The First Frame of the Year
Headshots for Actors Who Want to Stand Out
The beginning of the year always feels like an open page, waiting to be filled with stories. And how fitting it is to start this chapter with a headshot—a single frame that hints at untold narratives.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Nichoy Diah, a talented actor on the rise. It was our third session together, and seeing his growth has been nothing short of inspiring. There’s something magical about working with actors. They inhabit emotions so fluidly, moving between vulnerability and strength, and that makes capturing them on camera a deeply collaborative act.
But headshots are more than just portraits; they’re tools that speak for you when you can’t. For casting directors, who sift through hundreds of photos, a great headshot is the one that lingers—a glimpse of possibility, a spark that sets you apart.
The Search for Authenticity
In my years as a photographer, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: overly edited headshots that erase the very essence of the person. Brightened eyes, unnaturally smooth skin, and overly vibrant tones may catch the eye, but not for the right reasons. As someone who’s worked closely with actors, I can tell you this: casting directors and filmmakers want to see the real you.
In film, where every close-up can reveal a character’s soul, authenticity matters. A headshot that feels honest—not smoothed or overly polished—builds trust. It allows casting directors to imagine you in a role, to see the range of emotions you can bring to the screen.
A Life in Film
Photography wasn’t always my world. Before I found myself behind the lens, I was a film director in Moscow. Those were days filled with creative collaboration—writing scripts, directing on set, and developing characters with actors. I once co-wrote a feature film script with a celebrated actress from Moscow, an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of acting. Sitting together, we worked through every dialogue, layering meaning and nuance into the story. It was in those moments that I learned how actors truly build their characters: through careful observation, emotional exploration, and a deep connection to the text.
In Moscow, it was common for actors to invite directors to see them perform on stage. Theater was their workshop, a place to explore range and depth. I loved those evenings in the theater, where I could witness the transformation of an actor across roles. Cinema captures moments, but the stage lets you see the breadth of their craft.
When circumstances forced me to emigrate, I turned to photography. It was a way to stay connected to storytelling, to frame emotions and narratives in a single shot. While I miss directing, photography has given me a new lens—literally and figuratively—through which to explore my passion for people and their stories. One day, I hope to return to film, but for now, I see each headshot as a small piece of cinematic storytelling.
Choosing the Right Photographer
When it comes to headshots, choosing the right photographer is as important as the shot itself. It’s not just about technical skill; it’s about finding someone who understands you, your craft, and your aspirations. My approach is deeply influenced by my years in film—creating images that feel alive, authentic, and quietly cinematic.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your professional portfolio, a great headshot is an invitation. It’s your way of saying, “Here I am. Let’s create something extraordinary together.”
So, as casting calls ramp up this season in New York City, Jersey City, Hoboken, and beyond, take a moment to think about your headshots. Are they telling the story you want to tell? And if not, perhaps it’s time to create something that does.
Because at the end of the day, a headshot is more than an image—it’s your first frame, the opening scene of a story only you can tell.
