Chicago Area Actor Headshots — Individual Sessions in Geneva, IL
Theatrical. Commercial. Everything in between.
Know Your Look
Knowing the difference — and having both — is what separates the actor who submits confidently from the one who hesitates.
Theatrical
Used for dramatic roles, film, stage, and episodic submissions. The look that tells a casting director you can play the role they’re actually casting — not just any role. Think earth tones, structured layers, nothing that screams costume.
Commercial
Used for advertising, TV spots, and commercial work. Shows likability, energy, and relatability. The look that says you could sell something — and people would trust you.
What to Expect
No experience required. No idea how to pose? That’s fine. Every session is fully coached from the first frame to the last.
01 — Direction
Every expression, angle, and energy is guided. You’ll never stand there wondering what to do with your hands.
02 — Live Review
Every image appears on a tethered screen in real time. You know exactly what you’re getting before we move to the next look.
03 — No Rush
If you want one more look, we do one more look. Shorter sessions can always extend — we’ll upgrade you on the spot.
04 — Camera-Shy? Perfect.
Nervous energy usually becomes natural confidence within the first few minutes. It’s part of what the coaching is for.
Sessions
Your headshot may determine whether you get the chance to walk into the room. All sessions include real direction, professional retouching, and same-to-next-day delivery.
For applications & submissions
$275
30 min · 1 look
A clean, single-look headshot for applications, school submissions, or a first professional photo. Quick, sharp, no-frills.
Want to keep going? We’ll upgrade you to Slate on the spot.
For working actors
$400
Up to 45 min · 2 looks
Your theatrical and commercial looks in one session. The standard package for working actors — two distinct shots for two distinct opportunities.
Want to keep going? We’ll upgrade you to Range on the spot.
Full range for every role
$850
Unlimited time · 5 looks
The full picture. Unlimited time, unlimited outfit changes, five complete looks. For actors who want every casting director to see exactly what they can do.
The Work
Theatrical. Commercial. Teen and adult. Every shoot is different — here’s a look at the range.
★★★★★
Real sessions. Real reactions.
★★★★★
“I had a really great experience with my headshot session with Justin! He was kind, attentive, and made me feel completely comfortable. He was creative and also listened to my ideas, which made the whole experience fun and collaborative. The photos turned out amazing.”
Bryce Ann
Actor Session
★★★★★
“He did absolutely amazing! He is very easy to work with, and he made it super fun but he was very professional as well! I 10/10 recommend him, he is great at what he does!”
Kileigh Peters
Actor Session
★★★★★
“I haven’t taken a lot of photos and was nervous about getting headshots done. After experiencing him work in action that anxiety got thrown out the window. Justin made sure I was comfortable and actually enjoying the experience.”
Cole Carpenter
Actor Session
★★★★★
“He walked her through the process and made everything feel very natural. The photos turned out incredible — we could not be happier with them!”
Clare Conger
Parent of Teen Actor
★★★★★
“[Full review text — replace with real review from recent actor shoot]”
[Reviewer Name]
Actor Session
Common Questions
The eyes. Everything else is secondary — wardrobe, background, lighting. A great headshot has alive, energized eyes with real thought behind them. That’s what stops a casting director mid-scroll. Every session is built around getting you there — real direction, real coaching, not just clicking the shutter.
Think about the types of roles you want to be called in for. Each look should communicate something different about who you could play. If you’re just starting out, one strong look is enough. Working actors typically need at least two. Our Range session gives you five complete looks.
For theatrical: earth or muted tones, a structured jacket or layered top that implies a character without being a costume. For commercial: brighter, cleaner solid colors. Always avoid logos and busy patterns. Bring more options than you think you’ll need.
Yes — parents are always welcome for the full session. A familiar face often helps younger clients relax. We just ask that direction comes from the photographer so we can keep the session focused.
For Express or Slate: Same or next day. For Range: Up to 5 days. You’ll review and select your favorites during the session, and we will get to retouching immediately.
You can book directly online here or reach out to discuss times/dates not shown on my scheduler.
Theatrical headshots are character-driven — used for dramatic roles, film, stage, and episodic submissions. Commercial headshots are brighter, warmer, and more approachable — used for advertising, TV spots, and commercial work. Most working actors need both.
If you’re actively submitting for a range of roles, yes. Having both dramatically expands the opportunities you can submit for. If you’re focused on one specific type of work, one strong look may be enough to start.
No — and you shouldn’t. Casting directors expect you to look exactly like your headshot when you walk in the room. We keep retouching natural and true to you. Clean skin, good color, minor blemish removal — nothing that makes you unrecognizable.
Express is 20-30 minutes (1 look). Slate is up to 45 minutes (2 looks). Range is unlimited time with unlimited outfit changes (5 looks). Sessions can always extend — we can upgrade you on the spot.
Our studio is in Geneva, IL — about 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago. We also do on-location sessions for certain projects. Contact us if you have something specific in mind.
Ready?
Tell us which session you want and your preferred dates. We’ll take it from there.
Book Your Session
Tell us which session you’re interested in and we’ll get you on the calendar. We respond within one business day.
Chicago’s Premier Headshot Studio.
Geneva, IL · Serving all of Chicagoland.
★★★★★
124 Google Reviews
Community
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