Peter Hurley NYC
The gold standard in headshot photography with a legendary New York studio presence
Overview
Peter Hurley operates one of the most prestigious headshot studios in New York City. His NYC sessions carry the same reputation for excellence as his LA work, with expert expression coaching and masterful lighting that define the industry standard.
Sessions in New York feature the same meticulous attention to detail and real-time coaching that have made Peter a household name in the headshot world. His NYC studio attracts actors, executives, and public figures from across the East Coast.
How It Works
Peter's work is widely recognized across Broadway, film, and television casting circles in New York. His headshots are considered among the best in the business, and his clients span every tier of the entertainment industry.
NYC sessions start at $1,200 and scale upward based on the package selected. The premium pricing reflects his status as one of the most sought-after headshot photographers in the world.
Who Uses It
The premier choice for actors and professionals in New York who want an absolutely top-tier headshot experience. Peter's expertise and reputation ensure that his images carry weight with any casting director or agent who sees them.
Pricing & Plans
Peter Hurley's NYC sessions start at approximately $1,200 and can exceed $2,000 depending on the package and number of final retouched images selected. His pricing places him firmly at the premium end of the New York headshot market, significantly above the $300 to $600 range most NYC photographers charge. Packages typically include a set number of retouched digital images, with additional selects available for an extra fee. Peter also offers his Headshot Crew sessions and workshops at various price points for photographers looking to learn his techniques. There are no hidden fees, and the session price covers studio time, lighting, and Peter's signature coaching. For actors weighing the investment, Peter's headshots are widely recognized by industry professionals, which can make the premium pricing worthwhile as a long-term career asset.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Peter Hurley is arguably the most recognized name in headshot photography worldwide, and having his work in your portfolio carries immediate credibility with agents and casting directors. His real-time expression coaching is genuinely transformative — many actors report that a session with Peter taught them more about their on-camera presence than years of classes. The technical quality of his lighting and retouching is consistently flawless, producing images that look striking on every platform from Actors Access to agency websites. His NYC studio is purpose-built for headshot photography, creating an optimal shooting environment. Peter's ability to draw out authentic, confident expressions from even the most camera-shy subjects is a skill that sets him apart from virtually every competitor.
What Could Be Better
The most significant barrier is price — at $1,200 and up, Peter's sessions represent a substantial investment that may not be feasible for early-career actors or those on tight budgets. His popularity means booking availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons when actors are refreshing their headshots. The session pace is fast and intense, which some actors find exhilarating but others find overwhelming or stressful. Peter's signature aesthetic, while universally respected, has a recognizable look that some casting directors have commented is becoming overly familiar. Actors who prefer a more collaborative, conversational session style may find his directed approach less comfortable than working with a photographer who gives more creative latitude.
Our Recommendation
Peter Hurley is the ideal choice for actors and professionals who want an uncompromising, best-in-class headshot experience and are willing to invest accordingly. If you are at a career inflection point — signing with a new agent, transitioning markets, or stepping up to a higher tier of competition — Peter's headshots can provide a tangible competitive advantage. Working actors with established careers who need images that match their professional stature will find his work perfectly calibrated. Actors who are budget-conscious or early in their careers should consider excellent mid-range NYC photographers like David Noles or Nick Granito, who deliver strong results at a fraction of the cost. If you want a relaxed, lengthy session with extensive creative exploration, Peter's efficient, coaching-intensive style may not align with your preferences.
Pro Tips
Book your session during a weekday if possible, as Peter's schedule tends to be more relaxed and you may get slightly more time and attention than during packed weekend slots. Arrive camera-ready with minimal makeup — Peter's lighting is calibrated to work with natural skin tones, and heavy makeup can look overdone in his setup. Bring four to six wardrobe options in solid colors with different necklines, even if you plan to use fewer looks, so you have maximum flexibility during the session. Take Peter's coaching seriously and commit fully to his direction, even if it feels unfamiliar — his techniques for jaw positioning, squinching, and expression control are developed from thousands of sessions and produce consistently superior results. After the session, resist the urge to over-select — choose two to three images that represent genuinely different casting categories rather than five variations of the same look.