About Us

Have you ever felt awkward and unsure of what to do on camera? We totally get it.

That's why we've spent over a decade studying every possible technique to not only help you look more confident and natural in photos, but to actually make the process fun and enjoyable (seriously)!

It makes us so happy when people tell us at the end of their shoot, "This is honestly the best picture I've ever had."

Here are a few things that make us different than other photographers:​
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• Our photographers are also trained as coaches. City Headshots' founder Martin Bentsen is an acting and career coach who studied film directing at NYU. He's trained every photographer on our team to direct and coach actors into natural, authentic expressions and body positions easily and quickly using actor coaching techniques that are easy to understand and follow.
• We're NOT a headshot factory. Every session is as unique as the actor who comes through our doors. In order to offer the most availability (and multiple locations), we have grown our team into a small group of photographers who are each highly-trained in actor headshots. We'll make sure you're feeling relaxed, confident, and happy during the shoot, and we'll let you see the images as the session progresses so you know you're getting shots you love! There's plenty of time built in so you won't feel rushed, and our studio environments are professional and friendly.
• We know what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to getting actors more auditions. Since 2011, our Founder Martin Bentsen has helped over 6,000 actors increase their auditions through his actor coaching and marketing work (www.martinbentsen.com). He has trained every photographer on our team personally to ensure they capture effective headshots for each actor who walks through our doors.
• We'll guide you through the process from start to finish. We can help you figure out your Type(s), clothing to wear, setups for each shot, and even assist you in choosing the best photos from your shoot afterwards. And don't worry, we'll be extremely specific during the session to guide you into the right expressions to best capture your Types and ensure you look experienced on camera.
• It's an extremely collaborative process. Remember: we're on your side and we keep ego out of the equation. We'll show you your photos throughout the shoot so you can easily let us know if there's something you're not liking. We'd rather fix it right then and there than have you surprised with photos you're not happy with later on!
• Our guarantee is if you don't LOVE your headshots, we refund you. Although it's rare, if for some reason you were unhappy after the shoot and there's nothing we can do to fix it, you can either ask for a free reshoot or a full refund (including the makeup fee). If you're not happy, we're not happy!

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​Martin Bentsen (Founder)
Actor Marketing Strategist

Hey, I'm Martin, and I appreciate that you've taken the time to check out City Headshots! My team is a fun and highly talented group of people who each bring something unique to your headshot experience.

I started City Headshots back in 2009 as a way to not only help actors with high-quality headshots, but to actually help them get more auditions with their photos. We include strategy behind every session – you'll be guided not only during the shoot itself, but also afterwards on how to effectively USE your new headshots to get more audition opportunities.

A little about me, I graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2011 with an honors degree in Film Directing, and I specialize in teaching actors how to get access to higher-level auditions through my newsletter emails, 1-1 coaching, and online courses.

I'll finish up by saying how grateful I am to everyone we've had the opportunity to work with. We've been fortunate to have had our headshot work in The New York Times & The Wall Street Journal, we've been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, and my actor marketing articles have been featured in Casting Networks News, the New England Theater Conference, The Actor's Green Room, and even NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. My team has collectively shot over 35,000 clients since 2009, including some sports and TV stars ​(Serge Ibaka, David Shuster, and Brian Kelly).
 
​At least a few times a month an actor we've worked with tell us their headshots helped them get invited to a career-altering audition opportunity. It's amazing to hear about everyone's success, and I hope it continues for each of our clients!

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Samantha
Head Photographer + Studio Manager

Hi, I'm Sam! I found a love for photography at age thirteen and haven't put my camera down since. My interest in capturing subjects in photos soon turned into curiosity about short and feature filmmaking, leading to a degree in both film and rhetoric. Having closely studied interpersonal communication with the technical and creative details of cinematography and still imagery, I've learned the fine art of turning visual ideas into realities. 

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to shoot for comedy performers for the Edinburgh and Dublin Fringe Festivals and write, produce and edit shorts for actors' reels. From the conception of a project to the styling & branding of a final show or character type, collaboration is my favorite way to work. 

I have been lucky enough to have had my work featured in Chicago's playbill and Billboard Magazine, and clients of mine include National Geographic, Twitter, Facebook, and American Express. Besides working at City Headshots, I dabble with all things YouTube and am in preproduction for a stop-motion short.  I enjoy tea and music and I'd absolutely love the opportunity to work with you!​

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Janelle
Photographer + Makeup Artist

Hey there! My name is Janelle and I've been interested in the art of make-up and photography since I was 13 years old. I have always been fascinated with not only the transformative nature of makeup and lighting but the confidence my use of these brought to the people I work with. Later I learned how to accentuate beauty in a way that brings out the essence in my clients and how to photograph them in a way that made them feel and look confident. I always aim to leave people feeling great about their appearance and ready to tackle whatever’s ahead of them. 

I have been working for City Headshots for 2 years and I'm elated everyday to have the opportunity to work with all different types of people. No matter your background, ethnicity, or job description, rest assured that our team will work our hardest to make sure you’re picture perfect!

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Dakota
Our Mascot

Hey, I'm Dakota! I used to be Martin's awesome husky dog and I loved having pictures taken of me. Unfortunately I passed away in 2021, but I am still with everyone at City Headshots in spirit.

​Did you know I starred in a movie as a puppy? Check it out!

Dakota: Dedicated to My Best Friend

​I hope your headshot turns out as good as mine did :)