In addition to being exceptionally skilled with light, Michael has developed a thoughtful, well-honed process for working with his subjects to create images that feel authentic, honest, and genuinely useful. I chose to work with Michael over several other New York photographers recommended by my manager because I was consistently drawn to the cinematic lighting, rich texture, depth, and mood that define his work. His photographs tell a story, and I knew that was the quality I wanted in my own headshots. The preparation leading up to the shoot involved much more dialogue than I'd experienced with previous photographers. That collaborative process gave Michael a clear understanding of who I am and what I wanted to communicate. As a result, the session itself felt smooth, playful, and deeply relaxed, allowing me to be fully present in front of the camera. The final images exceeded my expectations, and I came away with a collection of headshots I'm genuinely excited to use. read more

Michael Levy is EXTRAORDINARY! In every sense of the word -not ordinary and so much extra. He works like your favorite director. Michael is engaging, specific, and fun! He works with micro-specific prompts that are essentially storytelling, letting you bring it out through your eyes and allowing the BEST shot that captures your UNIQUE energy. What YOU bring to the table makes casting say, "I WANT THAT!" Michael is a DREAM to work with. Book now, don't wait, and watch your career SOAR. read more

Taking headshots with Michael was unlike any other session I've ever had. He is incredibly thoughtful and intentional, putting so much care into eliciting truthful, authentic moments. The images came out beautifully and turnaround was so quick! I received the entire gallery the same night that we shot. read more

If you are a serious actor whose goal is more than to just "look pretty," shooting with Michael is a must. He puts incredible thought and time into the session, remaining in contact from the time off booking and all throughout. Where there are many photographers who understand how to take a good picture, Michael understands the business itself, making sure to create photos that are dynamic and specific and tailored to the direction you want to take your career. read more

Michael is an outstanding artist and photographer! On set, he made me feel like an actor, not just a model or a prop. Through his thoughtful approach with storytelling and his background in casting, we were able to get amazing results which I believe no other headshot photographer could accomplish. I fully recommend Michael Levy for your next headshot session! read more

Michael created an excellent atmosphere to be photographed in. His style is unlike most other headshot photographers I've worked with, leading to shots I haven't seen anywhere else. I highly recommend him. read more

Mike is great! He has a talent to get you as you. His pictures are not just generic 'headshots' . They have a presence and a texture. He has the way to bring out the picture that is you and not just an actor. You can see the person. His studio is amazing. He makes you feel at ease. He's really easy going. And he makes the whole process stress free. He even helped me with the tech side of getting the pictures up. I'm not the best with that stuff and he went above and beyond to assist me with that too. Above and beyond. And he is also cool. When his assistant was running late we went for a quick pint before the shoot. Just book your session with Mike and end your search. Mike, you're the man! read more

Not sure where to start, except from the beginning. Michael and I spoke for nearly an hour on the opening call just to get to know each other and set some expectations. From there, we had an amazing time. The shoot time was just a hair over two hours for a couple looks and it was the most thorough and enjoyable experience I've ever had. The finished product was worth the investment, but the dude behind the lens is of even higher quality. In a city with so many options, my list starts and ends here. read more

Michael Levy offered the best headshot experience I've ever had! Not only are his photos so emotionally charged and cinematic, they portray a real, live, breathing version of yourself caught on film. The whole process upto and after the shoot was so thorough and easy. There are so many photos that I like from my session - I wish I could keep them all! The first thing my agent said when she saw my proofs was- "WOWW"...they haven't even been retouched yet! Definitely hit Michael up if you want to level-up your headshot game while having a great experience at unbeatable prices. read more

I've been a professional actor for more than 2 decades and therefore have worked with many many different photographers. Michael is by far the most talented I've encountered to date! I had a clear idea of what I wanted in a headshot (or 3) but was unsure of how to get there. He assisted me every step of the way and I never felt rushed. He's an exceptional director and visionary and I can't wait to book again with him in the future! Wish I could give 10 stars! read more

Michael Levy Photography - Headshot photo session in the NYC studio. - Event Photography Near Me - New York, New York

My shoot with Michael was fantastic! His studio atmosphere is terrific. I felt super comfortable and relaxed. The photos were exceptional. read more

It was an incredible experience working with Michael. I've never had this so much fun and creative taking a headshot with any photographers before. He's really encouraged me to explored more about myself and gained more confidence being in front of the camera. You might found yourself feeling like you're already working in the movie set which Michael is a great director who helped you break through your character with ease and comfort. I would 100% recommend him. Cheers! Nathan Pat. read more

I am extremely happy with the headshots from my session with Michael! He was so thorough in his investigation of what I was going for/hoping to accomplish with the photos. He is dedicated to working with clients to world-build and create editorial scenarios that really add something natural and extra to the final photos. I highly recommend working with him for headshots, regardless of your profession! read more

Stuck down a rabbit hole of photographer reviews? Look no further. I needed to update my photos after about a decade. I am prone to overanalyzing reviews and getting overwhelmed and never making a decision. If you're anything like me, and you're down that path of trying to find the right photographer? Go with Michael. From start to finish everything--communication, vibe, energy, results--was impeccable. And shout out to the incredible makeup artist on staff (Misa!) who made me look 10 years younger. Seriously. I rarely leave reviews. But Michael and his team are absolutely worth it. Looking forward to next time. read more

I had an unforgettable session with Michael. From the moment I walked into the studio to the very end of the session Michael made me feel like I knew him and we never even met before. He was able to go on a journey with me doing sense memory exercises to obtain the perfect shot. Honestly, I am signing up for an acting class because Michael made me realize the joys in what we do as actors. His approach is nothing like I've ever seen before and I am so grateful for it. I feel like a different actor now because Michael saw something in me that I didn't even know I had. Go to Michael if you want to be blown away! Thank You PS: Jaida is gifted makeup. She was so was sweet and welcoming. She even got me coffee so I was replenished for the shoot. I discussed with her my needs to look as natural as possible and she totally achieved an organic look. read more

Michael Levy Photography - Event Photography Near Me - New York, New York

BEST HEADSHOT SESSION EVER. I hate when its time to get new headshots. Will I be able to produce the looks that will introduce me in an honest way and also get me in the room? The stakes are high for headshots. They are the most important part of your marketing package. Your talent and personality can be bangin but no one will know if you don't GET IN THAT ROOM. If you want a fun session that will capture you and your incredible uniqueness...Michael Levy is the way to go! Jaida, the makeup artist, is awesome too. She highlights your beauty but doesn't transform you into something you else that will confuse casting. read more

Michael Levy is just one of those rare people who not only have a gift and talent, but are able to communicate it in a way to bring out your best self, what makes you as an artist unique and marketable. The moment you send out an inquiry to your finalized photo, Michael is there prompt and professional every step of the way. From our initial phone call he listened to my needs and was able to acquire just from the timber and nuances of my voice, the energy I evoke as an artist that is dying to be enhanced and seen, and translate that into a mood board. Never have I worked with a photographer who goes that extra step in showing you what he gets from you, and seamlessly blends that to where you want to go in the industry. Seriously, just check out his website with the mood boards to finish photos. Michael is accessible for check ins any point you need in addition to the three that are set up in your package. I felt I was able to express certain concerns that I had about myself and my career in a safe environment and was given the freedom to play in my shoot. A whole story is created in each set up from the backdrop, to light positions, clothing options, and scenarios he gives you. I see from a previous review the words: [He] "creates cinematic masterpieces with a photo". AND HE DOES JUST THAT. As an artist, I grew after this shoot, I gained a differentiation in what reads versus what I think would read. I got out of head and was present without having to apologize for who I am. It seems easier said than done, but this is where you need to work with Michael and you will get it. More importantly you will be able to transfer this new skill and confidence to all the work that you will book! read more

INCREDIBLE most amazing experience I have ever had! There are no words to even describe how amazing Michael is. From the moment we spoke over the phone his energy moved me and I felt instantly at ease. Michael is the entire package. I have shot with numerous photographers in NYC and LA and never have I ever met someone with such a profound grasp on the entire "headshot" "branding" thing. He was there each step of the way to help guide me. He listened to what I felt I needed, my agent needed and what I thought that I may have been lacking in other shoots. He then created a mood board for me focused on not only my type but my very essence. I cannot express enough at how incredible Michael is. His communication is impecable. I flew all the way from LA to specially shoot with him! Leading up to the shoot I felt more ready than I ever have. Michael is in constant communication and sends multiple e-mails full of information that details exactly what you should have with you and even a simple yet effective health and beauty regimen. AGAIN THE FULL PACKAGE!!!!!! Normally leading up to the shoot I am super nervous and stressed but at each step of the way, I was taken a back at how smooth and clear his instructions were, I really felt like all I had to do was show up! On the day of the shoot I finally came face to face with Michael and it was like we had been friends forever. Easy going with so much sense of balance, thats how I would describe our shoot. In regards to the actual shoot, I've never been "a good photo taker", and historically I dread taking headshots, I am tense and it takes at least an hour or so to loosen me up and get me to be as comfortable as I need to be to execute a great shoot. However, shooting with Michael changed my entire outlook on this process. Michael has a way with bringing out the "you" in you! He does this without you realizing what he is actually doing. He paints a picture for you and real life scenarios that get you at your most interesting. I kid you not, my best photos to date are from shooting with Michael. I highly recommend Michael Levy, so much so that I know I will be shooting with him again! My heart and gratitude go out to him and his team for he really gave me the confidence to trust myself, that I am enough. Thank you Michael! read more

Michael is as good as it gets! I came back to a repeat shoot with Michael after chopping my hair. I didn't think it could get better than my first experience, but he exceeded my expectations yet again. He's at a new studio in LIC, and the space is beautiful with some great outdoor spots in the area. Everything from the make-up to the lighting is spectacular, but what really sets Michael apart is the way he effortlessly creates scenes for you to act out on the fly. Even if you're feeling a little camera-shy, he sets it up so you forget about the camera and just act. He chats with you while you get ready and really gets to know you. You chat career, goals, home, etc and he brings it all back to the scenes he creates while you're doing the shoot. He really helps you find YOU in your headshot. It doesn't stop after the shoot either! Michael and Ana gave me feedback and sent me their favorites photos from the shoot. They're amazing. read more

When I went in to shoot with Michael I was really trying to build a cinematic / commercial repertoire that was unique to me and varied. With full confidence I can say that Sir Michael Levy really helped me nail that. Super impressed with the way he directs, encourages and makes you feel comfortable in his studio. I felt like I was really able to be myself in his company and that shows up in my headshots. Very excited with the way the turned out. Tiffany, his partner in crime matches his enthusiasm and personable nature which culminates to fitting right into your hair / make-up. The studio itself is really great too because it's so malleable. You can really collaborate with Michael to get the atmosphere you want which is so very clutch. read more

SHORT STORY: WORK WITH MICHAEL LEVY NOW. If you want unique head shots that showcase the real you, go to Michael. The experience is a BLAST and I had too many shots to choose from. He got my angles and made me so happy with the process and the final product. LONGER STORY: When you work with Michael, it's unlike any other photo shoot experience you've ever had. He's 100% there for you and he treats it like an acting class He doesn't point the camera at you and shoot, he gets you out of your head, engages you in a playful and loving way. He shows you your shots while you shoot and he tailors the session for who you are, not super imposing his views on you. It was a great process and I am looking forward to shooting with him again. Anyone Michael encounters knows how detail oriented, artistic and professional he is. Ask around for his reputation and you'll see! - It's across the board adoration. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. read more

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!! My first photoshoot and I have to say the BEST ever! Upon meeting Michael we instantly had a connection. I felt as if we were friends for years! Michael made me feel super comfortable and I connected with him as well as the camera. Michael guided me in the direction I needed to be for amazing pictures, and the best part was he did not talk at me, he spoke to me. Michael did not just say look up-down or this way-that way. Michael made sure I connected with myself on a deeper level. I couldn't be more happier with the results! Thank you a million times over Michael! Lori Ann read more

Working with Michael was such a pleasure. He went above and beyond any head shot photographer I've worked with. He took the time to get to know me on a personal level and also as an actor. The photos were extremely evocative because it was a group effort. There was a natural ebb and flow to the shoot and a couple hours went by in a blink of an eye! read more

I'm sitting here looking at my final edits. I can honestly say I've never had headshots that I was so proud of and captured me so clearly. These pictures are beautiful! Michael has a way of getting you to a place where the real and best you will show up. I would not want to shoot with anyone else right now. read more

We've had Michael Levy photograph our parties at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health for the past 4-5 years now and he never fails to deliver. His candid shots are fantastic and he always find the best background for staged shots regardless of venue. The quality of the pictures is great and he posts the albums to social media almost immediately, which is great when you are impatient to take a look at the photos from the awesome party you just had. He also does Dropbox+DVD's for the full-resolution shots. Michael is also great to work with - he's just a very charismatic, friendly, and positive guy. His services are a great value and we will definitely keep hiring him in the future! read more

Michael's attention to detail is exceptional!amazing experience overall. He takes the time to listen and will capture the look you need. Highly recommended! read more

Michael is a true gem of a photographer. He coached me for each shot to make sure I was conveying the expression that he was going for each time! It was so amazing. He is humorous and makes you feel right at home immediately. Jaida was there every step of the way as well. They make an amazing team and put so much heart and effort into my shoot. Highly recommend. read more

Had my session with Michael yesterday and I can't say enough good things about him! First off, I did hours of research comparing dozens of photographers in NYC before I selected him. Compared to other photographers, there was something about his style that really caught my eye compared to the rest. I knew going to him would make my headshots stand out and get the attention I want from casting directors. The session itself was wonderful. Michael takes the time to find out about who you are as a person and sets up a session that will help bring out your brand in your photos. Michael is also an actor so I think he has a better understanding and ability to coach actors through the session compared to someone who has never acted or been on camera themselves. I really loved his style of getting emotion out of my eyes. 90% of a headshot is all about "what are the eyes telling me." He talks you through scenarios and places you into characters that make you feel emotionally present instead of someone who just tells you "ok now smile. ok now look mad." We went through alot of outfits and I never once felt rushed or like he wasnt fully present with me in the session. His hair and make-up person, who is included in the price of the package, is there the whole time to make sure you look your best on camera. He is someone who clearly takes great pride in his work and realizes how important this session is to you as the actor. I guarantee your agents and manager will be very happy with you that you didnt cut corners and went with a true master of headshot photography. If you are an actor who wants to make a real investment in their careers and have headshots that will take your presentation and career to the next level, go see Michael! read more

So I have been working with Mike for a couple months now as his lighting assistant and have been very impressed by him from the very beginning. Not only was he offering our clients unique photos that really showed their true personality, he conducted his sessions by being sure to get to know them on a personal level, selecting lighting and the clients wardrobe in a way that showcased who they were and what they would be capable of as actors (a key word being "would be" because Mike has a knack for not only bringing forth the type of character the client usually plays, but really putting on display what the client is truly capable of for casting and agents to see). As we went about setting up the lights, Mike would tell me the kind of quality he was going for to highlight their strengths, each session individualized and focused on the uclient. This paired with the fact that Mike always conducted each session with the utmost efficiency and care to the client's needs had me sold. When it came time for me to have new headshots of my own taken, there was really no one else I could feel as happy or comfortable going to. Leading up to the shoot, Mike sent several emails to make sure I was prepared and ready for the shoot. I've seen him do this with all of his other clients as well. There is something very comforting about feeling like you really have your ducks in a row and that the photographer cares enough to personally check in with you and make sure you know everything you need to prepare for. You're not just an appointment in his day, he prepares specifically for you to come in and have the best shoot you can. Mike and his partner and makeup artist, Tiffany, were both extremely excited and supportive when I mentioned wanting to have my own session. Both of them were dead set on making it special and giving me the full experience (because working with the two of them is definitely an experience). Tiffany not only did my makeup in a way that made my skin look flawless without looking fake or airbrushed, she also offered advice on products and techniques I could do myself, as well as offering solutions to problems I admitted to always having with my hair and makeup in my daily life that I could do myself at home. While in the makeup chair, Mike sat down with me for (what is always my favorite part of any of our sessions) the career therapy section. We talked about where my career was right now, where it was going, what he had observed of me through working with me and what he thought I was capable of. This was a beautifully open conversation to find out what I needed to bring forth in my shots and was wonderfully eye-opening to me. I have seen him do this with countless others and it was striking to see how powerful it was to be on the receiving end. Then we got to the actual shoot. The "work" as Mike always lovingly refers to it. Mike, while shooting, presents various scenarios, characters, and scenes that draw from both your own personal experiences and imagined scenes to really draw out of you the essence of yourself. The results of this are hypnotic and striking photos that are so much more than a pretty smile. He really makes you act until you find the perfect shot to represent what you bring to the acting world and highlights what makes you unique. He worked tirelessly to produce this level of quality and did not stop until both he and I were happy and could proudly say, "That's it. We got it." It was so amazing to work with such a devoted and talented photographer. I am in love with the shots I got, and it was such an honor to have the opportunity to be on the client end after working with such a caring and capable boss. I, like most other client's I've seen, not only got incredible photos, but felt myself grow more comfortable with myself and who I could be during the shoot. The most beautiful thing about shooting with Mike is that it is an experience, and you not only walk away with incredibly gorgeous and attention grabbing pictures, but with a clearer understanding of yourself. read more

Unforgettable experience, unmatched results. Michael and the whole team were some of the warmest and friendliest people I've ever worked with! His skills with camera and client (and as a director) are unrivaled. I felt incredibly comfortable and at ease throughout the entire shoot...and had a blast while doing some serious work. Michael obviously takes a genuine interest in his clients, and continues his support after the shoot by offering his opinions and conversation on the proofs. Can't recommend him enough. Thank you, Michael! read more

I had an amazing session with Michael. I felt immediately at ease when I entered his studio and just got more comfortable throughout the shoot. He was extremely creative and made the whole process so much fun. He's unlike any photographer I've ever shot with and I can't imagine having my head shots taken by anyone other than Michael. read more

I have endured various types of headshot sessions, from extremely uncomfortable to pretty good, but working with Michael has been the best experience yet. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that getting in front of the camera and trying to sell yourself can bring out your worst insecurities. But Michael's humor and relaxed process really allowed me to have fun and feel great about myself (which is reflected in my awesome headshots!). On top of that, he takes a damn good picture. I have seen headshots that don't quite look like the real life actor, but I think my new shots look like the best version of me. Thanks Mike! You're the best. read more

Michael was great to work with! He's extremely personable and knows how to activate you as an actor and bring out your personality. While other photographers I've worked with only gave me technical/clinical direction when working with me, Michael gave me direction that was more accessible to me as an actor. The result gave me photos that are dynamic and represent me as a performer. I'd definitely work with Michael again! read more

Michael is a talented photographer, with a creative and insightful approach to taking headshots. The process is very personal and connected. He takes the time to get to know you and your vision. He has a gift for seeing who you are and what energy you give off, and then bringing out those genuine sides of you on camera, capturing what a unique and interesting individual you are. Throughout the whole shoot, Michael was so passionate, friendly, and engaged, and he made it his mission to get the absolute best photos. He makes you feel very comfortable and talks you through the process. During the shoot, he uses various scenarios he comes up with just for you, resulting in photos full of natural, honest expression. It really highlights your potential and what you could bring to a role. He picks music to play in the background that he feels matches the moment and who you are. Michael also makes sure to do a variety of looks suited to different types of roles you tend to go out for, so you get everything you need to stand out in a crowd of photo submissions. Not only that, but his whole team is SO warm, friendly, and really welcomes you with open arms. Leading up to the experience, Michael and his team were so helpful in answering my questions and helping me prepare for the shoot. During the shoot, Michael also will give you insight into what he see's in you - I realized a lot about myself as an actress from him! That was an added bonus to getting great photos that went above and beyond my expectations! I couldn't have asked for a better experience! read more