Headshot Photography

Capturing Professional Portrait Photos in NYC: Bringing Personality to the Forefront

When it comes to making a strong first impression, a great headshot is key—especially in the professional world. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, a company website, a panel discussion introduction or a press release, your portrait should reflect not just your professionalism, but your personality. That’s where a top-tier NYC professional portrait and headshot photographer comes in.

The Best of Both Worlds: Traditional & Environmental Portraits

In New York City there are thousands of photographers capturing headshots, portraits, LinkedIn profile photos, and whatever else you can think of. Some photographers will arrive with small simple setups and others will have large, elaborate setups. As a community, we’ve redefined what corporate portraits can be—by combining classic, studio-style headshots with vibrant, personality-packed environmental portraits taken right in the company’s own office space.

Environmental Portraits: Where Personality Shines

The environmental portrait is my favorite! After the studio shots were complete, I scoped out several locations throughout the client’s office, and got the client’s approval.

These photos show your true character, and are not the traditional, rigid “stand there and smile, 1-2-3” portrait photos. They show more than a face—they show energy, creativity, and authenticity. Environmental headshots allow the individual’s personality to shine through, while showing the company’s culture and work environment. They're perfect for social media, internal communications, or showcasing team members on your “About Us” page in a way that’s dynamic and real.

Why NYC Businesses Love This Style

In a city as diverse and fast-paced as New York, companies want more than stiff, corporate portraits—they want images that reflect the real people behind the roles. Environmental portraits are especially popular with tech startups, creative agencies, law firms, and media companies, where culture and individuality are part of the brand.

This hybrid approach (traditional + environmental) provides versatile content that works across multiple platforms and marketing materials, making the investment in professional photography go even further.

A Seamless Experience for Busy Teams

This NYC-based photographer knows how to work efficiently and with minimal disruption. Sessions are designed to fit into a busy workday, and subjects leave the shoot feeling comfortable, confident, and even inspired. Whether you're updating a team page or launching a new brand, the result is a library of high-quality images that feel modern, human, and undeniably NYC.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Capturing Updated Headshot Photos for an NYC Management Consulting Firm

As a NYC headshot photographer, I have clients of different backgrounds with many different goals. Sometimes our headshot photos are used for LinkedIn profile photographs, other times for company website sites and branding, and later on in print/digital magazines. Whether you call it a headshot session or a portrait session, we transform business values in to compelling visuals. When finding a Headshot Photographer in the New York City area, understand the following:

  • What are your goals for these photos and how will you use these images not only now, but in the future (LinkedIn, Social Media, Presentations)?

  • Does the photographer’s style match your brand, who you are?

  • How many images do you receive and are you given image rights. We deliver all images with full rights - These are 100% your photos!

On today’s session, we were with an NYC Management Consulting Firm. In today’s digital-first world, a company’s online presence is more important than ever. From LinkedIn profiles and company websites to press releases and marketing materials, professional headshots help establish a cohesive and polished brand image. Investing in uniform office headshots ensures your company presents a strong, unified identity to clients, partners, and prospective employees.

Jonathan Heisler is a Professional New York City Photographer specializing in Headshots / Portraits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING THIS NYC PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Jersey City Headshot Photos - Ryan

Tips for posing headshot photos

Finding a headshot photographer can be tough and becoming comfortable in front of the camera can be even tougher. When photographing headshots (or “portraits”, call it what you want) I keep it casual, relaxed, and open. Meaning, there’s no awkward posing and no uncomfortable moments of silence with a big camera pointing at you. When taking your photo I like to ask you questions about yourself, and what it is you like to do. If you think about the fun and happy things, you’ll relax and forget your being photographed. If you feel good, you’re guaranteed to look good.

NYC Professional Headshot at MLB Offices

Finding a NYC Headshot Photographer that works with you.

Today’s assignment was for a longtime client and my alma-mater, Binghamton University. The assignment was to capture fellow alum Seth around his office at the Major League Baseball (MLB) in Manhattan, NY. My goal was to highlight his place of work and his journey to becoming one of the top most successful IT Networking specialist in NYC in to his photos. The images created are to be used alongside a written article, which will be published online and in print, on his personal LinkedIn photo, and elsewhere.

Tips for posing for your professional headshot photo

  • Relax - That’s easier said than done. However, I always “chat it up” with my subject and get to know them. This casual environmental allows the subject to almost forget they are being photographed. Being photographed becomes secondary.

  • Location, Location, Location - The standard flat background is great. However, it does not show off, nor highlight, your individuality. Find a location you know and where you feel comfortable. A photographer’s studio is most likely not that location.

  • Dress like you normal would, plus some. - If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you look good. Wear something comfortable because it will make you comfortable, and it’ll show in your photos.

The image was used as seen in the layout above.

Jocelyn NYC Headshot - Binghamton University Alumni

A recent headshot session for longtime client Binghamton University of alumnus Jocelyn. The photos captured during this session will appear in the Fall 2021 issue of the university’s quarterly magazine.

After graduating Binghamton University in the Spring of 2020, Jocelyn enlisted in the Army. As a Long Island, NY resident and military personnel, Jocelyn was tasked with working at the Jacob Javitz Center on Manhattan’s West Side during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NYC Headshot Photography doesn’t have to be done on a plain background when your background is as great as NYC itself.

For this assignment, I wanted to highlight the location Jocelyn worked, New York, and her service. The school’s magazine sent me a brief bio about Jocelyn and high level overview of the written piece. As a headshot photographer, I like to incorporate elements of the written word in to my headshot photos. A plain white background although effective at times, can come off as sterile and uninviting.

Client: BInghamton University

Registered Dietitian Headshot - Marissa Campbell

Some recent Professional Headshot work photographed in Denver Colorado! No matter where we photograph headshots, the formula is the same. We photograph photos that make our subjects not only look good but feel good. Long Island, New York City, or Denver Colorado a quality portrait photo is key!


Marissa Campbell is a Registered Dietitian in Colorado. She works primarily with patients who suffer or are recovering from eating disorders.

Marissa was in need of updating her website and social platforms with a new photo of herself. She wanted something that looked clean and professional while still feeling casual and inviting.

To give Marissa options, we set up a neutral backdrop and an environmental setup. I worked on blurring the environmental shot and choosing generic, not distracting locations.

NYC or Long Island Professional Headshots

Luckily, You don’t have to travel to Colorado for great headshots. We shoot professional headshots right here on Long Island and in NYC. Whether it’s a standard corporate headshot, like for your LinkedIn profile photo, or an environmental portrait with NYC as a backdrop; having a clean professional headshot is a necessity for any professional looking to update their brand.


Hair and Makeup Artist: Lillian Hernandez
Photographer: Trent Campbell