How to Choose an Actor Headshot Photographer in Ohio
Choosing a headshot photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your acting career. Your headshot is your calling card—it's what gets you in the room before you ever get to show your talent.
But with so many photographers in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky area, how do you know who's right for you?
As someone who's been photographing actors in the Tri-State area for years, I'm going to share what actually matters when choosing a photographer—even if it means pointing you toward someone else.
First: Understand That Headshots Are a Specialty
Here's the most important thing to understand: not all photographers are headshot photographers.
Your cousin who shoots beautiful weddings? Probably not the right choice. The portrait studio at the mall? Definitely not. That friend with a nice camera who "does photography on the side"? Please don't.
Headshot photography is a specialty that requires specific skills:
- Understanding of how casting directors evaluate photos
- Knowledge of current industry standards
- Ability to direct actors and draw out authentic expressions
- Technical expertise in lighting faces
- Understanding of how different agencies and platforms use headshots
A wedding photographer is an expert at capturing candid moments and orchestrating group shots. A headshot photographer is an expert at making your face look like the best version of you that casting directors need to see.
Look at Their Portfolio—But Look Critically
Every photographer has a portfolio. But not every portfolio tells you what you need to know.
What to look for:
Do all their headshots look the same, or does each actor look like a distinct individual? A good headshot photographer captures what makes you unique, not just applies the same formula to every face.
Look at the eyes in their photos. Are they alive? Engaged? Do you feel like the person in the photo is actually present, or do they look like they're posing for a driver's license?
Check if they show a range of types. Do they photograph men and women? Different ages? Different ethnicities? Different "types"? If their portfolio only shows one kind of actor, they might struggle with others.
Red flags in portfolios:
- Every photo has the same expression
- Heavy retouching that makes skin look plastic
- Outdated styling or backgrounds
- Only headshots of models or beauty shots
- No theatrical/dramatic looks—only smiling commercial shots
Ask About Their Experience with Actors Specifically
There's a difference between photographing actors and photographing professionals who need LinkedIn photos.
An experienced actor headshot photographer understands:
- The difference between theatrical and commercial headshots
- What Heyman Talent, Helen Wells Agency, and other regional agencies look for
- How to create headshots that work on Actors Access and Casting Networks
- The specific requirements for different submission formats
- How to help you show range within a single session
When you're researching photographers, ask them: "What percentage of your clients are actors?" If headshots are just a small sideline to their wedding or corporate work, they might not have the specialized knowledge you need.
Consider Their Understanding of the Local Market
The Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus markets are different from LA or New York. What works for actors in major markets doesn't always translate to regional work.
A photographer who understands the Ohio and Northern Kentucky market knows:
- Regional agencies value authenticity over high polish
- Industrial and commercial work is a major part of the Midwest market
- The Tri-State area has its own casting ecosystem
- What local casting directors and agents actually respond to
Ask potential photographers about their familiarity with local agencies and the regional market. If they can't name the major talent agencies in Cincinnati or Columbus, that's a concern.
The Session Experience Matters as Much as the Photos
Your headshot session isn't just about the final images—it's about how comfortable you feel while creating them.
Questions to ask about the session:
- How long is the session?
- How many looks or outfit changes are included?
- Do you provide direction during the shoot?
- What happens if I'm nervous or struggling to relax?
- Can I see images as we go, or only after?
A great headshot photographer is part photographer, part director, part therapist. They need to help you relax, give you direction that brings out authentic expressions, and create an environment where you can be present rather than self-conscious.
Watch out for:
- Photographers who seem rushed or impatient
- Sessions that are extremely short (under 30 minutes is a red flag)
- No mention of direction or coaching during the session
- Inability to articulate their process
Pricing: What You Should Actually Expect
In the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus market, actor headshot sessions typically range from $200 to $600+, depending on the photographer's experience and what's included.
Be cautious of prices that are:
Too low (under $150): This often means inexperience, rushed sessions, or poor-quality final images. Your headshot is an investment in your career—this isn't where you want to cut corners.
Extremely high (over $800 for a basic session): Unless this includes hair, makeup, styling, and multiple extensive looks, you might be paying for a name rather than value. Big-market prices don't always make sense for regional actors.
What should be included:
- The session itself (typically 45 minutes to 2 hours)
- Professional lighting and equipment
- Direction and coaching
- A gallery of edited proofs to choose from
- Final retouched images suitable for submission
A note on quantity vs. quality:
Be wary of photographers who advertise "50 images included!" or promise huge numbers of final photos. More isn't better when it comes to headshots.
Here's the truth: you don't need 50 headshots. You need 2-4 exceptional images that will actually book you work. Walking out of a session with dozens of photos might sound like a good deal, but it often leads to decision paralysis. You end up confused about which photos to use, and worse—you might choose the wrong ones entirely.
A good headshot photographer helps you identify the absolute best shots, not overwhelm you with options. Quality over quantity, always.
Read Reviews—But Read Them Carefully
Online reviews can be helpful, but look for reviews from other actors specifically.
A photographer might have glowing reviews from families who loved their portrait sessions, but that doesn't tell you anything about their headshot work.
Look for reviews that mention:
- The photographer's ability to give direction
- How comfortable the actor felt during the session
- Whether the headshots actually helped them get auditions
- The photographer's knowledge of the industry
Ask About Their Retouching Process
Retouching is standard in headshot photography, but there's a line between enhancing and altering.
Ask if they do retouching in-house or outsource it.
This matters more than you might think. Photographers who retouch their own images or have dedicated in-house editors maintain quality control over every photo. There's care and intention going into each image.
Many photographers outsource their editing overseas to save time and money. The result? Often over-retouched images that look polished but not authentic. Actors don't need magazine-perfect skin—you need to look like yourself.
When retouching is done in-house, the photographer can ensure consistency with their artistic vision and make adjustments specific to what actors actually need.
Good retouching:
- Removes temporary blemishes
- Evens out skin tone
- Minimizes under-eye circles
- Cleans up flyaway hairs
Bad retouching:
- Makes skin look like plastic
- Dramatically changes facial features
- Removes all texture and character from skin
- Makes you look like a different person
Ask potential photographers about their retouching philosophy. Look at their work carefully—does the skin still look like real skin? Can you see pores and natural texture?
Your headshot needs to look like you. If you walk into an audition and don't match your photo, that's a problem.
Trust Your Gut
After all the research, portfolio reviews, and questions, trust your instincts.
When you talk to a photographer—whether by phone, email, or in person—do you feel comfortable? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you succeed, or are you just another booking?
The best headshot sessions happen when there's a genuine connection between photographer and actor. If something feels off during your initial conversations, it probably won't improve during the session.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Here's a quick checklist of questions to ask any photographer you're considering:
- What percentage of your work is actor headshots?
- Are you familiar with Cincinnati/Columbus/Dayton agencies and what they look for?
- How long is the session, and how many looks can we shoot?
- How much direction do you provide during the session?
- How many final retouched images are included?
- Can I see the images during the session?
- What's your retouching philosophy?
- How long until I receive my final images?
- Do you provide both color and black-and-white versions?
- What's your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
The Bottom Line
Your headshot photographer should be a partner in your career, not just someone who takes your picture.
The right photographer will:
- Have specific experience with actor headshots
- Understand the regional market
- Make you feel comfortable and confident
- Provide genuine direction during your session
- Deliver images that look like you on your best day
- Help you create headshots that actually get you auditions
Take your time with this decision. Look at portfolios. Ask questions. Trust your instincts.
The investment you make in great headshots pays dividends every time a casting director sees your submission and thinks, "I need to bring this person in."
Kim Dalton is a Cincinnati-based headshot photographer specializing in theatrical and commercial headshots for actors throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky. She works with actors at every stage of their careers, from first headshots to established professionals updating their look.