A headshot, naturally, is an integral park of the actor's marketing package. Any thespian that's been in the business for more than twelve seconds is hyper-aware of that. So who's the best? The lauded? The coveted? Who would you practically bribe American Express to raise your credit line for, and who are the solid "standards" that will still please your agent and your budget?

After some careful research and input from our clients, here's the Virtual-Actor.com list of Photographers We Love.

Submit Your Work (subject to Virtual-Actor.com approval) to customerservice@virtual-actor.com

NEW YORK

PETER HURLEY - www.peterhurley.com
Everybody knows who Peter Hurley is, either by his characteristic shooting style (a stark white-background and masterfully played lighting), or simply by name. One of New York's most Wish-Listed photographers, he's also one of the most pricey. But if you want to "do it right" and can save up a little headshot nest egg to afford him -- your headshots are sure to be grade A. Hurley is recommended by many of the top agencies, and he's shot for Vanity Fair. Need we say more?

PAOLO MASCATELLI - www.paolomascatelli.com
Everybody knows who Peter Hurley is, either by his characteristic shooting style (a stark white-background and masterfully played lighting), or simply by name. One of New York's most Wish-Listed photographers, he's also one of the most pricey. But if you want to "do it right" and can save up a little headshot nest egg to afford him -- your headshots are sure to be grade A. Hurley is recommended by many of the top agencies, and he's shot for Vanity Fair. Need we say more?

JORDAN MATTER - www.jorandmatter.com
Another top agency reccomedation, Jordan Matter has redefined the use of natural light in headshot photography. Many photographers are now attempting to adapt to his style and lack of "big lighting", but none that we've seen can really come close to how Matter captures the actor in his or her natural -- yet riveting -- state. What's even better than his style? The fact that he'll reschedule your shoot if the weather isn't right to capture great light. And the free cappuccino on shooting day

Prices are a little up there, but you get an incredible session. See his website for more information.

ARTHUR COHEN - www.arthurcohen.com
"Actors HAVE to look like themselves," states Arthur Cohen. A New York based photographe, Cohen is a bit of a mass favorite for a reason. While many big "LA" / "NY" headshot guys are strictly natural light or studio, Cohen combines both in an arguably extraordinary, (and actor affordable) way.

Cohen shoots in a way that allows the actor to bring something to the table -- you'll go in, you'll sit, you'll talk. You'll get direction (not heavy acting exercises, by any means, but Cohen likes to give actors something to work with)... a method which, from our experiences, always makes for an altogether stronger headshot. Cohen also shoots with the casting director in mind: "I want to look at that shot and know exactly how to cast that actor," he states. "I want to understand their essence when I see their shot."