David Noles Photography
Award-winning NYC headshot photographer known for natural, expressive portraits
Overview
David Noles is an award-winning headshot photographer based in New York City known for capturing natural, expressive portraits. His work has a warmth and immediacy that makes actors look both approachable and compelling.
Sessions are collaborative, with David working closely with each actor to find their most honest and engaging expressions. He uses a mix of natural and studio lighting to create looks that feel organic and alive.
How It Works
David has a strong reputation in the New York theater and film communities. His headshots are frequently seen in Broadway programs, on casting platforms, and in agency portfolios across the city.
Pricing ranges from $400 to $600 for a standard session, including retouched digital images. He offers several package tiers to accommodate different needs and budgets.
Who Uses It
An excellent choice for NYC actors who want headshots with a natural, expressive quality. David's deep roots in the New York acting community make him a trusted name among agents and casting directors.
Pricing & Plans
David Noles offers headshot sessions at $1,350, which is all-inclusive with taxes, four clothing changes, and three background and lighting changes. This pricing positions him in the upper-mid range for NYC headshot photographers, above the $400 to $600 range of many competitors but below the $1,500-plus tier of photographers like Peter Hurley. The session price includes professional retouching on selected final images delivered via digital gallery. David's studio is located at 254 36th Street in Manhattan, providing a convenient Midtown location for actors coming from anywhere in the city. There are no hidden fees for wardrobe changes or basic retouching, and his transparent pricing structure makes budgeting straightforward for working actors.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
David's greatest strength is his ability to capture warmth and approachability in his images, creating headshots that make actors look inviting and genuine rather than stiff or over-produced. His collaborative shooting style puts even nervous actors at ease, resulting in expressions that feel natural and unforced. The all-inclusive session structure with four clothing changes and multiple backgrounds gives actors excellent variety and value for the session price. His deep connections in the New York theater and film communities mean his work is recognized and respected by casting directors and agents throughout the city. David's technical skill with both natural and studio lighting allows him to create diverse looks within a single session, from bright and commercial to more dramatic and theatrical.
What Could Be Better
David's pricing at $1,350 per session may be prohibitive for actors who are just starting out or working on limited budgets, especially when comparable quality is available from other NYC photographers at lower price points. His warm, natural aesthetic, while widely appealing, may not produce the edgier or more dramatic looks that some actors need for genre-specific submissions. Availability can be competitive during peak headshot seasons in fall and spring, requiring advance booking. His Midtown studio location, while central, may be less convenient for actors based in Brooklyn or outer boroughs. Actors who prefer a fast-paced, high-energy session style may find David's more measured, conversational approach slower than expected.
Our Recommendation
David Noles is an excellent choice for NYC actors who prioritize natural, expressive headshots and want to work with a photographer deeply embedded in the New York acting community. He is particularly well-suited for theater actors transitioning into film and television who need images that read authentically on camera. Actors who are preparing for agent meetings or major audition seasons will find that David's work carries weight with industry professionals. If budget is a primary concern, photographers in the $350 to $500 range like Nick Granito or Stewart Ritter offer strong alternatives. Actors seeking a highly stylized or fashion-forward look should consider photographers with a more editorial aesthetic.
Pro Tips
Book your session at least three to four weeks in advance, especially during the fall headshot season when NYC actors are refreshing their materials before pilot season. Take full advantage of the four wardrobe changes by bringing options that represent genuinely different casting categories — do not bring four variations of the same look. Communicate your casting goals and current representation status to David before the session so he can tailor his direction accordingly. Ask David about his preferred color palettes for backgrounds, as certain wardrobe colors pair better with specific lighting setups. After receiving your selects, get feedback from your agent or manager before making final choices, as their perspective on what is currently booking in the market is invaluable.