Actor Headshots · Charlotte, NC

Before the audition, your headshot already auditioned for you.

Theatrical and commercial headshots for Charlotte actors. Industry-standard framing, on-camera coaching, $250 — 3 retouched files in 48 hours.

Charlotte actor headshot by mjwphoto - theatrical headshot of actor Lawrence Gilligan
★★★★★ 339+ Google Reviews
Charlotte, NC
Theatrical + Commercial
48-Hour Turnaround
$250
Why It Matters

Your headshot doesn't get you cast. But the wrong one keeps you from getting seen.

Casting directors, agents, and managers form an opinion on your headshot before they ever click play on your reel. In Charlotte's growing film and TV market, the competition is real. Your headshot has to do its job from the moment someone opens your submission.

01 / FIRST CUT

You make the pile.

Casting directors flip through hundreds of submissions per role. A weak headshot is a fast no. An industry-standard one keeps you in the conversation.

02 / TYPE READ

You match the role.

The right headshot tells casting exactly what you can play. Theatrical for the dramatic. Commercial for the warm. Done correctly, you book the right calls.

03 / SIGNAL TRUST

You look pro.

Agents won't sign actors who look like they shot it on a phone. A professional headshot signals you take your craft and your career seriously.

What's Included · $250

Everything you need for your next submission.

No upsells. No "premium tier." One flat rate, one polished result, ready for casting directors and agents.

01

1-Hour Studio Session

Tethered shooting in our Charlotte studio. You see every shot in real-time on a calibrated monitor as we capture it.

02

Theatrical + Commercial

Both looks in one session. Multiple outfit changes covered. You leave with a complete, submission-ready portfolio.

03

3 Retouched Files

Professionally retouched, industry-formatted, delivered within 48 hours. Skin, color, and polish — no filters, no shortcuts.

Theatrical vs. Commercial

Most actors need both. Here's the difference.

Both looks are captured in your single 1-hour session. You leave with a portfolio that covers everything from drama submissions to brand auditions.

For Drama, Film, TV

Theatrical

Authentic, layered, present. The look that wins serious roles.

  • MoodIntentional, focused, emotionally rooted
  • WardrobeNeutral tones, structured tops, low color
  • ExpressionSubtle, internal, real
  • Used forFilm auditions, TV submissions, agency representation
For Brand Work, Ads, Mainstream TV

Commercial

Warm, approachable, relatable. The look that books campaigns.

  • MoodFriendly, open, trustworthy
  • WardrobeColor, pattern okay, lifestyle-friendly
  • ExpressionGenuine smile, light eyes, energy
  • Used forCommercials, brand campaigns, print ads, lifestyle work
How It Works

Four steps. No fluff.

A streamlined process built for actors who don't have time to waste. You walk out with industry-ready images, ready to submit.

01

Book Online

Pick a slot from the live calendar. Most sessions book within the same week.

02

Show Up Prepared

Bring 3-4 outfits — neutral for theatrical, color for commercial. Wardrobe guidance sent on booking.

03

Coached Studio Session

1 hour. Tethered to a calibrated monitor. Real-time coaching. You see every frame as we shoot.

04

Files in 48 Hours

3 retouched, industry-formatted files delivered to your inbox. Ready for casting submissions immediately.

Why Charlotte Actors Choose mjwphoto

Most photographers shoot you. We direct you.

Anyone with a camera can take a photo. Coaching is what gets you cast.

01

On-Camera Coaching

Built into every session. You get directed through every expression, angle, and energy. No stiff smiles. No frozen looks.

02

Industry-Standard Framing

Lighting and framing that meets what casting agents and managers expect. Submission-ready, no questions asked.

03

Fast Turnaround

48-hour delivery. Need it faster for a casting deadline? Rush available. You don't wait on photos when opportunity hits.

04

Tethered Real-Time Review

Every shot lands on a calibrated monitor beside you. We adjust and approve as we go. You leave knowing exactly what you got.

05

Voted #1 in Charlotte

339+ five-star Google reviews. Trusted by working actors, models, and creatives across the Carolinas.

06

Private Proof Gallery

You pick your favorites in a private online gallery. No pressure. No rush. The retouching only starts after you've chosen.

★★★★★ 339+ Google Reviews

What people say after the studio.

★★★★★

"Michael made the whole process super easy. He gave practical advice during the shoot, was wildly quick with proofs, and did a bang up job with retouching. I'd recommend him without reservation!"

Dustin Schneider
Charlotte, NC · Google Review
★★★★★

"I can't say enough good things about Michael! He's been my go-to photographer for years. We travel from Atlanta to Charlotte just to work with him because we trust him that much."

Donice Cully
Atlanta · Google Review
★★★★★

"The final results were polished, professional, and exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend Michael to anyone looking to update their headshot."

Korey Speight
Charlotte, NC · Google Review
Common Questions

The honest answers.

Do I need an agent before booking?
No. Many actors book sessions before signing with an agent because a great headshot is often what gets them signed. We work with talent at every stage — from first audition to working professional.
How many outfits should I bring?
Bring 3-4 outfits: a mix of neutral solids (theatrical), one or two with brand-friendly color (commercial), and one polished/sharp look. Avoid busy patterns and logos. Wardrobe guidance is sent after booking.
What if I'm nervous in front of the camera?
Most actors are — and that's exactly why coaching is built into every session. I guide you through every angle and expression so the final images feel natural, not performed. The tethered workflow means you see your shots in real-time, so we adjust and approve as we go.
How long until I receive my photos?
Most sessions are delivered within 48 hours. Need them faster for a casting deadline or last-minute audition? Rush delivery is available — just mention it when booking.
What's the difference between this and the corporate / executive sessions?
Actor headshots are industry-formatted differently than corporate headshots — different framing, different expression direction, both theatrical and commercial covered. The $250 actor session is purpose-built for casting submissions. If you need corporate brand photos instead, see the Premium Headshot Session.
Can you photograph minors?
Yes, with a parent or legal guardian present for the entire session. Reach out before booking to discuss any specifics.
Where's the studio?
The studio is at 1251 Arrow Pine Dr., C310, Charlotte NC 28273 — convenient from South End, Uptown, NoDa, Ballantyne, Huntersville, and Fort Mill. Parking is right out front.
Book Your Session

Pick a time. Lock it in.

$250 actor headshot session — 1 hour, theatrical + commercial, 3 retouched files, 48-hour delivery. The calendar below is live.

Your headshot is your first audition. Make it count.

Book the session that puts you in front of the right casting directors, with the right look, fast.

Book Your $250 Session