EAST WILLIAMSBURG · BROOKLYN, NY
Helping actors one "Koo" headshot at a time.
Reviews
About
Ryan, Photographer
Hi! I’m Ryan. I’m the photographer behind Koo Headshots!A little about me, I was born in South Korea and grew up here in Southern California. Before photography became a big part of my life, I was actually a choir teacher! I’m also a conductor, actor, and stand up comedian, so somehow my life has always revolved around performing, creativity, and being around other artists.And because I’m an actor too, I totally get the headshot struggle. I know what it’s like to spend a bunch of money on new photos, stress about what to wear, wonder if you’re going to look awkward, and then hope you actually get shots you love at the end of it.That’s really why I want Koo Headshots to feel different. I want you to be able to come in, relax, try different things, and not feel like there’s all this pressure to get the “perfect shot” right away. We’ll play around with looks, expressions, outfits, and just figure out what works for you together.I also know headshots can be expensive, especially when you’re already spending money on classes, casting sites, reels, and everything else that comes with being an actor. So I genuinely try my best to make sure you walk away with photos you’re happy with and feel good about the money you spent.At the end of the day, I’m an actor taking photos of other actors and I want to give you the kind of headshot experience I’d want for myself. Now, let's get you a "Koo" headshot!
Kea, HMU artist
Aloha! My name is Kealohilani Seril, and I'm a freelance makeup artist and hairstylist.Although I was born in California, I was raised on the beautiful island of Hawaii, where I learned that beauty is more than what we see on the surface. It is about confidence, balance, and embracing who you are.My love for beauty began when I was just eight years old. I remember watching my mom get ready every morning, fascinated by her makeup routine and the confidence it gave her. As I grew older, that curiosity became a passion. I spent countless hours reading makeup books, watching YouTube tutorials, and flipping through beauty magazines to learn new techniques and trends. Before long, I became the friend everyone turned to for makeup and hair. Even at a young age, teachers, family, and members of my community trusted me to help them look and feel their best.After leaving Hawaii, I moved to California to pursue my education and career. I earned my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and followed a more traditional path, dedicating my time to serving others through community work and the justice field. While I found purpose in that work, beauty always found its way back into my life. No matter where my journey took me, it remained a constant reminder of where my heart truly belonged.In 2025, I made the life changing decision to leave the justice field behind and pursue my dream of becoming a makeup artist. Taking that leap allowed me to turn a lifelong passion into a career dedicated to helping others feel confident, beautiful, and empowered.
contact
Shoot me an email to book a session, ask a question, check availability, or learn more about pricing and optional HMU services. I’d love to work with you and help create images that feel authentic, confident, and uniquely you.
hair & makeup
why it matters
-Professional hair and makeup services are highly recommended for headshot sessions. A polished, camera-ready look can make a significant difference in how confident, versatile, and natural you appear on camera.-Your session time is fully dedicated to shooting, outfit changes, and creating a variety of looks. If you choose to do your own hair and makeup, additional time spent making adjustments or changing styles during the session may reduce overall shooting time and interrupt the flow of the session.-Having a professional hair and makeup artist on set allows you to stay fully focused on the camera, expression, and performance while ensuring you look your best throughout the shoot. Touch-ups and styling adjustments between looks also help create a smoother, more relaxed experience from start to finish.
why it matters for men too
Professional hair and makeup is also recommended for male clients. High-resolution cameras and professional lighting tend to highlight shine, texture, and uneven skin tone more than we notice in everyday life. Subtle grooming and light makeup help create a polished, camera-ready look while still appearing completely natural. The goal is never to change how you look - only to help you look your best on camera.
Hair & makeup policy
-Hair and makeup services begin at your scheduled session time and typically take approximately 60-90 minutes for women and 30 minutes for men. Your photoshoot will begin immediately afterward.-If you’ve booked our hair and makeup service, please arrive with a clean face and clean, dry hair.-Hair and makeup looks are designed to feel polished, natural, and camera-ready, with flexibility for more dramatic looks upon request. Hair styling options include straight and smooth styles, beach waves, ponytails, and half-up/half-down looks.-All professional-grade makeup products and tools are provided in the studio. At this time, we do not offer braiding, extreme texture changes, or tattoo coverage. Our services are focused on enhancing your natural features while helping you look your best on camera.
Hair & Makeup (Women) - $175Hair & Makeup (Men) - $125
pricing
pre opening special (45 min) - $150
There's a new "Koo" headshot photographer on the Block! We're celebrating the opening of our brand-new Brooklyn studio with an exclusive Pre-Opening Special - just $150 (regularly $250)! Enjoy a 45-minute headshot session with unlimited looks and outfit changes, all usable unretouched images, and 1 professionally retouched image of your choice. We can't wait to work with you! Additional retouching is available for $20 per image.
Koo & simple (15 min) - $100
Short on time? Keep it Koo & Simple! Perfect for a quick headshot refresh or a fresh new look. This 15-minute session includes one look, all usable unretouched images, and one professionally retouched image of your choice. Additional retouched images available for $20 each.
Pretty Koo (30 min) - $175
Looking pretty Koo? Let's make it official! Perfect for refreshing your portfolio or exploring a few different looks! This 30-minute session includes unlimited looks and outfit changes within your session time, all usable unretouched images, and 2 professionally retouched images of your choice.Additional retouched images available for $20 each.
Too Koo for School (45 min) - $250
Too Koo for just one look? We've got you! Take your headshots to the next level with more time to explore different looks, expressions, and characters! This 45-minute session includes unlimited looks and outfit changes within your session time, all usable unretouched images, and 3 professionally retouched images of your choice. Additional retouched images available for $20 each.
The Koo Experience (60 min) - $325
The full experience. The full range. The full Koo! Our ultimate headshot session for those who want it all! Enjoy a full hour to explore a variety of looks, expressions, and characters at your own pace. Includes unlimited looks and outfit changes within your session time, all usable unretouched images, and 4 professionally retouched images of your choice. Additional retouched images available for $20 each.
faqs
Why do I need a professional headshot?
Your headshot is your calling card, it's often the very first thing casting directors, agents, and managers see before they ever watch your reel or see you perform. A strong headshot can help you stand out, get called in for more auditions, attract representation, and ultimately open more doors in your career. As an actor, your headshot is one of your most important marketing tools. It should accurately represent you while capturing the qualities that make you memorable. A great headshot won't book the role on its own, but it gets you in the room - and that's where your talent gets the chance to shine.
How should I prepare for my session?
Bring 5 - 8 outfit options (or more if you'd like!) that fit the roles you want to book. Solid colors, layers, and simple textures tend to photograph best, avoid busy patterns and large logos. If you have an agent or manager, ask them what specific looks they'd like you to have before your session. Get a good night's sleep, stay hydrated, and arrive with clean, wrinkle-free clothing. If you've added hair and makeup, come with a clean, moisturized face and clean, dry hair. Don't worry if you're unsure, we'll help you choose outfits, poses, and expressions during your session.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Bring a variety of wardrobe options that reflect the types of roles you want to book. Layers photograph especially well, so consider bringing a denim jacket, casual jacket, blazer, or suit jacket to create different looks. Solid colors work best, think plain white, black, navy, gray, earth tones, and a few colors that complement your complexion. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or distracting graphics. If you wear glasses, feel free to bring them. If possible, bring frames without lenses to help avoid glare during the session.
What's a "look" or outfit?
A look is more than just a change of clothes, it's a different character or type you could realistically be cast as. Think about the roles you naturally fit and bring outfits that represent those characters. Examples include: Business professional, Lawyer, Teacher, Athlete, Girl Next Door, Jock, Nerd, IT guy, Musician, Blue Collar Worker, Young Parent, Hipster, Luxury, Outdoorsy, Military, Cop, Apocalypse Survivor, etc. If you have an agent or manager, ask them which looks they want to see in your portfolio. We'll help you choose the strongest options and create a variety of marketable looks during your session.
WHAT IF I'M AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
You’re definitely not alone, most people aren’t used to having a camera pointed at them! You don’t need to come in knowing how to pose or make the “right” expression. I’ll direct you throughout the shoot and work with you until we find what feels natural. The first few minutes are all about getting comfortable, so there’s no pressure to nail it immediately.
How should I pose?
Preparation makes a huge difference. Before your session, spend some time looking at headshots of working actors and celebrities. Notice how each image tells a story rather than simply showing a smile. For each outfit or look, think about who that character is. What's their backstory? What are they feeling? What do they want? Whether you're playing a lawyer, teacher, athlete, or musician, having a specific character and emotion in mind will create more authentic expressions. Practice at home by standing in front of a mirror or camera. Get comfortable making subtle changes to your expression, relaxing your face, and letting go of self-consciousness. The more comfortable you are in front of the camera, the more natural your photos will feel. Don't worry if you've never done this before, we'll guide you through posing, expressions, and direction throughout the session. But the more preparation you do beforehand, the more variety and stronger results we'll be able to create together.
CAN I BRING REFERENCE OR INSPIRATION PHOTOS?
Absolutely, I encourage it! Feel free to bring examples of headshots, characters, expressions, wardrobe, or overall looks you like. References from your agent or manager are especially helpful. We won’t necessarily copy another photo exactly, but they give us a great starting point for creating something that works for you.
Can my agent or manager give you a shot list?
Absolutely! If your representation has requested specific looks, casting types, wardrobe choices, or expressions, send them over before your session or bring them with you. We can build the shoot around what your team needs while still creating additional options for your portfolio.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HEADSHOT SESSION?
We’ll start by going through the wardrobe options you brought and deciding which looks we want to prioritize. From there, I’ll guide you through posing and expressions while we shoot and review images together along the way. We’ll change wardrobe, backgrounds, and styling as needed to create a variety of distinct, marketable looks. After the session, you’ll receive your images and choose the photos you’d like professionally retouched (optional).
How many looks can we shoot?
As many as we can comfortably fit within your session! Rather than rushing through a specific number of outfits, I like to focus on creating strong, distinct looks that represent different characters or casting types. Bring plenty of wardrobe options and we’ll choose the strongest ones together.
CAN I SEE THE PHOTOS DURING THE SESSION?
Absolutely! We shoot tethered, meaning your photos appear on a larger screen as we shoot. We’ll review images together throughout the session so we can see what’s working and make adjustments to wardrobe, hair, expressions, and posing as we go.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring one guest with you to your session if it helps you feel more comfortable. For clients under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present for the entire session.
Do you photograph children and teen actors?
Yes! I photograph both adults and young performers. Sessions with children and teens are kept relaxed, encouraging, and age-appropriate, with plenty of direction throughout the shoot. A parent or legal guardian must be present for minors.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
Your unedited images will be delivered through an online gallery after your session. Once you select your included retouched images, final retouches are typically delivered within 3-5 business days. Rush delivery may also be available upon request.
DO I RECEIVE ALL OF MY PHOTOS?
Yes! You’ll receive all of the usable, unedited high-resolution images from your session, in addition to the professionally retouched images included with your package. This gives you plenty of options to choose from now and in the future.
What Is Your Payment Policy?
-A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to secure your session.-The remaining balance is due on the day of the shoot and may be paid via Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, check, or cash.-Deposits may be transferred up to two times if you need to reschedule your session. If a third reschedule is required, a new deposit will be needed to secure a new appointment date.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
-Cancellations made 3 business days before your scheduled session may transfer the deposit one time to a new appointment date.-Cancellations made less than 3 business days before the session will result in the forfeiture of the deposit. A new deposit will be required to book another appointment.-The only exception for a deposit refund is if Koo Headshots needs to reschedule your session.
Edits & Retouching?
-Our editing style is clean, natural, and industry-focused, with special attention placed on making your headshots stand out even in smaller thumbnail formats commonly viewed by casting professionals.-When retouching, we aim to enhance rather than alter. Minor blemishes and distractions will be removed, while natural features such as laugh lines, texture, and character lines are preserved to keep your images authentic and true to you.-Additional retouched images may be purchased for $20 per photo.-Please allow approximately 3-5 business days for retouching turnaround due to current editing volume. Rush editing may be available for an additional fee per image.
Location?
Our studio is located in beautiful East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. Exact address will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Thank You!
Thanks for reaching out to Koo Headshots. Your message has been successfully submitted, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible regarding availability, pricing, or any questions you may have.
