5/5 Google review
“I decided to have my headshots taken, and I’m so glad I did. The 90-minute shoot flew by just like that—exactly the way I wanted it to—without me getting bored.”
Erbil Koru · Headshot Session
Istanbul · 5 min from the Levent Metro Station · Actor · Cast
Professional Actor Headshot and Cast Photo Shoots in Istanbul
A professional actor’s headshot is a close-up portrait that clearly shows the face, expression, and readability on camera, and can be used for agency and casting applications.
This page focuses on actor headshot and casting photo shoots in Istanbul. The shoot is planned under the direction of Burak Bulut Yıldırım and includes controlled studio lighting, on-camera direction, and a variety of shots—close-ups, half-body, full-body, and expression shots. The goal is not just to capture a visually appealing image, but to create a usable portfolio that accurately represents you during the agency, management, and casting processes.
An actor’s headshot shows the face and expression; a cast photo, on the other hand, includes close-ups, half-length shots, full-length shots, and shots conveying different emotions to create a complete application package. On LinkedIn, the needs for an executive profile and a personal brand are different. In this case LinkedIn profile photo, Executive and Professional Profile or professional personal portrait The pages might be more accurate.
Who is it for?
Actors, aspiring actors, and performing artists; those preparing applications for theater, TV series, films, and commercials, as well as those updating their acting portfolios.
What is produced?
A final set of photos consisting of a close-up headshot, half-length shot, full-length shot, 3/4-angle shot, and various expressions.
Prices
60 min 11,000 TL, 90 min 16,000 TL, 120 min 23,000 TL. Packages vary based on duration, the number of final photos, and clothing options.
Where is the shoot?
At our Istanbul studio, about a 5-minute walk from the Levent Metro station.
Portrait and Professional Profile References
Experience in the fields of the face, light, expression, and representation
This list was selected to showcase our experience in producing portraits and professional profiles directly for actor and cast pages. All of our productions—whether for corporate, executive, personal branding, or professional visibility—draw on the same core principles: the face, lighting, expression, and representation.
Armut.com
Atlas Copco
Aura Portfolio
Aveato GmbH
Çetinkaya Law Firm
Forte Partners
Guarantee Technology
Humanz
ITGlobal Group
Iyzico
Koturman Management
LBF Partners
Mars Invest
Netas Holding
PwC
Rhenus
Veripark
Xiaomi Turkey
5/5 Google review
“I realized even more clearly just how right my decision had been when they guided the cast toward the right emotions.”
Deniz Değirmenci · Headshot / Casting Shoot5/5 Google review
“It was my first time going for a casting call, and I was very pleased. They were very attentive and helpful.”
BM Barış Mumcu · Casting SessionThese are headshot, casting, portrait, and on-camera coaching experiences selected from over 380 customer reviews on Google.
01 · Packages and Prices
Most Popular
Actor headshot and cast photo packages
The three packages are tailored to the type of application and portfolio needs. Package prices include photographs that the performer will use for agency, casting, and management portfolios, as well as for digital portfolios and professional visibility. Advertising campaigns, brand collaborations, sponsored content, and third-party commercial use are licensed separately.
Delivery process: All photos taken are shared in a low-resolution online gallery the next day for selection. The final shots you select will be delivered as JPEGs within 3–5 business days after natural retouching. If the deadline for selecting the actor is approaching, expedited delivery within 24–48 hours can be arranged prior to the shoot.
Agency Application
60 Minutes Cast Profile
11,000 TL
A short, controlled session for a casting agency application, an actor's headshot, or a profile update.
Included
- 60-minute shoot
- 5 final photos with professional and natural retouching
- 1 main outfit
- Close-up headshots, half-body shots, and portfolio shots
- Natural delivery and on-camera direction
- Online Election Gallery
- Delivery of high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs
Actor Profile and Agency Portfolio
90-Minute Player Headshot Session
16,000 TL
It generates more expressions and clothing options for actor profiles, casting applications, agency files, and digital portfolios.
Included
- 90-minute shoot
- 10 professionally and naturally retouched final photos
- 2–3 outfits
- Close-up, half-length, and portfolio shots
- A range of alternatives in terms of expression, energy, and character
- A well-rounded application package for agency and casting calls
- Online Election Gallery
- Delivery of high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs
Extensive portfolio
120-Minute Actor Portfolio Session
23,000 TL
For those who want to comprehensively revamp their acting portfolio and create a diverse range of characters and performance options.
Included
- 120 minutes of filming
- 16 professionally and naturally retouched final photos
- Up to 5 items of clothing
- Headshots, half-length, full-length, and portfolio shots
- More shooting time for a variety of expressions, emotions, poses, and character options
- The option to plan in advance if a shoot outside the studio or in a special setting is desired
- Online Election Gallery
- Delivery of high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs
02 · Scope
Who is this shoot suitable for?
Actor headshot and group photo shoots are scheduled for agency, management, casting platform, theater, TV series, film, and advertising applications, as well as for digital actor portfolios. For those who are not comfortable in front of the camera, the process is guided step-by-step. Eye contact, posture, facial angles, and expressions are worked on together during the shoot.
01
Cast
With close-up headshots, half-body shots, full-body shots, and a variety of expressions, the actor’s application portfolio becomes more visually engaging.
02
Performance artists
For those working in theater, on stage, in dance, in advertising, and in the performing arts, body posture is just as important as facial expressions.
03
Professional Profile
For corporate identity Job Profile and Executive Profile, for personal branding professional personal portrait, for LinkedIn LinkedIn profile photo That might be more accurate.
03 · Types of Portraits
An actor's headshot, a cast photo, a professional portrait, and a LinkedIn photo are not the same thing
They all fall under the category of portraits; however, the expectations of the person evaluating the photo differ. For casting, the priority is to accurately assess the actor’s face, expression, and suitability for the role. In corporate portraits, trust and professional representation are key; on LinkedIn, however, the focus is on how well the photo fits the digital profile and the first impression it makes.
| Type of photo | The primary objective | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Actor headshot | A clear interpretation of the face, expression, gaze, and natural portrayal | Actors, performance artists, and those applying to agencies |
| Cast photo | Convert close-up, half-body, full-body, and expression shots into a reference set | Those preparing for casting calls for agencies, talent management, TV series, films, commercials, and theater |
| Career Profile | Conveying trust, competence, and corporate identity | Executives, company teams, consultants, lawyers, doctors |
| LinkedIn profile photo | Strengthening your digital profile and professional first impression | Job seekers, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs |
| Personal Brand Profile | Broader representation for the website, press profile, social media, and expert profile | Experts, speakers, artists, entrepreneurs |
04 · Cast Evaluation
What does a casting director look for in a headshot?
For a casting team, a good headshot is one that doesn’t hide the face, doesn’t exaggerate facial expressions, doesn’t distort the natural facial structure, and quickly conveys the actor’s suitability for the role. Heavy retouching, excessive stylistic interventions, heavy makeup, or poses that lock the character into a single role can weaken the audition photo.
Readability
You shouldn't hide your face
The lighting, hair, background, and framing should all complement the face; the eyes, jawline, expression, and skin texture should be clearly visible.
Reality
Heavy retouching is not recommended
Skin tone and lighting can be adjusted technically; however, retouching that alters facial structure, perceived age, or character portrayal poses a risk in terms of casting decisions.
Role description
One phrase might not be enough
When neutral, warm, determined, and more expressive facial expressions are all present in the same set, the actor’s range becomes more apparent.
05 · Process
How do you plan a casting photo shoot?
Before the shoot, we’ll discuss your application goals, whether the agency requires a specific format, how many outfits to bring, and whether you’ll need close-up or full-body shots. This way, instead of doing a test shoot on the day of the shoot, we’ll produce application photos that are ready to use right away.
01
Shooting Schedule
The agency, casting, management, or portfolio objective is clarified. If applicable, requests for specific lighting, framing, measurements, or makeup-free representation are noted.
02
Shooting
Under controlled studio lighting, students practice close-up, half-length, full-length, and expressive poses. On-camera direction is provided.
03
Election
All photos taken are shared in a low-resolution online gallery the next day for selection.
04
Delivery
The selected final images will be delivered as high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs within 3–5 business days after natural retouching.
06 · Preparation
How do you prepare for an actor's headshot session?
Clothing
Simple and face-flattering options
Black, white, gray, and neutral tones are generally safe choices. It’s best to avoid large logos, busy patterns, and collars that cast a shadow over the face. You can plan for 2–3 outfit options for a 90-minute session and up to 5 for a 120-minute session.
Hair and Makeup
Natural representation must be preserved
In an actor’s headshot, makeup should be minimal and camera-friendly. Hair should not cover the face; it should be styled to maintain its shape under lighting. If professional hair and makeup assistance is needed, it can be arranged for the session.
Agency-specific format
Must be shared in advance
Some agencies require a specific background color, full-body photos, makeup-free shots, file size, or delivery format. If you share these requirements before the shoot, the set will be set up directly according to those guidelines.
07 · Additional Services
Services that can be added to a session
The following services can be added to actor headshot and casting sessions. More character-focused portfolio shoots that require costumes, styling, specific locations, or a special atmosphere will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
| Additional service | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Additional final photo | 1,500 TL per photo | You can select additional items beyond the number of items included in the package. |
| Professional Makeup | 8,500 TL | A natural look that doesn't compromise the cast's authenticity, while being camera-friendly. |
| Professional Hair Preparation | 8,500 TL | To ensure your hairstyle doesn't cover your face and looks neat in the light. |
| Hair + Makeup | 14,000 TL | A preparation that maintains natural actor representation in a single take. |
| Fast delivery in 24–48 hours | +%30 | If the deadline for agency applications or casting is approaching, it is scheduled before filming begins. |
| Outside the calendar / priority date | +%25 | It is considered for urgent needs outside of the scheduled dates. |
| Costume / styling support | According to the project | It is scheduled separately for character range or portfolio updates. |
| On-location shoot | Charged separately | Location, transportation, and installation requirements are taken into account. |
08 · Approach
Headshot and casting shoot with Burak Bulut Yıldırım
The shoot is planned under the direction of photographer Burak Bulut Yıldırım. Burak Bulut Yıldırım, who has been a Sony Europe Imaging Ambassador since 2018, applies his technical expertise in lighting, camera, and lens use to the core requirement of actor portraiture: illuminating the face and expression in a way that is clearly readable without altering the actor’s facial structure.
The process isn’t just about taking photos. Throughout the shoot, we guide the subject’s gaze, posture, facial angle, shoulder position, and changes in expression. For people who aren’t comfortable in front of the camera, this guidance is one of the key elements of the session.
09 · Our ReferencesFounder / CEO ProfileArmut.com Corporate ProfileAtlas Copco FinanceAura Portfolio Berlin / EuropeAveato GmbH LawÇetinkaya Law Firm Real EstateForte Partners TechnologyGuarantee Technology PlatformHumanz FintechIyzico Manager's ImageKoturman Management LawLBF Partners Holding CompanyNetas Holding ConsultingPwC LogisticsRhenus TechnologyXiaomi Turkey
Here are some of our references in the fields of portraiture, headshots, and professional profiles
This list was selected to showcase our experience in producing portraits and professional profiles directly for actor and cast pages. All of our productions—whether for corporate, executive, personal branding, or professional visibility—draw on the same core principles: the face, lighting, expression, and representation.
Profiles of startup founders and CEOs.
Corporate profile for the Turkish management team of an international company.
Executive profiles for the financial sector.
Job profile for employees of a Germany-based company.
Portraits of the law firm's partners and management team.
Executive profiles for a real estate development company.
Portraits of technology company executives.
Corporate profile for technology platform founders.
Photo shoot for the founders and executives of a fintech company.
Executive headshot session for a Swiss-based business executive.
Professional portraits for law firm partners.
Portrait photo shoot for the holding company's CEO and executives.
Corporate profile for partners and executives.
Portraits of company executives and employees.
Portraits of CEOs of Technology Brands in Turkey.
10 · Our Customers' Experiences
We selected the reviews posted on Google that most closely match this service
From the 386 reviews posted on Google for LUX Production / Burak Bulut Photography Studio, we’ve compiled on this page the ones that best reflect experience with headshots, casting, portraits, and on-camera direction.
5/5 Google review
“I really enjoyed my headshot session. The photographers were very professional and truly knew their craft.”
Aysha Mirzayeva · Headshot Session5/5 Google review
“We did an amazing headshot shoot. If you’re on the fence and need a good headshot, don’t hesitate to call.”
Özge İnce · Headshot shoot5/5 Google review
“I feel very lucky that my first headshot experience took place with such a friendly, positive team.”
Nilay Türküler · Headshot Session5/5 Google review
“I went to the studio for my headshot shoot. The shoot was a lot of fun. I was very pleased. They did the retouching very quickly and beautifully.”
Canan Oezkaynak · Headshot shoot5/5 Google review
“I went to Burak Bulut Photography Studio for my headshot session. They were very kind, and we had a professional photo shoot.”
Suheyla Noyan · Headshot Session5/5 Google review
“They turned the process of posing—which I usually find stressful—into a fun experience with their supportive and reassuring demeanor.”
Nalan Aydın Tüfekçi · Portrait Session5/5 Google review
“I was pleased with the shoot; I hope it brings me good luck in my acting career.”
Safa Dönmez · Actor / Casting Shoot5/5 Google review
“We had a fun headshot shoot with plenty of conversation alongside Burak Bulut and his wonderful team.”
Melisa Polat · Headshot Session5/5 Google review
“My 90-minute shoot went by as smoothly as water, exactly the way I wanted, without a moment of boredom.”
Erbil Koru · Headshot Session
Let's work together to figure out the right package for your casting and headshot shoot
Please share your casting goal, the agency format, and the number of outfits.
Please specify your application goal, the specific format required by the agency, your preferred package, and how many outfits you’d like to bring. Let’s clarify the dates in Istanbul and the right scope of the shoot for you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a headshot shoot for an actor cost?
There are three packages available for actor headshots and casting shoots: a 60-minute casting portrait session for 11,000 TL, a 90-minute actor headshot session for 16,000 TL, and a 120-minute actor portfolio session for 23,000 TL.
How long does the photo shoot take, and how many photos will I get?
Sessions last 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Depending on the package, you’ll receive 5, 10, or 16 retouched final photos. All photos taken are shared in a low-resolution online gallery the next day for you to choose from.
Am I eligible to apply to a casting agency?
Yes. The photos are intended for actor agency applications, casting platform profiles, management portfolios, and digital actor portfolios. We can produce close-up headshots, half-body shots, full-body shots, and a variety of expressions.
Are a cast photo and a headshot the same thing?
They aren’t exactly the same. A headshot focuses primarily on the face, expression, and close-up portrait. A cast photo, on the other hand, can be conceived as a broader set of reference images that showcases the actor’s various expressions, body language, energy, and framing options.
What photos are required for an acting agency?
This may vary depending on the agency. Typically, a close-up headshot, a half-length portrait, a full-length photo, and various expressions are requested. If the agency has specific requests regarding backgrounds, clothing, or framing, it is recommended to share these details before the shoot.
How do I select and receive my photos?
The photos taken are shared the next day in a low-resolution online gallery for selection. The final photos you select are delivered as high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs after natural retouching.
When will the photos be delivered?
The final photos will be delivered within 3–5 business days after you make your selection. Express delivery (24–48 hours) can be arranged before the shoot and is priced at +.
Do you offer character or costume portfolio photo shoots?
Yes, it can be planned on a project-by-project basis. For shoots that require costumes, styling, or a specific atmosphere, the goal is not just to create a standard headshot, but to build a more comprehensive acting portfolio.
What kind of makeup should an actor wear for a headshot?
Makeup should be minimal, natural, and camera-friendly. The goal is to present the actor’s face and expressions in a clean, clear, and professional manner. If professional hair and makeup support is needed, it can be included in the planning.
What are the additional services?
The final photo with additional retouching is 1,500 TL per photo; professional makeup is 8,500 TL; professional hair styling is 8,500 TL; and hair + makeup is 14,000 TL. Style consulting, on-location shoots, short vertical videos, and character-focused portfolio projects are planned separately.
Are the photos retouched?
Yes. The selected photos undergo a professional retouching process. However, in casting photos, we avoid heavy retouching that alters a person’s facial structure, perceived age, or character portrayal.
If I'm not comfortable in front of the camera, will I be given direction?
Yes. During filming, guidance is provided on facial expressions, eye contact, posture, facial angles, and body language. The goal is to ensure that the actor appears natural and expressive on camera.
Is this photo suitable for a professional headshot or a LinkedIn photo?
The photoshoot on this page is intended for actor headshots and cast photos. For business portraits, such as those for business professionals or executives, or for LinkedIn profiles, the pages for business portraits, personal portraits, or LinkedIn profile photos are more appropriate.
Where is your studio in Istanbul?
Studio Levent is located about a 5-minute walk from the Metro station, near Kanyon Mall. You must make an appointment before your shoot. The full mailing address is listed in the Contact section of the page.
Which website should I check out for a headshot shoot in Berlin?
In Berlin, personal headshot and personal branding photo shoots are conducted under a separate brand. For more details, please visit justaheadshot.co.
What should I wear to my headshot session?
It is recommended that you bring a few simple, solid-colored outfit options that do not overshadow your face or expression. Black, white, gray, and neutral tones are generally a safe choice. It is best to avoid outfits with large logos, busy patterns, or styles that limit your character to a single role.
Is a full-body photo required for the casting application?
This varies depending on the agency and the type of application. While some applications require only close-up headshots, others may also require half-length and full-length shots. If the agency has specific requests, it is recommended that you share them before the shoot.
Why is heavy retouching not recommended for headshot photos?
A casting photo should show the actor’s face, expression, and natural presence on camera. Skin tone, lighting, and minor technical imperfections may be adjusted; however, heavy retouching that alters facial structure, perceived age, or character portrayal can be misleading in casting applications.
Is a headshot shoot for an actor the same as a model test shoot?
No. A model test shoot is planned according to the expectations of the fashion and modeling agency. An actor’s headshot or casting shoot, on the other hand, is designed to showcase the actor’s face, expression, body posture, and suitability for the role.
Can you accommodate any special dimensions or fonts requested by the agency?
Yes. If the agency has specific requirements regarding lighting, framing, full-body shots, a makeup-free look, file size, or delivery format, these should be shared before the shoot. This way, the shoot can be planned directly to meet the agency’s needs.
Studio and Contact
Studio and contact information in Istanbul, near Levent
Address
- Studio address
- 8B Meydan Street, 34413 Kağıthane / Istanbul
- Directions
- About a 5-minute walk from the Levent Metro station; near Kanyon Mall, on Ortabayır Square, behind Garanti Bank.
- Berlin and Europe
- For headshot and personal branding photo shoots in English and German in Berlin justaheadshot.co The address is a more accurate redirect.
Contact us
- +90 532 674 05 89
- [email protected]
- Contact Page
- burakbulut.net/iletisim
Related portrait services
If your needs are different, go to the appropriate profile page
Ask for a date right away for a casting and headshot shoot
Please share your application goal and the agency format.
Please let us know your goal for the shoot, the agency format, your preferred package, and how many outfits you’d like to bring. Let’s work together to finalize the available dates on the Istanbul schedule and the exact scope of the shoot.
