As a huge movie fan, I love photographing actors. As a trusted London actor photographer and London portrait photographer, I’ve worked with film and TV actors, including Cannes Film Festival winners, helping them create images that support their careers and win dream roles.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned performer, you need an up-to-date headshot. Casting directors need a realistic and engaging view of what you look like, and working with an experienced London headshot photographer can make all the difference.
I go beyond the standard 8×10 headshot, using lighting, backdrops and direction to help you portray yourself as an exact fit for the roles you want to play. Whether you need a natural casting image or a polished Spotlight photo, every shoot is designed around your ambitions. Before the session, we’ll chat about the roles you’ve played in the past (no worries if you’re a total newbie) and where you want to take your career.
Every shoot is custom-made for you, guided by a shoot plan I send after a quick initial phone call.
I intentionally limit our schedule to two shoots per day, allowing for complete focus, personal attention, and an unhurried experience.
You’ll have the time to create several different looks within the shoot to showcase your range. Each look gives the opportunity for wardrobe and hair changes, alongside carefully adjusted lighting to create the right mood and character. I’ll normally take around 400 photos during a two-hour session, and we only stop once you have shots you are genuinely happy with.
From these photos, actors normally select around eight retouched images for a complete profile update.
Or if all you need is an updated headshot you can opt for briefer and more affordable shoot while still coming away with shots that make you stand out.
These days, everyone’s walking around with a high-spec camera in their pocket, and we’re taking more photos than ever. And yet, so many of us still don’t have even one genuinely great photo of ourselves.
Maybe we’re clinging to an old favourite that no longer looks like us, or telling ourselves a professional shoot is “too expensive.” For anyone who invests heavily in their career, that’s a huge false economy.
At Max Marshall Studio, we create amazing portraits you’ll be happy to share with your network. We work closely with you every step of the way to ensure your photos align exactly with what you need. We don’t finish the shoot until you are completely satisfied.
Max has had a lifelong passion for photography, starting at the age of 12 when he learned how to develop and print photos (back in the film days!). He was an award-winning photographer by his early 20’s and more recently had solo exhibitions in London in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Max has experience in almost every area of photography but now focuses on portraiture.
Our studio is easy to find in central London or we can come to your home or office with our mobile studio lighting and backdrop.
Every image created by our studio is carefully edited to remove blemishes and subtly enhance your appearance while appearing completely natural.
We specialise in natural, unforced and confident portraits to build your personal brand.
The first step is a quick phone call to discuss the photos you need and how they are going to be used. Once we know what is to be delivered we can quote a price. A fee is due to confirm the booking.
On the day of the shoot, when you arrive, we’ll have a quick chat to run through the shoot plan and confirm you’re happy with the plan. We then shoot until you are happy with your photos. We want you to be delighted with all your images. We have a maximum of 2 shoots per day to ensure quality of service and undivided individual attention for every client.
You choose the images you like during the shoot and they are shared with you via an online gallery.
There’s normally someone at reception but if they’ve stepped away call us so we will come over and greet you.
We’ll sit down for a chat over a coffee or a glass of water to quickly review the shoot plan, maybe taking in a quick tour of the studio and the art on display if you’re interested.
There’s wifi, desks and spaces to change outfits at our studio. Or we can bring our mobile studio to your office.
Every shoot is guided by a carefully considered plan, developed following a consultation to fully understand the client’s needs.
We then go over to the studio area and start the shoot.
We have music playing and there’s an option for you to choose any music you like.
You’ll be able to see the images pop up on screen. The first few photos will be to dial in the exact light settings and placement to compliment your looks exactly.
People have differing complexions, heights and hair colour and all this can affect the optimum lighting for an individual.
We’ll assess if you have a “best side” or side of your face which you feel is most photogenic. For most people, either side is fine.
During the shoot as we review the photos we pick out possible photos for final delivery, making them with four stars on the screen. We continue the shoot until you have chosen photos which you are absolutely happy with. We call these the Five Star photos and these are the ones which will be retouched and shared with you via an online gallery.
The first step is to call us on 0203 488 4861 and we’ll be happy to provide a firm price quote during the call. Alternatively complete the form on the Contact page. A booking fee is payable to secure the booking in our calendar.
Every shoot is bespoke so call us on 0203 488 4861 and we’ll quote you a firm price during the call once we’ve clarified your requirements.
Our pricing is good value for money for such a high level of service. We will design a detailed shoot plan after our call for your approval and during the shoot itself, we will continue until you have photos you are absolutely happy with.
Shoots are limited to no more than two per day so there’s plenty of time, no rush.
During the call, we’ll discuss your needs and explain the options available so you can make informed choices. Even if you decide not to go with us, we hope you find our guidance useful.
