As a huge movie fan, I love photographing actors. Film and TV actors and Cannes Film Festival winners have trusted Max Marshall Studio to help them win their dream roles.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned performer, you need an up-to-date headshot. Casting directors need a realistic view of what you look like.
I go beyond the standard 8×10 headshot to use lighting, backdrops and direction to help you portray yourself as an exact fit for the roles you want to play. Before the shoot, we’ll have a 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 have several “looks” within the shoot to showcase your range. Each look gives the opportunity for wardrobe/hair changes, and carefully adjusted lighting to set the mood. I’ll normally take about 400 photos during around two hours. We stop only when you have shots you are totally happy with.
From these photos, actors normally pick around eight retouched photos for a full 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.
Ricardo P Lloyd
“I recently worked with Max Marshall to update my portfolio shots, and it was an excellent experience. Max was incredibly professional and generous throughout the process, which resulted in stunning photos. His talent and dedication truly shine through in his work. I would definitely work with him again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for top-quality photography. A fantastic person and an amazing professional!”
Casey Clowes
“Loved working with Max today!. Max did my Actor headshots. He was very professional, very kind and made me feel at comfortable (this was my first ever photoshoot) whilst taking the photos (I don’t usually like having my pictures taken 🫣). He was accommodating of my knee injury and didn’t have me standing for too long.”
Mark McCord
“Max, I just saw the pics. They are brilliant. For once I didn’t look at a pic of myself and wince. You did a fantastic job of making a face for radio look ready for TV. Thank you so much.”
William Fitch
“It’s seldom anyone likes a picture of themselves, but I must say Max got it right. He’s patient and convivial and plays some nice tunes (not personally) in the background, which makes everything nice and relaxed. I walked away with a clutch of photos in different styles, change of clothes and backgrounds, and lighting effects too. This man knows his stuff.”
Andy Hawthorne
Max allowed plenty of time to discuss exactly what I hoped to get out of the session, to understand what I wanted my photographs to say about me. We talked about the different looks that could be achieved through changes of clothing, colours, backgrounds, lighting, etc. Result … very happy with my new headshots.
Sacha Vodegel Matzen
Max did a wonderful creative and collaborative shoot with my son for his spotlight and model book, we were delighted with the photos
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.
