I knew OF Mike because we went to the same school, but never during the same years. When I met him the day of our shoot, it was like we had met 100 times before. Mike instantly made me feel comfortable, casual and at home. As far as the work goes, Mike's philosophy is going to get him very far. His sense of intuition and feeling out which direction to take from one moment to the next comes from only the deepest sense of truth. I loved the way he worked with me especially during head shots. I told him that I was sick of being cast as the staple sexy chick and that I wanted photos that brought out more of my personality. (My first round of head shots were originally done two years ago by one of the top two most popular photographers for head shots right now.) I wanted more warmth, more invitation. His thought process was, "Well, who is like that?" We agreed on Rachel McAdams. I liked this a lot. Then it was, "Well what do we like about her?" One of the things Mike said was, "Because when you watch her, it's never about her. She always makes the scene about the other person. She is warm, inviting and therefore charming." SO THEN he turned that into a wonderful direction: "Place someone in the lens and make them feel welcome." Now coming from an action-based acting training where 'What are you doing to the other person?' is constantly being drilled into our heads, this was incredibly useful to me. When I saw my photos, I saw expressions of my own that I've never seen captured with film before. That is just one small example of so many applicable directions he gave me. After working Mike's way, I don't want to work any other way ever again. read more

I needed new headshots after wayyy overpaying for headshots that came out less than great so I got in touch with CNQ photography after narrowing down my options and looking at their portfolio. I really wanted to use natural lighting for my new headshots, it's just more my style, and I wanted a more natural vibe overall. From the moment I got in touch with Mike via email, he was so helpful and professional in setting a date and time that worked for me and letting me know how to best prepare for our session. When I met Mike and Rebecca (the MUA/stylist and an amazingly sweet and awesome girl in general) in-person, they were both so friendly and inviting. Making me feel comfortable right from the get-go. And I don't really like people, so this says a lot. We were blessed with a perfect day for our shoot and the entire shoot went amazingly - I felt comfortable and also felt like Mike really drew something out of me that the previous photographer hadn't been able to. And I was so happy with the makeup Rebecca did - like others have mentioned, she's really excellent at doing makeup that looks completely natural and also brings out your natural gorgeousness. I just got the proofsheet online (1 day later!!!) and the shots look awesome. The most overwhelming part is how to choose because there are so many stunning images!!! I highly and without reservation recommend Mike and Rebecca for headshots!!! read more

Extraordinary Photos + Exceptional Professionalism = one of the best photographers in NYC! A true master of lighting! From first contact to finished product, Michael and Rebecca make the experience of shooting at their gorgeous studio a very special time. While so many photographers in New York treat models as nameless manequins who should feel honored to be in their photos, Michael goes out of his way to create a special bond behind between artist-and-subject that results in the most "real" photos I've ever taken. I've been a professional model and actor in NYC for almost five years, and have never enjoyed being photographed more than my time with CNQ Photography. Michael is the ultimate renaissance man; the rare blend of artist and wonderful human being that thrives on personal interaction. He has a unique gift for creating the most comfortable, relaxed, and organic photo sessions. I highly recommend CNQ's work, and can guarantee that MIchael can take your modeling/acting portfolio to new heights. You owe it to yourself to work with a real artist like this. (PS: it never hurts when your photographer is drop-dead gorgeous AND incredibly kind at the same time. So unfair!) read more

I needed to take some headshots for my resume and was looking for a photographer that would be easy to work with but also someone who was not afraid to give me honest feedback and be a reliable guide throughout the process (i personally don't feel that comfortable in front of a camera). Mike and Rebecca came highly recommended but I wanted to see it for myself. Sure enough, not only were they were super professional (i.e. made sure we had enough time to get in the right shots, emailed proofs and a follow up the next day, etc), but they made me feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. What I didn't realize was how feeling comfortable was essential to taking great pictures. Mike was able to ask me questions that were emotionally intriguing and thought provocative which allowed my facial expressions to come through in the photo. Anyone can take a good picture these days but very few can capture the truest essence and most authentic qualities of a person through a photo. And Rebecca was super cool and so helpful with make up and in deciding what to wear for each shot. They truly make a great team! read more

I had this idea to get some professionally shot photos done for my upcoming 30th birthday, just a memento that I can send to my family (to replace those awful high school senior portraits) and also look back on and say "that was me when I was 30...I was kinda hot!" :) Mike and Rebecca came recommended from a friend so I gave them a call. Now I'm not comfortable in front of a camera by any means, and am horribly self conscious. But they both put me immediately at ease, completely engaging me and just making the whole shoot relaxed. As a result, we got some amazing pictures. Mike gave simple directions, and had a vision that was easy to follow. Rebeca did a fantastic job on my make up and wardrobe selection, not over the top, but enough that it looked like I was having "my best day." All in all it was an amazing experience, I was impressed with the results, and the professionalism of the duo (pictures posted that same day, CD in hand 2 days later). I've already mailed out the pictures to my family! read more

Mike (the photographer) and Rebecca (his onsite stylist/makeup artist/partner-in-awesomeness) are an incredible team that deliver impeccable service and a wonderful product at an insanely reasonable rate. They manage to be both staggeringly professional and disarmingly kind, and they have a special way of making even the most awkward subject feel comfortable enough to drop the wooden expressions and show a little spark. The results were natural, dynamic and filled with personality, which is exactly what you want in a headshot. I usually hate looking at giant pictures of my own mug, but I actually recognized myself in Mike's photos. He has a gift for capturing the truth. Hire him before his prices go up ... or hire him after, and know that it's worth every penny. read more

I love these guys, highly recommended - Mike and Rebecca are an amazing duo! I've had my headshots done three times by other photographers and was still looking for a more accurate picture (one not caked in makeup or awkwardly posed). I arrived and Rebecca got started on my makeup right away (which I was a bit worried about because my last makeup artist was waaaaay heavy-handed) and chose a few of the tops I brought. We shot in Prospect Park in some pre-selected spots. Mike was super encouraging and very easy to work with - helped coach me into everything other than the basic smile. I just received an email sneak peek (same day!) and I'm thrilled to say my makeup looks super natural and the photos look fabulous! read more

I have worked twice with Mike, and each time he has been nothing short of amazing. After he did the teacher head shots at my yoga studio, I was so in love with his work that we made an appointment to meet at his studio in Bk and do my actor head shots there. I am not always comfortable taking photos, but Mike had be laughing and smiling, and for a while I honestly forgot why I was ever uncomfortable in front of a camera. Mike is sweet and funny, and very professional. The photos all came out amazing. He is an extremely talented photographer. My only problem is that I have to choose from so many lovely shots - I wish i could have them all! read more

My husband and I were looking for a wedding photographer and we couldn't have been happier to have "found" Mike and Rebecca. They have been so warm, encouraging and supportive throughout the entire process and we had an amazing experience. Even our guests commented on how much they liked the two! Mike and Rebecca really surprised us with their creative ideas and little extras that made things even more special. The pictures and slideshow of our wedding are everything we could have asked for and then some. We could not recommend a better team and we wish we could give more stars! read more

Had a great time with mike and rebecca. We were originally goin to do an engagement shoot but due to a series of events we ended up doing a wedding shoot with rebecca as our volunteer witness. Rebecca basically saved my fiancee from all sorts of unforeseen problems. And the photos were great!! they even treated us to complimentary nyc pizza ..or what seems like the best pizza i have had in years. All thumbs up for these super duo and rebecca must be the nicest girl in nyc ..i am still looking forward to seeing mike in salt where he was an extra. My now wife loves them completely. read more

MIke and Rebecca are two extremely talented individuals that make up one of the best photography studios I have ever worked with in NY. They went out of their way to make we were happy with the photographs and were accommodating and attentive both during the shoot and after. I would recommend their services to any of my friends in need of headshots. They make you feel like you are their #1 most important client by really spending the time and effort on you personally to get the look you want. read more

Mike & Rebecca made us feel like superstars during our wedding. Their professionalism was impeccable. The photos came delivered by a courier and were packed with small detail orientated gift wrap that made me feel like just the process of receiving the photos was the best present of all. I've had many professional photos taken over the years and this was hands down the best photographic experience EVER! read more

I'd give the CNQ Photography team 10 stars, but Yelp won't let me. I highly recommend this duo of awesomeness. I found them while on a search for simple headshots to add to my collection, and I couldn't be more pleased. Great headshot & portraiture work from Mike, and Rebecca is a dream with simple, natural makeup. They're friendly, professional, and super fun. Go for it!! read more

Michael is an amazing photographer! He took photos of me for my yoga studio and I am very pleased with them. I am always so shy when I get my picture taken and am never happy with the results. He made me laugh and feel so comfortable during the shoot. I feel so lucky to have worked with him-- he is a true professional and an artist. A million stars! read more

Mike and Rebecca are an amazing team. I felt so comfortable during the shoot, and actually had a good time! I usually get nervous in front of the camera but they are both such warm people so I felt relaxed, and it shows in the shots. I'm so happy with them. I highly recommend CNQ! read more

Mike and Rebecca are an amazing team. They are extremely professional and make you feel comfortable during the photo session. Rebecca will make you look like a natural beauty & Mike will capture that with his lens. I had a lot of fun at our photo shoot. They are a dynamic duo. read more

CNQ photography is a brilliant team duo. Mike and Rebecca went out of their way to give Candy Slice Comedy our first professional photo shoot. They are extremely warm and are so natural at their talents. Due to them we shined! Thank you most sincerely+ read more