Actors

Studio Head Shots & Location Portraits

James - Manchester

"As an actor, my headshots are my first impression—my calling card—and Brett Harkness absolutely nailed it. From the moment I stepped into his studio, he created an atmosphere that made me feel at ease and confident. Brett has this incredible ability to capture not just a face but the essence of a person, bringing out the subtleties and emotions that casting directors look for. The results? Headshots that feel authentic, professional, and stand out in a sea of sameness. I couldn’t be happier!"

A man with a beard wearing a beige shirt and brown overalls stands against a dark green background.
A portrait of an older man with a gray beard and dark coat, sitting at a table in a dimly lit room.
A man with a beard wearing a bowler hat and overalls, standing in dim lighting.
Black and white portrait of a man wearing a coat and scarf, looking thoughtfully into the distance with a blurred cityscape background.
Man sitting on a leather bench in a dimly lit room with a mirror reflecting his profile.
A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt, looking to the side against a dark background.
Man in a mustard yellow hoodie with glasses against a dark background.
Man sitting outdoors on a rooftop, wearing a beanie, scarf, and coat, with a moody sky in the background.
Portrait of a young woman with long blonde hair wearing a black top against a gray background.
Close-up portrait of a man with a beard and dark hair, wearing a black shirt and jacket, against a dark background.
A smiling man with a beard wearing a white t-shirt, photographed in black and white against a neutral background.
A young girl wearing a gray hat and dark overalls, standing with arm resting on a leather chair, smiling slightly.
Young girl with long brown hair wearing a yellow blazer and white shirt, neutral background
Person with arms crossed, wearing a light-colored shirt, against a dark background.
Person with short hair, wearing a black turtleneck sweater, standing against a dark, textured background.
Man with a beard in a light gray suit and black tie, looking contemplative against a textured green and brown wall.
A man in a suit with a white shirt and tie stands in snow or rain.
Portrait of a young person with dark hair, wearing a black tank top, against a dark background.
Pensive middle-aged man with beard looking down, wearing a white shirt and suspenders, standing by a window with natural light.
Man with a beard wearing a wide-brimmed hat and dark clothing against a moody sky backdrop.
Black and white portrait of a man with a beard, sitting and looking pensively to the side, wearing a suit.
Man in a suit holding a smartphone, standing by a wooden wall.
Man with gray beard wearing black jacket in front of bare branches.
Close-up of a person with short hair wearing a dark coat, standing against a textured wall.

Actor Headshots by Brett Harkness: Manchester Photographer

Elevate Your First Impression

In today's competitive world, your headshot is far more than just a photograph. It's often the first impression you make, whether that's on LinkedIn, your company website, your casting profile or across social media. It should communicate confidence, personality and professionalism before you've even said a word.

From my studio in Ansdell, Lytham St Annes, just an hour from Manchester and right next to the train station, I create headshots that help people stand out for all the right reasons. With direct rail links from Preston, Manchester and beyond, getting here couldn't be easier.

Why Work With Me?

For more than 25 years, I've photographed thousands of people from every walk of life. My approach is simple: I want you to look like the very best version of yourself—not over-edited, over-posed or uncomfortable, but confident, approachable and authentic.

Every session is tailored to you. I'll guide you throughout the shoot, helping with posing, expression and lighting to create natural, engaging images that feel genuine and reflect your personality.

Whether you're an actor, business professional, entrepreneur or creative, my goal is always the same: to create photographs that make people stop, connect and remember you.

Headshots for Every Profession

Actors

Casting directors make decisions in seconds, and your headshot needs to tell your story immediately. I'll help you create a portfolio of natural, expressive images that showcase your personality, range and authenticity.

Corporate Professionals

Whether you need a new LinkedIn profile, company website portrait, executive profile or personal branding photography, I'll create polished, approachable headshots that inspire confidence and professionalism.

Creatives

Musicians, authors, artists, speakers and content creators all need imagery that reflects who they are. Together we'll create portraits that feel authentic, distinctive and completely personal to your brand.

The Experience

I know that most people don't enjoy having their photograph taken—and that's absolutely fine.

My studio is designed to be relaxed, welcoming and pressure-free. Before we even pick up the camera, we'll chat about what you need your images to achieve. Throughout the session I'll guide you every step of the way, helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera while using carefully crafted lighting to create flattering, professional portraits.

The result is a collection of images that feel natural, confident and unmistakably you.

What You Can Expect

  • Professional studio lighting that flatters every face.

  • Relaxed direction and guidance throughout your session.

  • Multiple outfit changes and image variations.

  • High-resolution images ready for print, web and social media.

  • Convenient studio location in Lytham St Annes, just an hour from Manchester.

Ready to Refresh Your Image?

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, building a personal brand, preparing for castings or refreshing your company's website, I'd love to help you create headshots that leave a lasting impression.

Get in touch today to book your session, and let's create images that work as hard as you do.

Tailored to suit you

You may just be wanting to update your head shots or maybe you are looking for a striking set of images to compliment your new look. Whichever it is we can make it work. Go for studio head shots mixed with some environmental portraits too. Stand out from the crowd.

  • Portrait of a young woman with long blonde hair and a black top against a gray background.

    1 Hour blast - Studio Shoot - £150.00

    This one hour shoot covers two changes of clothes.

    Includes 3 edits

  • Portrait of a man with short dark hair and a beard wearing a black jacket, against a dark background.

    2 hour slowdown! - £250.00

    This session will give you a little more time to change up to four different looks. We will use different lighting and backgrounds to achieve different looks for your book.

    Includes 6 edits

  • Young person in a dark coat leaning against a concrete wall with industrial lighting and blue sky.

    3 hour shakedown - £375.00

    This will give you ample time to have an indoor and outdoor session. Utilising the environment a little more giving you head shots and something else!

    Includes 8 edits

Contact us.

info@brettharknessphotography.com
07793032930

The studio | Ansdell Institute | Ansdell | Lytham St.Annes