Finding the Right Headshot in NYC: What Makes a Great Professional Portrait at Tals Studio
- Tal Levy / Tals Studio
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A headshot is more than a photo — it’s your first impression. In New York City, where opportunities move fast and competition is fierce, your headshot speaks before you do. At Tals Studio, we’ve worked with professionals from every field — actors, doctors, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates — and one thing remains constant: when you look confident in your photo, people notice.
Over the years, we’ve refined our approach to each type of headshot. It’s not about rigid poses or flashy editing. It’s about capturing you — your expression, your confidence, and your individuality. Below, we’ll walk through how each of our headshot sessions brings that idea to life.
1️⃣ Basic Headshot Package – $99
For professionals who need a clean, confident image fast.
Sometimes, simplicity is exactly what you need. Our Basic Headshot Package is ideal for clients who want quick, professional results without compromising quality.
A 15-minute session might sound short — but when handled by an experienced photographer, that’s often all it takes. We guide you through subtle positioning and expressions that bring out your personality naturally. One client, a marekting consultant, once said after her session:
“I didn’t even realize I could look confident on camera. You made it easy.”
We use professional studio lighting, a single clean background, and provide 2 final retouched images from a selection of 20–30 proofs. It’s the perfect session for LinkedIn profiles, company directories, or social media — fast, affordable, and polished.
2️⃣ Professional Headshot Package – $149
For those building a strong personal brand or updating their professional identity.
If you’re looking for more flexibility and creative direction, the Professional Headshot Package gives you time to explore different expressions, backgrounds, and lighting setups.
This 30-minute session allows us to fine-tune angles and energy — helping clients find their authentic look. For instance, a banker applying for an executive position once told us:
“You captured both professionalism and warmth. That’s exactly how I wanted to come across.”
We work with you to choose 2 background colors, provide detailed posing guidance, and deliver 4 final retouched images from 40–60 photos. Every detail — from the light placement to wardrobe suggestion — is chosen to highlight your best features while keeping the result genuine and natural.
3️⃣ Actor / Model Headshot Package – $299
For artists, performers, and creatives who need range and depth.
In the acting and modeling world, your headshot can make or break an opportunity. Casting directors look for authenticity — a photo that tells them who you are before you even walk in the room.
Our 1-hour Actor/Model Headshot Session is designed for storytelling. We capture different moods, characters, and expressions, allowing you to present a versatile portfolio. We’ve seen actors land representation after refreshing their portfolio here — simply because the new headshots finally reflected who they truly were.
You’ll get 10 final retouched images, 3 background colors, and unlimited outfit changes, ensuring you can cover everything from dramatic to commercial looks. Clients often tell us this is the first time they’ve seen themselves through a cinematic, authentic lens — and that’s exactly the goal.
Experience Behind Every Lens
At Tals Studio, every headshot session is guided by Zion Yoni Levy, a professional photographer with over a decade of experience in portrait and commercial photography. Having worked with clients from corporate firms to Broadway stages, his process is intuitive — focused on making people feel comfortable in front of the camera while ensuring every photo communicates clarity and confidence.
We understand that being photographed can feel intimidating. That’s why each session is conversational, relaxed, and collaborative. We guide clients through body language, facial expression, and posture — those small details that make an image stand out online.
Why Tals Studio Headshots Stand Out
✔️ Same-day delivery for professionals on tight deadlines.
✔️ Expert retouching that maintains natural texture and tone.
✔️ Comfortable Midtown Manhattan studio (near Penn Station).
✔️ Transparent pricing and full usage rights — your images belong to you.
A headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about being seen for who you are. Every client we photograph adds to our understanding of people — their ambition, creativity, and story.
That’s what makes our work meaningful. And that’s what makes your photo yours.