Thanks for visiting! I'm Ben Esner, and I'm a photographer specializing in professional headshots. NYC actors, corporate professionals and families rely on me to help them get captivating headshots that showcase them at their best. I work collaboratively with you to capture natural moments that encapsulate your authentic energy.
If you're an actor, you know that your headshots are the most important tool in your marketing toolbox. You may be an amazing performer, and have a killer resume, but you'd better have a professional, engaging and dynamic headshot so the casting director or agent doesn't click right by you! As a former working actor of many years, I have a ton of experience in front of the camera, having had my headshots taken many, many times.
If you're an actor, you know that your headshots are the most important tool in your marketing toolbox. You may be an amazing performer, and have a killer resume, but you'd better have a professional, engaging and dynamic headshot so the casting director or agent doesn't click right by you! As a former working actor of many years, I have a ton of experience in front of the camera, having had my headshots taken many, many times.
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If you are new to professional acting, the process of learning the "business" side of the acting business can be quite daunting (speaking from hard-fought experience as a former working actor of many years). An actor's headshot is among the most important tools in his or her marketing toolbox. It is often the first impression you will make on an agent or casting director with whom you would like to work.
These days, everyone needs a great headshot. With the rise of social media, especially LinkedIn, and more sophisticated websites of businesses large and small, people now expect to be able to see a photo of the person with whom they are considering doing business (ANY kind of business). Having a professional and engaging corporate headshot or CEO portrait isn't optional anymore.
Lifestyle photography generally describes photography that aims to capture people in situations or events, to tell a story. Often, the subject is not looking directly at the camera, but rather engaged in some sort of activity. As such, it can encompass a broad array of categories, from maternity to modeling, to fitness, to branding, to environmental, to couples.
While my 11-year-old son is currently in a "refusing to let Dad photograph him" stage (seems fair, as I have taken around 300,000 photos of him to date), I have many years of experience photographing children of all ages, from total beginners (we all were once) to Broadway, film and TV performers. It is a fun, relaxed time for everyone involved, and I offer a lot of guidance about getting started in the industry!
I love photographing animals and have lived with pets almost continuously from the time I was a little kid. I photograph them with the same considerations in mind as when I shoot humans. What is the authentic energy of the subjects? How can I communicate what my experience is standing with them? In my creatures gallery, you'll see my dog, Stuart, running in the snow (he's a good boy!).
Reviews (12)
Tom C.
Oct 24, 2021
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I'm not an actor or model or anything like that, so taking headshots is a somewhat fraught proposition for me. Ben made the entire process easy, fun and wildly successful. His warm, playful manner put me completely at ease, and his skill as a photographer is simply unimpeachable. He managed to capture "the real me" in shot after shot; I have a wealth of options to choose from that will serve me well in my career as a writer and presenter. If you're looking for the best, look no further; you've found him here.
Jarvis Lamar
Aug 04, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Ben and the makeup artist, Jen, made me feel right at home. Everything was properly communicated before and after the shoot. Ben was responsive in his emails if I had any questions. The picture quality came out exceptionally well. Would definitely book with Ben again. Overall a great experience.
Ben and the makeup artist, Jen, made me feel right at home. Everything was properly communicated before and after the shoot. Ben was responsive in his emails if I had any questions. The picture quality came out exceptionally well. Would definitely book with Ben again. Overall a great experience.
Gil Cole
Aug 04, 2021
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Ben Esner was recommended to me by a colleague. I sought head shots when I decided to return to acting after retiring from another career. It had been about 40 years since I was in front of a camera. Ben put me at ease, gently helped with useful creative prompts and made the experience truly enjoyable. I think the results reflect Ben's skill and intuitive connection with his subjects. I heartily recommend him to anyone, whether you are an experienced model or are new to the potentially self-conscious-making process of having one's picture taken. I will certainly be asking him to take my picture
Donna Gammon
Aug 03, 2021
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Lynda Malerba
Jul 31, 2021
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As soon as I contacted Ben to discuss possibly working together on updated headshots I knew that this was a knowledgeable and professional person. Ben not only answered all of my questions and concerns but he was kind and made the entire experience fun and completely free of stress. Jen did an amazing job with my hair and makeup which involved several very different looks. I highly recommend Ben if you are looking for professional headshots and a photographer that will work together with you to get the results that you want. Thank you Ben!!
Paul Mauriello
Jul 27, 2021
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Eileen Noonan
Jul 25, 2021
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Deirdre Manning
Jul 23, 2021
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Thomas Benton
Jul 21, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Ben is passionate about his work and has a very good eye in capturing the uniqueness of his subjects. I had a ball in our session, he made me feel so relaxed. He is good enough to give direction only when direction is needed. Ben is wonderful to work with and a real pro.
Ben is passionate about his work and has a very good eye in capturing the uniqueness of his subjects. I had a ball in our session, he made me feel so relaxed. He is good enough to give direction only when direction is needed. Ben is wonderful to work with and a real pro.
Sara S.
Oct 21, 2017
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Brian S.
Jan 06, 2016
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If you're an actor and are looking for a headshot photographer who is intutive, has a great eye and understanding of what the industry needs from a headshot, Ben is your guy!
I had my first session with him and he was such a wonderful collaborator. He was very personable and laid-back yet professional.
I think because he has an acting background he understands what the process is like for us and how to help us do more than just stand there and try to look good. He coached me throughout the shoot in a way that was like working with a director on a film. We took shots on his roof, on the
I had my first session with him and he was such a wonderful collaborator. He was very personable and laid-back yet professional.
I think because he has an acting background he understands what the process is like for us and how to help us do more than just stand there and try to look good. He coached me throughout the shoot in a way that was like working with a director on a film. We took shots on his roof, on the
Ashley F.
Nov 29, 2015
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