My Process

A good headshot is a beautiful picture of you.
A great headshot tells a story.

Depth, mystery… a hint of contradiction. A bit of je ne sais quoi.

I want whoever is looking to be left curious and excited about what you might do when they send you the script.

my journey

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The Actor Questionnaire

We get about three seconds to show industry pros two things:

You’re a PRO.
You’re right for the show—if not the role—they’re casting.

My AQ is the blueprint for our shoot. It’s a series of questions designed to help us get clear on where you’re headed in your career and what you want your photos to communicate. Your answers shape everything—from the lighting, mood, and color palette to hair, makeup, wardrobe, body language, and overall energy. Even how I edit the final images is guided by your responses. All of these elements work together to support the story you want your headshots to tell.

headshot gallery

FAQ

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“Trusting Alex with the process might have been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Ksenia Volynkina

Headshot FAQ

How many looks can I do per package?

I do not limit the number of looks per shoot. But let’s go in with an achievable goal given wardrobe, HMU and lighting/background changes.

Do you require professional Hair & Makeup?

There are pros and cons to both. Doing your own makeup will keep your costs down and leave you with shots that look like how you’re going to look for auditions. With our industry’s almost complete reliance on self-tapes, on-camera make-up knowledge is a must. To avoid retouching challenges on my end, I detail what HMU I require for flash photography. If you prefer to work with a professional, I can assist in hiring the right person for our team.

What is the Actor’s Questionnaire and what is it for?

It’s your homework! The AQ is a list of questions I’ve developed over the years that help me cut to the chase – “how can I help this actor get in the right rooms for the right roles?” A pretty photo isn’t my priority. I want you to WORK. Your answers help me understand your personality, your essence, your artistic goals and most importantly, how you see yourself and what you want to project. From there I design a shoot to make those qualities visual, and off we go.

Lifestyle/Creative Portraits

Creative portrait sessions tailored and formatted for whatever you need. Personal websites, instagram, press, mailings, etc.

soul shoot gallery

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Carol Jacobanis

I LOVE shooting with Alex! Besides being a skilled photographer, she completely understands what it’s like to be in front of the camera, which just makes everything so much easier. Our sessions are always collaborative, creative, and fun. Best of all, I come away with an abundance of photos that I and my reps love. ###Carol Jacobanis%%%

Tommy Buck

Alex has been shooting my headshots for 10 years. She’s the best. Using her headshots, I’ve booked work on NBC, FOX, HBO and several feature films. If you’re trying to get your foot in the door, or understand how to market yourself better, she’s is the photographer for you. ###Tommy Buck%%%

Stacey Weckstein

I got four auditions the first week I put up my new headshots! I LOVE them, and so does my manager. Each one is right for all the different types I can play. Taking photos with Alex is like taking a great acting class. She is a master storyteller. She pushed me to get more specific and bring more of me to each shot. ###Stacey Weckstein%%%

Gabriel Hernández quote

The thing that impressed me most about working with Alex was how frankly, deftly, and respectfully she was able to talk about some of the sensitive issues facing actors of different racial backgrounds. It’s not always easy having a conversation about what ethnicity CDs are going to assume you are and thus what kind of roles you might get either pigeonholed into or not even considered for. It helps when your photographer is an ally. The shots look great; but even more important than that, the process was affirming, collaborative, illuminating, and a lot of fun. ###Gabriel Hernández%%%

Carolina Korth

Alex figures out your story and what stories you should be telling on screen, and she finds a way to capture them both. She knows what will draw a casting director’s eye to you. Beyond being a savvy actor and photographer, she’s also a lovely human being. I really can’t recommend her enough. ###Carolina Korth%%%

Franck Juste

Since working with Alex I’ve gotten a stronger sense of how to market myself, and I’ve just signed with a manager for representation! WHICH IS YUGE! ###Franck Juste%%%

Justine Cotsonas

Alex takes gorgeous photos, but more importantly, she truly cares about capturing the most truthful and effective image of you to use as a tool in this strategy game of a career path. She’s also delightful. ###Justine Cotsonas%%%

Leah Raymond

She really knows how to help you get in touch with you and what/who you are trying to portray. I fully trusted her opinion and the proof was in the pudding. I would recommend working with her hands down. ###Leah Raymond%%%

Jacquelyne Paige

Alex’s knowledge of the industry, and attention to detail, helped me find specificity and clarity in my looks. I cannot recommend Alex and her work enough. ###Jacquelyne Paige%%%

Victoria Miller

Just me. Not commercialized, not angled to look skinnier, not angled to change the appearance of my profile. Just me. Because she’s an incredible woman, and an incredible soul, and she wants to capture the people that come to see her truthfully. If you’re in the business, go work with her. Thank you, Alex for allowing me to be unapologetically me in front of your camera. ###Victoria Miller%%%

Nathaniel Kent

Alex was terrific to work with and I love the way my photos turned out. She is interested in capturing the best photos for your personal goals, which creates a really positive experience from the pre shoot process all the way through retouching. Very helpful at every step of the way, with great advice and an honest and thoughtful approach to the business of acting. ###Nathaniel Kent%%%

Serena Williams

Alex made me feel right at home the minute I walked in her door. She took the time to address any questions/concerns I had and evaluated my previous headshots to understand the direction I needed to go with my headshots. Within 5 minutes of meeting me she figured out my style and made sure it came through in my pictures. I would recommend Alex to anyone and I would definitely go back, although I may not need to because my pictures came out so perfect! ###Serena Williams%%%

Ellie MacPherson

Shooting with Alex is like shooting with your dearest friend who happens to be a photography whiz. She immediately makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera and in your own skin. ###Ellie MacPherson%%%

Oscar Pavlo

She brought back that sparkle I needed to keep pursuing my American dream. Thank you, Alex, for being such an amazing photographer and truly unique person. ###Oscar Pavlo%%%

Sarah Bierstock

The only difficult part about the entire process was that I had so many fantastic shots to choose from, it made selecting challenging! She was very patient, clear, and positive — and I was genuinely thrilled with the outcome. At Alex’s suggestion, I started focusing more on commercial print work, and immediately secured representation at CESD. ###Sarah Bierstock%%%

Stephanie Carlisle

When it comes to photographing actors, Alex is in a league of her own. Her enthusiasm and positive energy helped me relax in front of the camera. Her photos exceed expectations. She knows how to capture your spirit and personality. My headshots were so amazing that I had a difficult time choosing my favorites. She is truly a fabulous photographer! ###Stephanie Carlisle%%%

Paul Krasner

How does one feel immediately relaxed and get a great headshot? Go see Alex. Simple as that! ###Paul Krasner%%%

Alexander Hill quote

I was at a Casting Director’s night and during the “headshot chat,” out of the 15 people that were there, they only loved two and one was mine! All the CDs said they would call me in with this shot. ###Alexander Hill%%%

Rena Aliglu

Every Agent and Casting Director who have seen my headshots have complimented them and asked who was my photographer. Alex does a great job, she really cares about you and makes sure you get the best pictures. Plus she is the nicest person in the world. ###Rena Alioglu%%%

Joe Blute

It not only felt like a headshot session, but an acting business class as well. The knowledge Alex shares with you about the business is invaluable. It was eye opening to say the least. A shoot with the wonderful Alex Turshen is everything an actor could hope for. The hospitality, the energy, the analytical approach, and the relaxed atmosphere provided while getting your headshot taken. ###Joe Blute%%%

Angela P

The best thing about working with Alex is that she is so spot on with branding. In previous headshot sessions I’ve always tried to get a “pretty” picture. Alex focuses on what “looks” will sell you, what will get you in the room. I’ve had such incredible feedback from agents and casting directors about my new shots because they are specific and show them exactly who I am. I highly recommend Alex…she’s amazing! ###Angela Petruzziello%%%

Sarah Arakian

I don’t think I had ever experienced the feeling of “rightness” that I had upon seeing my headshots from Alex. That tells me she’s gotten something honest and special that had been lacking in my previous shots. Alex has a specific process that helps her get to know you, and, in the process, you discover a hell of a lot about yourself. It is like a headshot session and career reality check rolled in one. ###Sarah Arakian%%%

Robin_Singer

Top casting directors and several agents and managers have complimented my new photo. One even told me he absolutely NEVER calls in anyone from just a picture, but there was just something about this shot. I feel incredibly lucky to have shot with a photographer who understands how to capture the soul of a subject and how to take a photo that grabs the attention of people who sift through headshots all day. ###Robin Rose Singer%%%

Nicole Vaccaro

Alex, creates an atmosphere that not only feels relaxed, but also welcoming. A photoshoot can be overwhelming, but she makes you feel at home. ###Nicole Vaccaro%%%

Aleigha Spinks

Alex is an excellent photographer and all around great human to work with. Her experience being an actor really comes in handy to deliver shots that truly capture the essence of her subjects. Not only have I booked gigs based off of my headshots alone, but I had such a positive experience that I immediately recommended her talents to all of my friends! She is simply THE BEST. ###Aleigha Spinks%%%

Anna Holbrook

Alex is a powerhouse photographer for many reasons. She has a great eye, great sense of style, is a savvy businesswoman, who – oh yeah – also happens to be a superb actor. In other words, she gets us. She’s ahead of the game, articulate about it’s needs and therefore a super opportunity for anyone who wants to up their game. ###Anna Holbrook%%%

My Journey

For over 15 years I’ve had the privilege of being a working actor, getting the opportunity to star in indie films and, most recently, as a lead on a Netflix series (pinch me.) I’ve gathered a treasure trove of industry wisdom and experience through my work in front of and behind the camera. I’m still at it, still hustling and strategizing, constantly updating my approach to help myself and my fellow actors in achieving our goals.

Over the years, Prospect Photography, named for the street I lived on in my first ever Crown Heights apartment, has been a beautiful constant. I love actors, they are my people, and I love helping actor’s careers take meaningful leaps.