Everything you need to know

FAQs

Who is Brandon Dahlquist?

Brandon Dahlquist is a photographer, he’s an actor and he gets it. You want a dynamic image that will be the cornerstone of your marketing campaign. You want to have an amazing calling card-a shot that will make your agent happy and invite the best casting opportunities your way. You want a standout headshot that won’t break the bank. A session with Brandon Dahlquist is your answer. Your session will be fun and focused-He acts like your scene partner-he takes your direction and he’ll give you an image that pops. Shooting with Brandon comes down to the simple equation: Actor-Camera-Actor—Communicating together through the lens to give you a compelling, honest and unique image.

Having a background and busy career as an actor has given Brandon a unique perspective on photography. He gets it. Some people LOVE having their picture taken—some don’t. Brandon is in the later category so he strives to make the session as comfortable, fun and relaxed as possible. To be able to converse with an actor and make the potentially stressful situation of getting a headshot easy has always been Brandon’s motivation. Understanding that the headshot is the foundation of an actors marketing package — and the need to get the right shot that captures who you are — all while being focused and flexible is where Brandon excels. He acts like your scene partner-he takes your direction and he’ll give you an image that pops!

Not only has Brandon Dahlquist has been one of Chicago’s leading headshot photographers he has been one of its most fortunate. His clients have included leading stage and screen actors and actresses in Chicago, New York , Los Angeles and everywhere in between. Brandon’s clients have appeared on Broadway (The Heidi Chronicles, Matilda, The Lion King, Once: The Musical, Mamma Mia, The Producers, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Rock of Ages); Off Broadway (The Minister’s Wife, The Iceman Cometh, Blank! The Musical); National Tours (Spring Awakening, Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Mamma Mia, War Horse and Les Miserables); Leading Regional Theaters (Lincoln Center Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Huntington Theatre Company, Signature Theatre Company, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Cincinnati Playhouse, Peninsula Players, Milwaukee Repertory, Indiana Repertory, The MUNY, Kansas City Repertory and American Conservatory Theatre) as well as the leading stages of Chicago and popular television shows Empire, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Sirens, and Contagion.

Brandon, this is my first headshot! How do we do this?

Awesome! I love shooting with folks for the first time. The first thing we do is chat-we get the ball rolling with an email or a phone call. I get to find out about you and where you’re coming from. In our consultation we’ll discuss the kind of work you want to do- I’ll ask you lots of questions like where do you, your agent and advisors see you making an impact and what you want to get out of your headshot. You’ll ask me all of your questions as well and we’ll develop a game plan. I’ll walk through all of the details with you—outfit suggestions, what to expect day of shoot and all of those other logistics. When it comes to the day of the shoot-we have a blast and you leave with a great headshot!

What about makeup? Do you provide a makeup artist? Do I need makeup for my headshot?

I answer yes to both of those questions. I think having one of the incredible makeup artists I work with on our shoot will make a world of difference. The makeup artists I collaborate with are fantastic at what they do-making you look like you on your best day. With the high resolution screens that are so much a part of our lives having some insurance against that scrutiny is key. The artists I work with are very sensitive to what we’re doing and will consult with you during the process to make sure you’re not looking over or under done. Having a talented professional take the worry about “how do I look” off of your shoulders is so important in us focusing on you and your headshot.

What should I wear for my headshot?

I always encourage my clients to bring lots of options for their looks. Ultimately you want to bring clothing that makes you feel comfortable and supports the type of roles you are looking to book. Whether you’re a musical theatre ingénue or an on crime- procedural antagonist its important to suggest and support how you want the industry to see you. Think about how you’d dress for your dream role and let that inform what you bring in to the shoot. A good place to start are power outfits that make you feel like a rockstar—colors that bring out your eyes and skin tone—and clothing that make you feel like the best version of you. Don’t be afraid of patterns, or texture or layers-they’re all awesome and day of we’ll take a look at your wardrobe and find the right outfit for your shoot!

Testimonials

A session with Brandon feels more like you are just hanging out with a friend, rather than a photo shoot. He is able to put you at ease and truly capture your personality. I always recommend Brandon to anyone looking for new headshots.
Emily Rohm

Brandon was always on point we were able to develop a game-plan for our session and a package that suited my needs and budget—I did have one problem with my experience, however. When I received my proofs, I actually had too many to good shots to chose from. Bummer, I know. But hey. I’ll live. My agent was ecstatic with the results.
Matt Holzfeind

Brandon is the bee’s friggin knees, I left with lots of options and will definitely go to him when I need new headshots!
Ali Burch

Working with Brandon is effortless! You have fun and he is a great collaborator to get just the shots you need.
Kimberly Senior

I’ve never felt so comfortable in a headshot session. Brandon is an actor. And he’s an actor’s actor; friendly and well-liked. For this reason, he is able to help you tap into your core and present your best, most authentic self to the camera….and to the world.
Paul Oakley Stovall

Brandon was so personable and created a fun environment that was conductive to taking great headshots. My agents and all my friends loved them!
Carolyn Malloy

You can’t have a better situation. An actor who knows what you need in a photo for it to be successful. Someone who is laid back and helps you relax at the shoot and understands that actors are getting headshots to get work—so he doesn’t make you break the bank to get them. Brandon’s the best. My agents love my new shots!
Stef Tovar

Chatting and laughing and having a good time is the way I remember my photo shoot with Brandon. I came away with several great shots from which to choose, but more crucially, I came away with the shot I needed. Ahhhhh…no stress!
Janet Ulrich Brooks

Brandon immediately puts you at ease. Right away you know that this is your shoot. He is creating something that is going to help you achieve success in your career; it is such a collaborative and enjoyable process.
Sean Walton

Brandon is one of the most popular headshot photographers in the city of Chicago. During the shoot, Brandon worked like a scene partner from behind the lens, helping to motivate natural reactions from me that the camera could catch. This made the process comfortable and fun. In a word: Brandon helped me bring it! I recommend Brandon to anybody.
Andrea Prestinario

There is a reason many of Chicago’s best have come to him for their headshot needs, because he is the best. You will not be disappointed with your photos from Brandon Dahlquist, you will be thrilled.
Blair Robertson

Brandon’s super easy to work with because, in addition to being a great guy, he sees photography as a creative, collaborative effort between photographer and client. He’s seriously good at what he does. I recommend him every chance I gett.
Alan Schmuckler

Brandon put me at ease immediately and we laughed our way through the session. I barely even knew the camera was clicking. It was great. And It showed. Every professional I have shown my pictures to has remarked on the amazing ease in so many of those shots and how many wonderful moments the photographer captured. The best professional photos I’ve had taken - and I have had MANY taken! Can’t recommend Brandon more highly.
Erin Noel Grennan

Pricing

My basic session is $350. That includes three looks, three edited, hi-resolution images as well as a gallery of our shoot. As an actor, I understand the financial commitment getting a headshot entails. That is why I strive to give my clients the best value for their money—a great shot at a fantastic price. Please contact me to discuss any adjustments to my rate in regards to looks, edits, type of session or event.

Book a session - info@brandondahlquistphotography.com