Casting Wants Truth. Hiring Managers Want Polish.
NYC casting directors look for emotional range and honesty. Midtown recruiters look for approachable authority. One headshot for both usually fails at both.
Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.
The Lighting Grid: Flat Commercial vs Dramatic Sculpting
Corporate executives need broad, flattering light without deep shadows, usually on a clean gray or white paper backdrop. Actor headshots use subtle edge light and negative fill to define the jawline and show character for theatrical submissions.
If a casting director sees heavy studio retouching on your jawline, you can lose the audition before you walk in.
The Eye Connection: Trust vs Storytelling
A LinkedIn or corporate bio photo needs an open, approachable smile that builds trust with clients. Theatrical and stage headshots need active thought behind the eyes, with no forced grin, and show vulnerability or quiet confidence.
To lose the fake corporate stare, exhale through your mouth just before the shutter drops.
The Wardrobe Strategy: Brand Fit vs Character Archetype
Corporate attire should look like the role above your current title: structured wool, silk and tailored collars that fit Manhattan firm dress codes. Acting wardrobe is archetype shorthand, like a detective, a young parent or a tech founder, without turning into a Halloween costume. Dante's Models shoots both kinds of session.
Avoid bright green or stark white tops. They bounce unwanted color cast into the skin under studio strobes.
The Cropping Standard: Full Aspect vs The 8x10 Edge
Corporate images live as circular 1:1 avatars or website banner crops, so they need space around the shoulders and chest. NYC stage and film casting still uses the vertical 8x10 ratio, often cropping slightly into the hair so the focus lands on the eyes.
Budget between $350 and $750 for a legitimate NYC professional session that delivers correctly formatted exports for both uses.
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And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.
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Actor, corporate, and LinkedIn headshots shot in New York City.
NYC Headshot Photographer