Actor headshots · Toronto & Hollywood

The shot that gets you in the room.

Theatrical and commercial headshots, the kind casting directors expect to see, shot in Cabbagetown, Toronto, or at the studio in Hollywood. If a role needs something different, we can do gels, smoke or something more editorial. From $250.

Book a session Actor gallery

Agents and schools: hi@speedyheadshots.com for group days.

Theatrical actor headshot, Diego el Cigala, dark backdrop, SpeedyHeadshots Actor headshot, man in glasses and a black t-shirt on black Actor portrait, man in a white sweater with a single hard light
What casting is looking at

You need at least two looks.

Theatrical

Darker, moodier light, and no smile or just a small one. This is the one for drama and film. We shoot it to fit 4:5 and 8x10, so it works on Casting Workbook and Breakdown Express.

Commercial

Brighter and warmer, with a real smile. Think of the person who'd sell you a phone plan or run the daycare. The colour needs to stand out as a thumbnail.

You see every shot on a screen as we go, so bring your agent's notes and choose with them in front of you. We keep the retouching light, because casting needs to recognise you when you walk in. No agent yet? Our guide to talent agencies in Toronto covers eight of them and what each one wants in a submission.

Actor packages

Actor packages.

Stage Extra30 minutes

Quick update or new submission

$250
  • One lighting set-up, one look
  • One retouched image
  • All digitals, live preview on set
Book Stage Extra
Broadway Theatre90 minutes · Most chosen

Build your range

$500
  • Two lighting set-ups, three looks
  • Three retouched images
  • All digitals included
Book Broadway Theatre
Hollywood Rockstar3 hours

Full lookbook refresh

$675
  • Unlimited set-ups and looks
  • Five retouched images
  • Gels, smoke and creative options
Book Hollywood Rockstar

Before tax. Extra retouched images $50 each. Hair and makeup on request. Weighing an acting session against a corporate or modeling shoot? See full pricing.

Questions

Common questions.

It depends on the package: 30 minutes for Stage Extra, 90 minutes for Broadway Theatre and up to 3 hours for Hollywood Rockstar. That includes time to settle in, talk through looks and change things as we go.
Yes, bring more than you think you need. How many we actually shoot depends on your package, but it helps to have options once we see what works on camera. We'll tell you what looks best under the lights.
It depends on the role. A lighter, warm background suits friendly or comedic characters. A darker, muted one suits dramatic or intense roles. If you have a particular casting in mind, tell us and we'll set up for it. We have plenty of backgrounds in the studio.
Usually within 24 hours. If your submission is due the same day, tell us when you book. We've turned photos around in under 4 hours for urgent casting calls. There may be a rush fee.
Yes. Nils shoots plenty of actors putting together their very first headshots, as well as people who've been working for years. Stage Extra is the one to start with. It's quick and it's the cheapest, and we'll walk you through all of it.
What actors say
"Nils is one of a kind. He has an instinct to be there right at the moment when the feelings start to pour out. You won't notice him being there but you'll tear up when you see his images of you. Un gran hombre!!!"
Diego el Cigala · 2× Grammy Winner
"I used Nils when I created my first headshot portfolio when I started out in Hollywood. Nils has always been approachable, hardworking, and got me the headshots which landed me multiple roles. Highly recommended."
Hayley Jackowitz · Actress
"Nils consistently shoots our orchestra's and crews on set. Having worked with him and his team I know I can consistently expect quality and getting our artists the best headshots they can possibly get."
Frederik Wiedmann · Grammy-Winning Composer
Actor headshot with creative lighting, SpeedyHeadshots Actor portrait with coloured gels, SpeedyHeadshots Actor headshot, man in a printed t-shirt on grey Actor headshot with dramatic coloured light

Audition next week? We can usually shoot tomorrow.

You'll have retouched files within 24 hours, sized for the casting sites.

Book a session