The Basics
Where are you based?
Our family lives in Brooklyn. We frequently travel to New England and work out of our studios in Providence, RI, Boston, MA, and Cambridge, MA.
Can I book a session in New England?
Absolutely! We offer self-booking for preset travel dates; please head to our booking page to get started.
Can I book a session in NYC?
Soon! We will be permanently residing in Brooklyn by May 2025, and our plan is to open a physical studio location there in the fall of 2025. Self-booking will be available at that time. In the meantime, please head to our contact page to inquire about setting up a headshot session in NYC.
What are your rates?
Sessions start at $440. However, most clients invest around $1000.
Do you offer hair & makeup services? How much do they cost?
We do! We highly recommend hiring one of our amazing artists; you can learn more about them on our "about" page. Hair and makeup starts at $240.
Do I receive all of the photos from my session?
We usually create between 800-2500 images per session, and will do a first cull to remove any blinky/blurry/badly lit/boring shots. The selects will be edited and are yours to download and use, but we highly recommend requesting retouching on any images you intend to print or use in an online portfolio.
I'm not an actor, can I book with you?
Yes! While obviously much of our marketing and portfolio is actor-centric, we very much enjoy working with musicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, small businesses, and more. However, the pricing and booking process for non-actors is completely different from what is shown here. Please head to nilescottstudios.com to check out our non-actor work.
Do you photograph live theatre? What about events?
My wife and I consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have been the preeminent theatre photographers in New England for over a decade. We still travel to Boston to cover lots of performances, and are actively seeking opportunities in New York City. We also occasionally photograph events such as galas or opening night parties. We are open to wedding coverage, though only through referrals. Please see our work at hallandhawver.com.
Booking your shoot
When are you available to shoot?
We generally offer between two and six shoot days a month in New England. These dates are chosen well in advance and are based around prior travel plans. We offer a mix of weekdays and weekends.
NYC availability is TBD, but we should be flexible and able to offer sessions in NYC as soon as April 2025.
How do I book with you?
Please head to the booking page to get started with self-booking a session in New England. For NYC sessions, please reach out via our contact form.
Do you require a retainer?
Yes. All sessions require a non-refundable $200 retainer fee.
Can we talk before I book?
Absolutely! We're happy to offer a discovery call at no charge. Head to our contact page to get started. (We highly recommend chatting before booking- it helps so much!)
Do you offer discounts? What about payment plans?
We offer a $50 discount to returning clients, and a $100 discount to current college/grad students. These discounts are only applicable to the longer session types; the mini session is not eligible for discounts. We do not offer payment plans.
How can I pay for my session?
Every session requires a nonrefundable $200 retainer to hold your appointment time. This retainer will be applied towards the total cost of your session. The balance can be paid with check, cash, or Venmo/Zelle/PayPal and is due on or before the day your shoot.
The hair/makeup artists are paid separately and prefer Zelle/Venmo/Paypal, though cash, check, or card are fine.
How soon can we book a session?
It very much depends on our schedules, but it may be possible to meet as soon as a couple of days in advance. We highly recommend trying to book a shoot at least six weeks out, however.
I checked the booking calendar and none of the times work for me. What do I do?
Unfortunately, we are unlikely to be able to offer any alternate dates or times outside of what is on the booking page. You're still welcome to reach out, however, and we may be able to work something out. We are unable to travel to New England from NYC for a single headshot session, and we work to consolidate our bookings into as few dates as possible.
Can I share a session with a friend?
Yes! We offer a special duo session where two people share a time slot. Please use the booking page to get started.
How soon can I expect to have my final photos?
We generally deliver a gallery of edited images/proofs within one week of our shoot date. If you require your proofs sooner, let us know and we'll see if we can make it happen. Once you make your selections for retouching, you can expect final images within one week.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
Your $200 retainer is not refundable under any circumstances.
If you need to reschedule your shoot, you must do so at least seven days in advance. You may reschedule your shoot one time (at least seven days in advance) without requiring a new retainer.
If you must reschedule your shoot fewer than seven days in advance, you will be required to book a new session with a new retainer.
Cancellation of your shoot will result in the loss of your retainer.
Remember, our availability in New England is extremely limited, so please make every effort to keep your shoot as scheduled. Rescheduling a session in New England may mean pushing your session a month or more.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we have a link to purchase gift certificates on our rates page. You may also contact us to purchase a session on behalf of another person.
Locations and logistics
Where are your studios?
The Cambridge studio is near the intersection of Rt. 2 and Massachusetts Ave, just a little northwest of Davis Square. The Providence Studio is at the Rooms & Works complex in the West End of Providence. The Allston studio is by the old Regina Pizzeria in Lower Allston (same building as where Boston Casting used to be). We do not have a location in NYC just yet, but stay tuned!
Do you shoot outdoors?
While we think outdoor headshots can be spectacular when weather and lighting conditions are perfect, we vastly prefer shooting indoors. We have selected and built out all of our studios so that we have the ability to provide the blurred background look of an outdoor photo inside. Additionally, we find that outdoor headshots provide less of an opportunity to tell a story in a photo, particularly for screen actors. All that said, if you really do want to shoot outside, we're always up for it, but will be honest about whether the current climate and light will be conducive to good results.
How many shoots do you do in a day?
We move quickly and tend to shoot three or four sessions per day, especially in New England, where we work to consolidate sessions as much as possible. You may briefly see another client as you end or begin your session. We may also have another client in the hair and makeup chair while we take photos. Don't worry -you will not see or hear the client in the makeup chair while we are shooting!
Are the studios different? Should I choose one over another?
The Cambridge, Allston, and Providence studios are large, climate-controlled, welcoming, spacious, clean, and comfortable, and offer private changing, makeup/hair stations, and client seating areas. There are restrooms and drinking water available. All three are easily accessible from major highways, with easy parking, good food, and coffee a short walk away from each. All studios are full of interesting environmental features, varied textures and light sources, and are loaded with top-of-the-line lighting, equipment, and backdrops to make a huge variety of portraits. Assuming you're looking for actor headshots and not environmental portraiture, all three studios are functionally identical.
Is there parking at the studios?
All three studios have free, readily available off-street parking, though parking in Cambridge, while guaranteed for your car, is limited to two spots.
Do you shoot with natural light?
Sometimes! Almost all of the images in our portfolio are from sessions lit with studio lighting, however.
Why do you have so many studios?!
We offer hourly rentals at all of our studios. If you are a creative looking for a space to rehearse, teach, or make media, please check out our rental pages for more info.
Are your studios accessible?
The Providence studio is on the second floor of a renovated factory and does not offer elevator access. Please let us know if this presents an accessibility issue, and we will make every effort to get you some amazing headshots, whether it means shooting outside, moving the shoot to Cambridge or Allston, or bringing the studio to you.
Choosing a package
What package should I pick?
We offer three packages, which hopefully cover the needs of most actors. If you need help choosing a package, please don't hesitate to reach out via email or phone.
What is the Full Session?
We'll have up to ninety minutes from when you walk in the door (or get up from the makeup chair) to get as many looks as we can fit into that time. This session is great for actors who need more time to breathe and relax, have a wide range of looks they'd like to capture, or need help with planning their shoot in the room. We will have time to discuss clothing and strategy in much more detail than we would in the Mini Session. Depending on the day and your needs we may go longer or shorter than ninety minutes but we'll try to stick to that timeframe. We recommend aiming for six looks in this session, though your mileage may vary. While the makeup artist may be present throughout the shoot, significant mid-session changes to hair/makeup are not possible. People with beards may trim or shave during this session. You will receive 4 complimentary retouched images with this session.
Can we take photos that aren't headshots?
For the Mini Session, no. For the Full Session and Ultimate Session, yes, but your primary goal should be headshots. If you'd like to spend some of our session shooting simple full-body portraits we probably can, but we're going to spend a good amount of time setting up backdrops and lighting, which will majorly cut into our shoot time. Anything other than a headshot or simple full-length portrait (such as a branding photo, editorial shoot, etc.) will require you to book a separate portrait session with per-image pricing.
What is the Mini Session?
We'll have thirty minutes from when you walk in the door (or from when you finish your hair and makeup) to get as many looks as we can fit into that time. You may get lucky and end up with a little more time, but we try to keep it short and sweet. Not recommended for the camera-shy or folks who really need a wide range of looks. You should arrive to this session with your looks planned out in advance, or only aim for two or three looks if you're not sure what to wear. We will have very little time to choose clothes and get comfortable, so come ready to work! This session is a great fit for high school and college students, as well as experienced actors looking for a quick, specific update to their portfolio. This session includes two retouched images.
What is the Ultimate Session?
This session is best for experienced actors looking to get serious about their on-camera career. We'll have up to five hours in the studio to get a wide range of super-specific looks. We'll have time to do major changes to hair and makeup as well, and the makeup artist will stay the entire shoot. You will receive six complimentary retouched images with this session.
What is a "look"?
Honestly, we still have trouble defining this term. Every photographer and client is different, and we'll do our best. Usually it’s a big change- a backdrop or outfit or lighting setup or hair and makeup change, or some combination of those. Since we price our sessions based on studio time instead of looks, it shouldn't be that big of a concern.
Pre-shoot preparation
How should I prepare for my shoot?
Most importantly, READ EVERYTHING. This website, as well as the websites of many other headshot photographers, casting directors, and educational resources, have pages and pages of information about how to approach a headshot session. We're available to chat via phone before you book, which we highly recommend.
My session is in two weeks- what should I do now?
First, you should have most of your looks chosen by now. Make sure you're not going shopping right before your session. Start putting aside clothes you own to be washed and prepared for our shoot. Think about what music you might want to listen to in the studio. Schedule a call with us if you haven't done so already. If you're getting a haircut or manicure or other self-care, now would be a good time to do so. It might also be wise to stop drinking alcohol and avoiding food with lots of salt, as these things may make you look puffy or red on-camera. You may want to start wearing a mask in crowded areas to avoid getting sick, and be sure to avoid any activities that could be a risk for injury.
How many/what clothes should I bring?
I would highly advise against coming in with too few choices- at least six tops is a great start. Conversely, please do not pack your entire closet- bringing say, twenty or thirty or more choices to a shoot is overwhelming and we'll waste a lot of time managing clothes.
The best way to make sure you're making the right amount of clothing choices is to plan ahead- definitely take advantage of the opportunity to speak with me before our shoot so we can strategize about hitting the sweet spot between 'too many choices' and 'not enough.'.
Should I bring a steamer? What about a lint roller?
Nope! All studios are equipped with steamers and lint rollers.
I just booked! What should I do now?
First, head to the contact page and book a phone call with us. It's free and we'd love to hear your story and help you get started on the right path to success in our shoot.
Second, start looking at headshots- mine, other photographers, friends, etc., to get some inspo for styles and vibes you like and don't like.
Third, start asking friends and colleagues questions like "what celebrity do I remind you of", "what TV shows do you see me being on", "what was your first impression of me," "if you didn't know, what age would you think I am," "what part of the country or world would you think I was from," and more. This will help you get an idea of how you might be seen by casting directors and what looks you might want to focus on for your shots.
Finally, take stock of your wardrobe. You shouldn't feel the need to buy an entire closet of new clothes for our session, but seeing what you have and what you need is a great idea so you can start shopping for or borrowing tops that will fill in any gaps.
My session is tomorrow! What should I do?
Get your outfits packed and ready and be sure to grab a water bottle and some snacks. Resist the temptation to go out or stay up late, and try to keep today as chill as possible. Stay away from anything that might make you sick or injure you, and go to bed early. Double-check addresses and directions, and make sure your transportation to the studio is all set. Rest, relax, and get ready for the big day!
What about glasses and/or jewelry?
If you really wear glasses, I'd bring them - they can be great for character looks and for adding variety to the shoot. We'll do a couple of test shots with them to check for glare; if it looks like they're going to be a problem we can either pop out the lenses if you're comfortable with that, or you can use one of a few pairs of lensless glasses I keep onsite.
Feel free to bring jewelry, hats, accessories, and more, especially for film/tv/commercial shoots. I am always totally fine with any of those pieces, assuming they help reinforce the story of the photo and they're not incredibly distracting.
During the shoot
I'm running late! What do we do?
If you're less than five minutes late, no big deal. If you're shooting a Mini Session and are more than five minutes late, you start to seriously cut into our shoot time. If you expect to be late for a Mini Session, please text or call us ASAP and we'll see what we can do. It may be possible to have you start a little later, or swap you with a later session.
For the Full or Ultimate Session, being fifteen minutes isn't that big of a deal, but we still may not be able to make up that time.
If you are severely late and we are unable to reschedule the same day, you will be required to pay a new retainer and book a new session.
If, for any reason, *we* are running late, we will let you know ASAP and will do everything we can to make sure you are given the time you need at your convenience.
Can we listen to music during the shoot?
Yes please! All studios have Sonos sound systems and we've got an Apple Music subscription, so most songs and artists you’d like to hear will be available. You’re also welcome to bring your own device and jam out to your favorite playlist(s).
What about snacks/drinks/adult beverages?
There’s always fresh drinking water at the studios. As far as food, we do not keep snacks on-site, but we recommend bringing something small for the Full Session, and possibly a larger meal for the Ultimate Session. All studios have a fridge and microwave.
If you’re over 21, a couple of drinks can sometimes help with nerves, and it is fine with us if you want to partake before or during the session.
Can I bring people/pets to my session?
If you think it’ll help you relax and feel comfortable, sure! All three New England studios have lots of room for guests to hang out, and if you’re planning on bringing a pet just make sure and let us know in advance.
Of course, if you are under 18, we request that your parent/guardian be present at the shoot if possible. They do not have to help or participate, and there is ample comfortable seating and free WiFi available.
Should I tip you/the hair & makeup artist?
Generally, the photographer does not receive a tip; we will make every effort to refuse tips if they're offered. The makeup artist/hairstylists, however, graciously accept tips in any amount.
Can I look at my photos during the session?
It depends. If you’d really like to look at them, we will allow it. However, we find that sometimes looking at photos on the back of the camera takes a lot of time and can make subjects self-conscious. On the other hand, it can be a great way to make sure we’re on track and that you’re getting what you need. Generally, the more experienced you are with headshots, the more comfortable we feel showing photos as we go.
(No matter what, if you've hired hair/makeup, we’ll zoom in on each hair and makeup look to make sure you’re happy with the HMUA’s work.)
After the shoot
How many pictures will I receive?
It super depends. We don't like to give hard numbers, but we've never seen anyone with fewer than 100 edited images or more than 600.
What is "processing"?
Processing is light editing, during which we make global adjustments to each photo. This isn’t a slow and methodical look at every detail of an image- it’s more a quick “check” to be sure the photo is ready to show to the world. While we might do some precise corrections if the error is something we missed (a rip in a background, say, or a dust spot on the lens), we won’t be doing any detailed work here- no logo removals or stray hair fixes or makeup corrections. (That all gets saved for retouching.)
What is the post-shoot timeline?
You will receive your gallery of processed images within one week of our session.
You will have four weeks from the day of our shoot to select your favorites for retouching. If you do not choose your favorites within that timeframe, we will make the selections for you, though you will be able to download and use the final images.
You will have access to your gallery for six months after receiving it. You will receive a notification once it is going to be removed from our servers; you may request a one-time extension of one week in order to download your images.
How much retouching can you do? Will you make me look ten years younger?
While there’s virtually no limit to what Photoshop can do in the right hands, we discourage clients from going too far into “airbrushed” territory. We also highly discourage any digital changes to a part of your face/body that will not change significantly in the next two to five years. A pimple, for example, is temporary and should be removed. A high hairline or droopy eyelid or less-than-chiseled jawline is a part of your face, and your face is what casting directors are looking to see when they call you in to audition, Hopefully the lighting and posing we did in the studio will have you looking amazing on camera and you won’t feel the need to make any huge changes.
That said, if you really feel that “transformative” retouching is what you need, we will work with you to make it happen, though at a higher rate than standard retouching.
Also, be aware that while retouching is important for eliminating distractions and making sure your essence really comes through in the photo, many of these photos will never be viewed in large-format print. Digitally, they will rarely be seen in a size bigger than a playing card. Be sure to view the images in as many digital formats and sizes as possible- they should look best as a thumbnail on a laptop or phone screen.
Can I retouch the photos myself?
Please don't. We can't stop you, but we put a lot of time and thought into the choices we've made around color, lighting, makeup, and everything else that has gone into the image we've made. Please consider our own artistic agency before you retouch your own photos. You are, however, permitted to crop the photos as you see fit.
Can you print photos for me? Where should I get prints?
We do not offer printing services. You can, however order prints directly from your gallery. We do not recommend printing at pharmacies/Fed-Ex/Kinkos or on home printers. Our go-to printer is currently mpix.com.
How will the images be delivered?
Once the keepers have been selected and the processing is complete, we'll send the photos in a beautiful, shareable, easy-to-use online gallery, from which you can create collections of favorites, and make selections for retouching.
What is "retouching?"
Retouching is the next step after processing. It’s a close scrutiny of an individual photo, making precise local edits and looking out for any potential distractions, temporary imperfections, color discrepancies between different areas of the photo, and much more. This can take one or two hours per photo. All packages include complimentary retouching, and additional retouched images can be purchased for $40/ea.
Any tips on making final selections for retouching?
This is a pretty complicated topic, and probably needs its own article. Your "best" headshot is determined by so many factors- what market you're in, your type(s), and much much more.
We recommend narrowing down your gallery with a quick pass, following your gut and picking as many as are appealing to you.
Once you have that smaller group, take your time and whittle it down to between ten and thirty options, maybe more if you have more looks.
Then, share that small collection with (in this specfic order):
your representation,
casting directors/directors,
your coaches/teachers/professors,
your castmates,
your second-best friends,
your best friends,
your siblings,
your significant other,
and your immediate family.
That order also represents whose thoughts and feedback are useful, from most to least - your immediate family is generally not going to be super objective at picking a headshot, while people who can cast you or are representing you will be incredibly helpful with telling you what photo feels the most like "you" and the most marketable in whatever media you are working.
(Your own opinion, after the first pass-through, is, we believe, basically worthless. We really don't know what we look like outside of the mirror, and often our vanity and spotty self-conception gets in the way of choosing an authentic photo.)
How long does retouching take?
Once you've sent your selections, we should be able to send you the retouched files within one week.
What is the industry standard for formatting/printing?
For in-person auditions, headshots are expected to be 8x10", with a resume stapled to the back. Portrait (vertical) orientation is slightly preferable to landscape (horizontal) orientation, though no one will kick you out of an audition for having a horizontal headshot.
As far as whether the photo has a border, where your name is placed, the font, etc., as long as the name is on the front, is legible, and the photo is 8x10, that's up to you.
Be sure and pay attention to any specific formatting requests whenever you're submitting headshots, but don't worry too much about these details for general use.
If you'd like us to format a retouched headshot or two with a name and/or border, please ask and we're happy to do so at no charge.
Hair and makeup
Should I hire a hair & makeup artist? (HMUA)
YES. Every person with a face should bring one of our favorite makeup artists in to help with their shoot. They know our lighting, and they know great makeup and hair.
They’re also really lovely and professional people who bring another element of fun and energy to the room,
What does hair and makeup cost?
For the Mini and Full Sessions, hair and makeup is a flat $240 for one look regardless of your age/gender identity/hair length/etc. For the Ultimate Session, hair and makeup is built into the cost of the shoot.
Can I do my own HMU?
We don’t require that you hire our makeup artists, but we really hope you do. Even if you’re a pro at knowing your own face, it is incredibly helpful to have an outside eye who is trained and accustomed to our lighting and shooting style.
Do your makeup artists have experience with my skin/hair?
Probably- our team has had successful shoots with people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, and more. Their kits cover the spectrum of skin tones, and they know how to work with all textures and types of hair. That said, you are always welcome to inquire about viewing a portfolio of their work, and/or speak with them about your individual needs as a client.
I sometimes have a beard- can I shave/trim during my shoot?
Yes, though we do not allow shaving during the Mini Session. If you're shaving, you should seriously consider having a HMUA available to help with post-shave redness and irritation. (However, while the hair and makeup artist will help correct redness and other post-shave problems, they will NOT be shaving you, nor will they be supplying shaving cream, razors, etc.)
Does HMU cut into shoot time?
You’ll be at the studio longer for sure, but it won’t take away from time spent in front of the camera.
Who are your HMUA?
We work with a number of local professionals, all of whom are lovely people who are very experienced with on-camera makeup and hair for all age ranges, races/ethnicities, and gender identities. We will assign one to your shoot based on availability; if you would like to know who they are and speak with them before your session, please let us know and we will put you in touch.
Why flat rate makeup and hair?
We flat rate pricing is the fairest and least complicated way of offering hair and makeup to everyone while valuing the HMUA's time.
Even if you're a male-identifying person with a buzz cut and perfect skin, the HMUA still needs to travel to the studio, set up their equipment, apply their expertise to make you look amazing, and then stay to make sure things are going well.
Yes, you might spend 15 minutes in the chair instead of someone else's hour, but the result is worth every penny.
Also, it feels presumptuous to assume anything and charge a certain amount based on a person's appearance and pronouns. Do you look like John Cena but want makeup like Chappel Roan? Flat-rate HMU will cover that, and much more.
Can I bring my own professional HMUA?
You may hire a different HMUA from ours, but if you are using your own MUA, we ask that the first look be applied off-site and not at the studio so you can arrive 95% camera ready. Any on-site makeup application/hairstyling will cut into shoot time, and multiple hair/makeup looks from an outside artist will still incur additional shooting fees. We will not be able to accommodate an unscheduled outside HMUA, so please give us advance notice.
Can I wear wigs/extensions/false eyelashes/colored contacts/etc?
We do not recommend this, unless these are things you apply/wear daily. Headshots (at least for actors) aren’t a great place to try and look any different than you can look at your natural best- if the person in the picture doesn’t match the person in the room, casting directors will not be thrilled and may not call you in for another audition.
How much time does hair and makeup take?
We allot around 60 minutes for initial hair and makeup; this varies depending on desired level of makeup, length/thickness of hair, and many other factors. For the Ultimate Session, we'll spend 10-30 minutes adjusting hair and makeup between looks.
Do I need to bring my own products?
Nope! You’re certainly welcome to - if you have personal favorites that you want to use, feel free to bring them, but the hair and makeup folks have everything they need in their kits.