role, so your image needs to hold attention within seconds.
Clean lighting, a simple background and sharp focus on the eyes are the foundations. Whether the image is going on Spotlight, Mandy, Backstage or directly to an agent, it needs to reproduce well at thumbnail size and at full resolution. That balance of technical quality and genuine presence is what makes the difference.
Actor Headshots for Drama School Students and Graduates
Graduating from drama school is exciting, and your first set of professional headshots is one of the most important investments you will make. You need images that represent you accurately, show your range and meet industry standards from day one.
Sessions are designed to be affordable without cutting corners. I will guide you through outfit choices, expression and positioning so you leave with headshots that are ready for agent submissions, Spotlight profiles and casting calls.
Headshots for Film, TV, Theatre and Commercial Casting
Different casting contexts call for different energies. A theatrical headshot might lean towards warmth and openness, while a commercial casting shot benefits from approachability and a clean, bright feel. During your session we will cover the range you need, whether you are targeting screen work, stage roles, commercial bookings or a combination of all three.
Transparent Pricing and Value
All packages are priced clearly on the website with no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay, and every package includes your session, a private online proof gallery and professionally retouched final images. Optional add-ons are available if you want extras, but they are never pushed or expected.
Preparing for Your Headshot Session
Bring simple, well-fitted outfits in neutral colours. Layers work well because they let us switch between looks quickly. Avoid busy patterns, bright white and anything you would not normally wear to an audition. Arrive with clean, styled hair as you would usually wear it, and keep makeup natural. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not a different person.
After Your Shoot
Within a few days of your session, you will receive a link to your private proof gallery where you can browse every shot and select your favourites for editing. Retouching is careful and natural, removing distractions while keeping your features authentic. Final images are delivered in high resolution, ready for print, web and casting platform uploads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for my actor headshots?
Bring simple, well-fitted clothes in solid neutral colours. Avoid bold patterns, large logos and bright whites, as these draw the eye away from your face. Layers are great because they let us create distinct looks quickly during your session.
Should I wear makeup?
Aim for a natural, polished look that reflects how you would present yourself at an audition. Light foundation, concealer for blemishes and subtle grooming are all fine. Heavy contouring or dramatic eye makeup tends to photograph poorly under studio lighting and can date your images quickly.
Can I bring a friend or family member to the photoshoot?
Absolutely. If having someone familiar nearby helps you feel more relaxed, they are welcome to come along. There is seating in the studio and a cafe right next door if they want to grab a coffee during the session.
I don't like having my pictures taken, do you offer any direction?
Yes, and most of my clients feel the same way before we start. I guide you through every shot, from posture and angles to expression. By the time we are a few minutes in, the self-consciousness tends to disappear and the results speak for themselves.
Can I get the images in black and white?
All packages include colour images as standard. If you would like black and white conversions, let me know when you receive your proofs and I can provide them alongside your colour edits at no extra charge.
How often should I update my actor headshots?
As a general rule, every one to two years or whenever your appearance changes significantly. If you have changed your hair, lost or gained weight, or simply look different from your current shots, it is time for a refresh. Casting directors expect your headshot to match how you look today.
How many actor headshots should I have in my portfolio?
Most agents and casting platforms recommend between three and six strong images showing different looks and tones. Quality matters far more than quantity. A tight selection of versatile, well-lit headshots will serve you better than a large folder of similar shots.
When will I receive my edited headshots?
Edited images are delivered within seven to ten business days. If you have an urgent deadline, the 48h Express Editing add-on is available for £50 and guarantees delivery within two working days of your session.
Should my headshots focus on a specific character type?
Your primary headshot should be a neutral, authentic representation of you. From there, we can explore different tones and energies during the session to give you range. Casting directors want to see the real you first, then imagine you in the role.
Do you have availability on evenings or weekends?
Weekend sessions are available and can be booked through the online booking system. Evening availability is more limited but does come up, so check the calendar or get in touch if you need a specific time.
Where are you based?
The studio is in Herne Hill, South East London. It is five minutes from Brixton on the Victoria line and twelve minutes from London Bridge, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city.
Are your headshots accepted by Spotlight?
Yes. All images are delivered at the resolution and quality Spotlight requires. They are also formatted for Mandy, Backstage, StarNow and any other casting platform or agency submission you need.
Can I use the headshots for purposes other than acting, such as a personal website or social media?
Yes, the images are yours to use however you like. Many clients use them across LinkedIn, personal websites, social media profiles and printed materials. There are no usage restrictions.
Find the Studio
Herne Hill, South East London. Five minutes from Brixton, twelve minutes from London Bridge.