Van Dean Photography
High-end headshot photography connected to the heart of Broadway casting
Overview
Van Dean Photography offers high-end headshot sessions deeply connected to the New York theater industry. With strong relationships across Broadway and off-Broadway casting circles, Van Dean understands exactly what theater professionals are looking for.
Sessions are polished and professional, with expert direction that draws out the confidence and presence that stage actors need to project. The studio environment is designed to produce images worthy of Broadway playbills and agency submissions.
How It Works
Van Dean's clientele includes some of the most recognizable names on Broadway and in the New York theater community. His established reputation makes him a top-tier choice for theater professionals.
Sessions range from $400 to $600, reflecting the premium quality and industry connections that come with the experience. Packages include retouched digital images with options for prints.
Who Uses It
The go-to choice for serious theater actors and Broadway professionals who need headshots that match their caliber. Van Dean's industry connections ensure your images carry weight in the right circles.
Pricing & Plans
Van Dean's sessions range from $400 to $600, placing him in the upper-mid tier of the NYC headshot market. This pricing reflects not just the photography itself but the deep industry knowledge and Broadway connections that inform every session. Packages include retouched digital images and options for professional prints suitable for playbill submissions and agency portfolios. Van Dean does not charge hidden fees for standard retouching or digital delivery. Compared to mid-range NYC photographers charging $300 to $400, the premium is justified by the caliber of his client base and his understanding of what Broadway casting offices specifically look for in headshots.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Van Dean's most significant advantage is his deep integration into the Broadway and off-Broadway casting ecosystem, which means his images are specifically calibrated to resonate with the people making casting decisions at the highest level of New York theater. His polished, professional session style draws out the confidence and stage presence that theater professionals need to project in their headshots. The quality of his client base speaks for itself — working alongside Broadway veterans gives actors confidence that their photographer understands the industry at their level. His expert direction ensures consistent, high-quality results regardless of the actor's comfort level in front of the camera. Van Dean's prints and digital deliverables are formatted specifically for the submission requirements of major theater casting offices.
What Could Be Better
Van Dean's premium pricing may be difficult to justify for actors who are early in their theater careers or working primarily in smaller off-off-Broadway and regional productions. His strong association with the Broadway world may make his aesthetic less versatile for actors who also need headshots for film, television, or commercial work. Availability can be competitive during peak seasons, as established Broadway performers tend to book well in advance. His polished, high-end approach may produce images that feel too formal for actors whose casting brand is more casual or unconventional. Actors outside the New York theater community may not benefit as fully from his industry connections.
Our Recommendation
Van Dean is the definitive choice for serious theater actors in New York who are working at or aspiring to the Broadway level and want headshots that carry weight with the casting offices that matter most. If you are preparing for a Broadway season, major agent meetings, or significant theater auditions, his images will project the professional caliber those contexts demand. Actors who are primarily focused on film and television and do not need theater-specific expertise should consider photographers with a more versatile on-camera aesthetic. Budget-conscious actors earlier in their careers can find excellent quality at lower price points from photographers like Stewart Ritter or Katie Botkin.
Pro Tips
Schedule your session well in advance of audition season or agent meetings, as Van Dean's calendar fills quickly during peak periods in fall and early spring. Bring wardrobe that reads well on stage — solid colors, well-fitted pieces with interesting necklines that photograph cleanly under studio lighting. Ask Van Dean about current trends in Broadway headshot submissions, as his close connection to casting offices means he has real-time insight into what is currently booking. If you are a musical theater performer, request at least one look that captures your energy and warmth alongside a more dramatic option. Have your headshot selects reviewed by your agent or manager before finalizing, as their knowledge of what the current Broadway market responds to is invaluable context for making the right choices.