CARLOS DAVID PHOTOGRAPHY
A guided photography experience for professionals, artists, and actors looking for portraits that shape how they’re seen.
Trusted by
Marketing Age
Adobe
Friends of the High Line
Smithsonian
Creative Capital
Outsider
NYC Headshot Photographer
Headshots and Portraits
for Actors, Artists & Creative Professionals
If you've been putting off your photo session, now is the time. You evolve. Your work evolves. Your image should too. I work in a creative environment where you're free to express and explore, guided and supported throughout the process. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, your artist statement, or building a new set of images for the roles you're pursuing, get in touch. I've got you.
Meet
Carlos David
People tell me I make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. That’s a skill I’ve honed over years of photographing artists and public figures.
I’m a New York City headshot photographer, working with professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs. I create modern, editorial-style headshots and portraits.
I guide you through posing and expression, so you know exactly what to do and leave with portraits you’ll actually want to use.
Ideal for:
Creatives & entrepreneurs • Business owners & founders • Professionals & leaders • Actors, artists & changemakers
A glimpse into what a portrait session looks like.
Kind words
I was able to see myself in that light that I always wanted to see myself in.
– Kelly Forde
The process
A session built around you
01
Consultation Call
Before anything is booked in stone, we talk. How do you want to be perceived? Where will these images live — casting submissions, LinkedIn, your website, press? What roles or opportunities are you going for? We also talk honestly about what makes you feel like yourself in front of a camera. That conversation shapes the wardrobe, the lighting, and the whole tone of your session.
02
Preparation
You won’t be guessing the morning of your shoot. I’ll send you my Editorial Portrait Styling Guide, we’ll settle on 2–3 looks in solid colors and layers, and if you’d like a hair & makeup artist, that gets arranged in advance. You just show up — everything else is planned.
03
The Session
A fully guided shoot in my New York City studio, where East Harlem meets the Upper East Side. I direct your posing and expression the whole way — small adjustments, clear cues, room to breathe — so you’re never left wondering what to do with your hands or your face. We work through your looks and check in as we go, so you leave knowing we got it.
04
Selection
After the session you’ll receive a private online gallery of your images. Take your time with them. If you want a second opinion, I’ll help you choose which images work best for which job — the theatrical vs. commercial shot, the LinkedIn crop vs. the press photo.
05
Retouching & Delivery
Your selected images are professionally retouched — natural, never overdone, still unmistakably you. Within two weeks you’ll have your final portraits ready to download and use right away: for casting sites, LinkedIn, your website, or print.
Most people think they need to change something about themselves before booking a photoshoot. I’ve heard it so many times: “I need to lose weight first,” “I hate how I look in pictures.”
What actually makes the difference is working with someone who knows about posing, lighting and direction.
Without clear direction, anyone feels awkward in front of the camera. My photo sessions are built to remove the guesswork. I’ll send you a styling prep guide before our photo shoot and guide you through posing and expression during the session. Together, we can create confident, authentic photographs that work across your social media, website, press kit, or casting materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a headshot session cost in NYC?
Headshot sessions start at $450, with most clients investing $700–$900 depending on session length, looks, and retouching. Portrait sessions start at $850. You’ll get a tailored quote before you book, with no surprises.What should I wear for my headshots?
Bring 2–3 options in solid colors with different necklines and layers; avoid busy patterns and logos. After booking I’ll send you my Editorial Portrait Styling Guide, and we’ll refine choices together at the session.Where do sessions take place?
In my studio where East Harlem meets the Upper East Side, with easy access by train or car. I also offer on-location sessions at your office or outdoors, throughout NYC and surrounding areas.How long is a session, and when will I get my photos?
Most headshot sessions last about an hour, up to three hours with hair, makeup and multiple looks. You’ll receive a private online gallery with your retouched, ready-to-use images within two weeks.Do you offer retouching and hair & makeup?
Yes. Every final selected image includes professional retouching that keeps you looking natural — never overdone. Hair and makeup artists are available as an add-on, starting at $275.I feel awkward in front of the camera. Will you direct me?
Yes, that’s the core of the session. I guide your posing and expression throughout, so you always know what to do. Most clients tell me it’s the first time they’ve actually felt comfortable being photographed.Not just an image, a story. Your story.
If you're ready for a session that's guided and built around you, let's get started.
©carlosdavidphotography 2026