Karen Smith

Headshots for actors who hate headshots

It's all about having a great time so you feel relaxed while we get great images. To make sure we're a good fit, I offer a free consultation before you book your session. During your session, I'll direct you to get the best images possible and I might even throw in some custom-made dad jokes just for you. Bad jokes aside, my goal is always to get you the headshots you need to land your next role.

I believe that actors need something special in their headshots.  That’s why I exclusively shoot headshots for actors and entertainers.  I stay on top of trends in New York and Hollywood so you know you're getting the types of images you need for your next submission.  


Headshots don't have to be complicated or nerve-wracking.

My goal is to put you at ease and have a great time so we can get the best headshots for your needs, all in a few easy steps.  
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Consultation

We'll have a short consultation to see if we're a good match and then to make some plans.  
Colton Roberts

Paperwork

There's always paperwork, so you'll sign your contract and model release form, then submit your retainer to confirm your booking.
Amanda Lee

Shoot

We’ll meet, have fun, and get some great images. After we're done, the images will be ready for final selections within a couple of days.
Randy Clarke

Deliver

After you make your final selections, I’ll deliver the retouched digital images within about two weeks.

Headshot packages


London


USD $345


About the London Package
London-style headshots are all about showing the actor or performer as a blank slate. They don't hint at or scream the type of role someone would perform. They're also good for promotions and publicity.
Pricing
London Package - $345
Free consultation prior to booking
One look
One retouched digital image
Online gallery of downloadable proofs
Unlimited usage license for personal use

New York


USD $495


About the New York Package
New York-style headshots are the most popular among my clients who are stage actors and performers. They can be used to show subtle versatility in the types of roles actors can play. Many clients go for one comedic and one dramatic look.
Read more
Pricing
New York Package - $495
Free consultation prior to booking
Two looks
Online gallery of downloadable proofs
Two retouched digital images
Unlimited usage license for personal use

LA


USD $675


About the LA Package
LA-style headshots are good for actors who are submitting for roles in film, television, commercial, and/or stage, and for those who want a wider portfolio of available headshots. This is also a good option if you want character headshots.
Read more
Pricing
The LA Package - $675
Free consultation prior to booking
Unlimited looks (until we lose our steam!)
Three retouched digital images
25 8x10 prints of your favorite headshot
Online gallery of downloadable proofs
Unlimited usage license for personal use

This was a great session. There are some bangers in here! Super excited to see the kind of roles I can book with these.

I was able to book so many amazing roles, and I'm starring in an Apple TV show because of your headshots!!!
Thank you so much! They look great! These will definitely help my career move forward. I will definitely keep you in mind for any future photography needs!

FAQs
The answers to your questions
What is a "look"?
A look is basically an outfit. Any time you change clothes - and often hair, makeup, accessories - it is considered a new look.
How long do the sessions last?
I don't really have a set time limit, but here are some general guidelines:
- London sessions can usually be finished in about an hour.
- New York sessions are usually about 90 minutes long.
- LA sessions usually finish within 3-4 hours, depending on how quickly we find a flow and how many looks you need.

If I'm renting a studio for your session, the time limits will be stricter depending on the studio's requirements. In that case, I'll definitely share the time limits are so we don't have to rush.
Where are headshot sessions held?
There are lots of options. My favorite place is to shoot outdoors on location, so we can find a spot that works for you. I also have a home studio in Baltimore, Maryland that I shoot in.

If neither of those work for you, I'm happy to come to your office, your theatre, or to a space we rent in your neck of the woods.

Please note that studio rentals will incur an additional fee on top of the session fee, so I'll be sure to stay in touch with you if we go that route.
Where is your studio?
My studio is located behind my house in a converted garage in the northeast section of Baltimore, Maryland. It's about a mile east of Lake Montebello.

If you live outside the Baltmore area, I can arrange to shoot in a studio in your area. Just know that an additional fee will be charged to cover the rental of the studio.
How often should I get new headshots?
Some people say you should get new headshots every year or two, but the easiest answer is to get new headshots whenever your appearance changes or you need some for a new purpose. It's always a bad look to use outdated headshots, so I encourage you to update them as often as you need.

Here are some times when your appearance might have changed:
- You gain or lose more than a few pounds
- You have a dramatically different haircut
- You get braces on your teeth or have them removed
- You've gotten older and your skin starts to drift a bit
- You've had a facelift or other plastic surgery
- You have a new scar on your face
- The headshots you use are more than 3-4 years old. Trust me, we all look different than we did a few years ago.
Why is the retainer nonrefundable?
It's because once you book your session, I hold the time and date exclusively for you. That means I can't book anyone else during your time slot. Plus, it covers the time I've already spent preparing for your shoot.

If you need to postpone your shoot, I'm happy to work with you to find a new date, as long as we do it early enough so that someone else can book the time I previously reserved for you.
Can I bring a chaperone?
Yes. Just let me know who you're bringing ahead of time.

Anyone under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian accompany them for the entirety of the shoot.

Teens who are 16 and 17 should bring either a parent or guardian, or a friend who is at least 16 years old. If bringing a friend, we'll need parent/guardian permission first.

Adults 18 and over may bring a chaperone, too.

PLEASE NOTE: Chaperones should not distract from the photo shoot. If they are excessively distracting, the shoot may be cancelled without a refund.
May I bring a hair stylist, a makeup artist, or a wardrobe stylist to my shoot?
Of course, but you should let me know who you're bringing ahead of time. I'll need to know their name and contact information so I can reach out to collaborate, answer questions they may have, and share with them my guidelines for headshot sessions.

Please also note that you are responsible to pay any stylist or artist you bring with you.
What if my agent or manager wants me to get specific looks for my portfolio?
That's excellent! I encourage you to talk with your team members prior to your consultation so you know what they want you to get from the shoot. The more information we have, the easier it is to plan the type of images you need.
What if I'm not sure what kind of shoot I need?
Don't worry. That's one reason I like to have a pre-booking consultation with all my first-time clients. We'll talk through your goals, needs, and lots more so we find the perfect session type for you.

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