About Us

​Why Choose City Headshots?

Here are just a few reasons to consider working with us:

• We'll guide you to look confident, approachable, and experienced. Don't have much experience taking photos? Not sure what to do in front of the camera? Don't worry - we'll help you avoid stiff poses & fake smiles, instead guiding you into natural, real expressions that make people take you seriously.
  • Case Study: How Chris Pecoraro's Strong Expression Got Him More Interview Opportunities.
• We're extraordinarily specific with direction. Since 2009, we've shot over 35,000 headshot clients collectively, and we've learned quick, simple tips (i.e. "look towards the top of the camera lens so your eyes look brighter" or "lean your body weight on the back foot for a slimming effect") to help our clients look their absolute best.
• We will guide you in more than just expression. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn, building an acting career, or recently hired by a company and need to match their brand or specs, we'll make recommendations on what backdrop, lighting style, and poses will work best for you (based on your industry, acting "character Types," and even where you plan to use the photo).
• ​​​We back our shoots 100%. Throughout the shoot, we'll review the images with you to ensure sure you're loving the way they look. Although it's rare, if for some reason you're not happy and we can't fix the problem, you're eligible to ask for a free reshoot or refund.

Learn how our headshot sessions work here.

Book Now

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Samantha
NYC Studio Manager & Photographer

Hi there, I’m Sam! I’ve been behind the camera since I was thirteen, and over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to make people look and feel their best in front of the lens.

With a background in film, interpersonal communication, and branding, I specialize in helping professionals, actors, and executives capture great headshots where they feel natural, confident, and engaging. Beyond headshots, I also love shooting family portraits, engagements, and weddings. With all my clients, my goal is to create a stress-free experience and capture stunning images.

I’ve worked with clients from National Geographic, Twitter, Facebook, and American Express, and my work has been featured in Chicago's Playbill and Billboard Magazine. I've been with City Headshots since 2012, and my #1 goal is to make sure every client walks away with images they love.

"Thanks, Sam!"

​"I do not usually write reviews but I was so pleased with my experience with Samantha at City Headshots that I actually volunteered to give one. Making the appointment was seamless and I was able to have an appointment almost immediately. I ran a little late and Samantha was very gracious it.

The session itself was a pure pleasure. Samantha was charming, put me totally at my ease and took so many good pictures of me it was almost impossible to select the headshot for the website. My co-worker narrowed the choice down to ten and we finally managed to select one. Samantha offered by email several times to help in any way she could.

​All in all a 100 percent successful experience."

- Michele Moss

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​Janelle
NYC Studio Photographer & Makeup Artist

Hey there! I’m Janelle, and my passion for makeup and photography started when I was just 13 years old. Over the years, I’ve learned how to help clients feel amazing in front of the camera.

I specialize in detailed guidance and direction during shoots, making the process comfortable (and even fun). Whether you need a LinkedIn update, personal branding image, or a modeling shot, I promise to highlight your personality and make sure you love the way you look.

Since joining City Headshots in 2019, I’ve worked with clients from all industries and backgrounds, making sure everyone's style shines through. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me painting or exploring new ways to blend art and photography!

"Thanks, Janelle!"

​"I am a returning customer of the fabulous City Headshots NYC team. Each time has easily been a 10 out of 10 experience.

I worked with Janelle, who provided an inviting atmosphere for the shoot. Janelle paused every couple of takes to make sure the photos were coming out the way I envisioned them. Additionally, as someone who does not get professional photoshoots done often, I appreciate that she was able to recommend poses and angles that brought out the best in me.

True to the website description, in around 10-15 minutes, my shoot was finished. I also received over 100 high-quality photographs that I could use as I pleased."

- Faye Steele

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​Martin Bentsen
Founder & NJ Studio Photographer

Hey, I'm Martin, and I appreciate that you've taken the time to check out City Headshots! My team is a fun and highly talented group of people who each bring something unique to your headshot experience.

I started City Headshots way back in 2009 as a way to offer great-quality headshots to business people and actors in New York City, and over time I learned what matters most to our clients - a personalized, guided session that allows us to capture great photos of you in a relaxed environment.

A little about me, I graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2011 with an honors degree, and I also run a business teaching actors how to brand and present themselves online, not only with their new headshots, but also through emails, coaching, and online courses I offer.

I'll finish up by saying how grateful I am to everyone we've had the opportunity to work with. We've been fortunate to have had our headshot work in The New York Times & The Wall Street Journal, we've been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, and we've shot numerous times for well known companies like American Express, Facebook, and LinkedIn Corp. We've collectively shot over 25,000 clients since 2009, including some sports and TV stars ​(Serge Ibaka, David Shuster, and Brian Kelly).
 
​At least a few times a month a client we've worked with tells us their headshots helped them land a new job or great opportunity. It's amazing to hear about everyone's success, and I hope it continues for each of our clients.

"Thanks, City Headshots!"

​"We have had the pleasure of engaging the services of City Headshots for many years (since 2018), and our experience has consistently been exemplary. Martin, Samantha, and the entire team at City Headshots have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, adaptability, and client-centricity throughout our engagement.

​Their unwavering commitment to accommodating our needs and their flexibility in catering to our evolving requirements for headshots at our company have been commendable. Based on our sustained positive encounters, we confidently extend our highest recommendation for City Headshots' services."

- Heather Burke (Peaceful Way Psychology)

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​Dakota
Our Mascot

​Hey, I'm Dakota! I used to be Martin's amazing husky dog and I loved having pictures taken of me.

Unfortunately I passed away in 2021 from bone cancer at age 8, but I will forever be with the City Headshots team in spirit!

​I hope your headshot turns out as good as mine did :)

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​​"Extremely professional and easy process from start to finish. My photographer was excellent and the timing in which I received my pictures was the fastest I've ever experienced."

- Ryan Gervasi

​"I don’t like taking photos and I’m not photogenic. The photographer directed me and made the entire process so quick and painless!"

- Paula Dolan

"As someone who DETESTS having her photo taken, the team at City Head Shots were absolute stars. They immediately put me at ease and for the first time ever, I didn’t hate my shots (I may have even liked them more than a little)!"

- Cathy Elkies

"I HATE taking photos! But City Headshots actually made the process enjoyable - they even managed to get a smile out of me for some of the photos! My wife was shocked!! If you're looking for a professional photo shoot with reasonable fees, you cannot beat City Headshots. Highly recommended!!!!"

- Mario Pizzamiglio