Michael Cinquino Photography
Refined headshot photography with a classic New York sensibility
Overview
Michael Cinquino brings a refined, classic sensibility to headshot photography in New York City. His images have a timeless quality that combines traditional portrait techniques with modern visual standards.
Sessions are structured and professional, with Michael providing clear, confident direction throughout the shoot. He pays close attention to lighting, composition, and expression to ensure every frame meets a high standard of quality.
How It Works
Michael's client base includes established Broadway performers, film actors, and television talent across the New York market. His refined style and consistent results have earned him a strong reputation among industry professionals.
Standard sessions are priced between $350 and $500, including retouched digital images. Premium packages with additional looks and extended retouching are available.
Who Uses It
Recommended for actors who want headshots with a classic, refined quality that never goes out of style. Michael's traditional approach ensures images that are polished, professional, and universally respected.
Pricing & Plans
Michael Cinquino's headshot sessions are priced in the $350 to $500 range, with pricing varying based on the package tier selected and the number of final retouched images. His rates are competitive for the New York market, especially considering his background working with clients like L'Oreal, Vogue Mexico, and Timeout NY. Packages include digital delivery of retouched images, and Michael offers options for actors at different career stages and budget levels. His dual background in acting — with a BA in Acting and Directing from DeSales University and training at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts — adds value beyond the photographs themselves, as he understands the actor's perspective intimately. There are no hidden fees for standard retouching or digital delivery.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Michael's most distinctive advantage is his dual background as both a trained actor and a professional photographer, which gives him rare insight into what actors need from their headshots and how to direct them effectively. His fashion and editorial experience with major brands like L'Oreal and publications like Vogue brings a level of visual sophistication that elevates his headshot work above many competitors who work exclusively in the headshot space. His classic, refined aesthetic produces images with a timeless quality that will not look dated in two or three years, protecting the actor's investment. Michael's structured, confident direction ensures consistent quality across every session, regardless of the actor's experience level in front of the camera. His understanding of both stage and screen performance means he can adjust his direction for actors working across different mediums.
What Could Be Better
Michael's classic, refined aesthetic may feel too traditional for actors seeking edgy, contemporary, or heavily stylized headshots that push creative boundaries. His structured session approach, while producing consistent results, offers less room for spontaneous creative exploration than some actors prefer. Pricing information is not prominently displayed on his website, requiring direct outreach to get a quote before booking. His fashion and editorial background, while impressive, means his schedule may occasionally be impacted by competing commercial photography commitments. Actors who are looking for a raw, minimally retouched look may find his polished approach produces images that feel too perfect for their desired casting brand.
Our Recommendation
Michael Cinquino is an ideal choice for established NYC actors who want headshots with a polished, classic quality backed by genuine fashion and editorial expertise. His dual background as a trained actor makes him particularly effective for actors who want a photographer who truly understands the craft and the business. Actors preparing for high-stakes agent meetings or pilot season submissions will find that Michael's refined images project professionalism and seriousness. Newer actors who want more creative experimentation or an edgier look may be better served by photographers with a more contemporary or experimental aesthetic. If budget is the primary consideration, photographers at lower price points can deliver solid professional headshots without the editorial polish Michael brings.
Pro Tips
Leverage Michael's acting background by discussing specific character types and roles you are pursuing during your pre-session consultation — his training allows him to direct you toward expressions and energies that serve specific casting goals. Bring wardrobe in classic, timeless pieces rather than trendy items, as his refined aesthetic pairs best with simple, well-fitted clothing in solid colors. Ask Michael about his lighting preferences for different skin tones, as his fashion experience means he has specialized setups that can make a significant difference. If you are a theater actor, request at least one look with a brighter, more open expression and energy alongside his naturally more polished setups. Check his portfolio on his website to identify specific images whose style and mood align with your goals, and reference these during your session to guide the aesthetic direction.