Extraordinary. Personable. There are photographers and then there are artists of photography. I do not overstate nor do i ever engage in hyperbole. I am an actor but i find that what i do as a craft gets stunted the moment i get in front of a camera for headshots. It becomes about me selling what? I have done quite a few of them with some good people over the three decades i have been in the business. Firstly, there is the business of art - Mark is so efficient and a man of his word when it comes to the 'business' of setting up a new shoot. It didn't look like we'd be able to shoot for almost over a month but he promised that he would notify me if he was coming into town any sooner. He did- he followed through and booked me for the very first slot a week earlier. Very personable on the phone and made himself available for you to call until the date of your shoot and after for any questions or doubts. At the shoot, he is the guy that comes out and helps you with the loads of clothes you came with as well as picking just the right pieces, he is engaged with you at all times talking warmly and openly with you as he also is apparently seeing you in his photographer's eye because when we started shooting, i froze as usual and then he somehow just eased me away from myself and yet right into who i really am when i am relaxed and having a good time with a new friend. In between, the verbal cues to guide me on good angles and eyes were done with precision but never with abrupt tones. When we both hit on a good place in terms of lighting and look, he would get so excited, as if we were partners on what these pictures were going to do for me. I tend not to smile much and all i did thru this shoot was smile and actually enjoy the process. We had so many to choose from in each category that the agents had asked for. As a bonus, i got more than i paid for- looking at the real me at my best, beautiful as i age and ageless. Thank you Mark. Go to him for quality work as well as a telling experience on camera. The work will come in abundance with his work. read more

Mark Bennington is a true artist. I am actress, new to the NYC area and needed to update my head shots for the NY market. Mark truly listened to what I wanted from each of my looks. He help me choose the perfect outfit to go with each look that I wanted from the selection of my wardrobe that I brought in. Mark also help me find a fantastic makeup artist Nicolae Rita. With both gentlemen I felt very at ease. I din't feel hurried to rush through the photo shoot. Both Mark and Nicolae were completely professional. They also have fun energy about them which made the entire session fun filled! I am very satisfied with the final photos from my session. I have more then enough to choose from 350+. They are all so great. In fact I am still having a hard time deciding which to choose for my top picks!! If you are looking for a head shot photographer, Mark is the person to go with, no doubt about it! You will not be disappointed. read more

Mark, Mark, Mark, omg Mark! You sir took my first ever headshots an amount of time ago that shall remain unspoken. Your headshots are the only one's to this day, like 9 years later, that are my mom's favorite. And personally to me, that means you're the only photographer to have ever really captured me. I remember you being so engaging when we shot, really allowing "me" to come out and show up in the photos. No photographer I have worked with since shoots like you, and omg have I worked with a lot. I love the interaction you provide during the shoot! Why doesn't anyone else do that?! You always made me feel so comfortable & confidant. You're directions & tricks are magic! Your photos are simply gorgeous. Thank you, Mark! (UPDATE: Just shot with Mark again - SO GOOD. Dear God, why did I go to anybody else?! Mark is an artist. It is clear to see why he is the best in the business, he knows his s***) read more

How does one eve start to explain such a great experience without being too wordy and overly excited??? Let me first tell you about what you're probably here for...HEADSHOTS...My headshots are amazing! I cannot express how pleased I am with my pictures. I have shot with amazing photographers around the world for different productions, none of which I felt that I looked like ME. Mark was the first to help bring the best version of myself out and into my pics. Mark was one of the most endearing and personable photographers I have ever shot with and worked to help me relax while also being very professional. We laughed, joked, and shared personal stories to help lighten the mood and i felt like i gained an instant friend who has great taste in music also. All around amazing character, great photographer, and just cool guy...be sure to check out all his work too this guy is dope! ~Darius read more

Mark is ALWAYS my Go-To photographer for actor headshots and unlike sessions with others, I have never ever had a bad set of choices from him. He is so in demand, book him immediately when he is on the coast you need him on. There is humanity and your real personality caught in his shots, sharp focus, great emphasis on your eyes and breathtaking color. I adore his work. And his prices are really really reasonable. Much better than some high priced overrated photos who are used to magazine celebrity shots but do not understand most actors' needs to stand out online and Actors Access thumbnails where the real casting now happens. Plus, if you have ever hated doing this before , he is a delight of a man to work with, very improv in the moment with you, a conversation with him and a friendly lens. Book him! read more

I never considered getting a professional headshot done. I figured how much difference could there be with photos taken with my own camera by a friend. Wow was I wrong. Besides producing a superior photograph, Mark did all the little things (smart use of natural light, great suggestions on how to stand and pose, etc.) that make my photos really stand out. The best thing about working with Mark is that he really puts you at ease. That definitely improves the photos. The photos he took are amazing. I had what I considered modest needs -- put up some better, more professional looking photos on my social media sites and blog sites. The day I posted Mark's photos on LinkedIn, Facebok, and Twitter, I got many likes and comments from old friends and colleagues I have not heard from in years. Thanks Mark! read more

He's the BEST! I had a headshot session with him 2 weeks ago and not only did I come out with 350+ great shots to pick from but also had a blast! From the moment I walked in the room Mark made me feel super comfortable; I think by the time we were done we had shared our entire life's stories! He definitely brought the best out in me and I truly felt like I was just having fun with a friend rather than worrying about how I looked. The result are amazing headshots that showcase me and my personality. He did of course give me guidance when needed but it was all very natural and easy! I got the pictures that same day despite the fact that he was traveling abroad. I can't say enough good things about him; he's fun, professional and worth every penny!!! read more

Yes, believe what you read. Mark Bennington is exceptionally skilled as a portrait photographer. First, he has the magic touch when it comes to putting his subjects at ease. I cannot stress this skill enough. It's rare. Second, he knows just how to compose the kind of pictures that work for who you are and what you need. Third, he delivers quickly. Fourth, you receive a generous number of photographs that range from close up to full-length images. They can be used for web or print, and for a variety of purposes. His rates are affordable, even for struggling authors. We are all very lucky to know Mark and I love that he has my back in this most sensitive area of portraiture. Thank you, Mark. read more

Mark is wonderful. Great photography. Fun session. Shots that stand out from the crowd. You always feel so much better about yourself after an hour or two with Mark. He is genuine. You always feel he's so happy to be with you; he makes you feel good about yourself and that comes through in the shots. The session is full of discovery and joy -- walking around, putting you here, there, trying to get the best you. And, he does love getting the best of you. None of the "sit there and turn your head this way and that" shots where you swear you'll need chiropractic afterwards. I worked with him this summer and back a few years ago in LA. Great shots both times. Tell him Judy sent you. read more

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Out of the many, many head shot experiences that I've had over the years, both good and bad, Mark was simply the BEST. I felt very comfortable with Mark, so I had a feeling that the chemistry would lead to a good shoot; what I ended up with, however, was an EXCELLENT shoot. Very quick, lots of fun, and the shoot yielded more than several great looks. My manager was very pleased with the range of looks, the life that was in the shots, and the VERY professional quality of the work. I felt comfortable and free, which are priceless qualities when trying to bring out your best. Mark Bennington is the real deal... and then some. read more

Working with Mark was amazing!! The moment you start talking to him on the phone to make an appointment, to when you're going through taking all the pictures with him, he is a pleasure to work with. He puts you completely at ease and makes you feel so comfortable through the whole process - this allows him to take a great assortment of pictures for you to choose from once your photoshoot is over. Going through all the pictures, it really is challenging to pick the best photo because they are all really so good. I would recommend him for any headshot needs since his work ethic is so positive and really warm and welcoming! read more

I've had headshots taken three times in the last five years and been overall disappointed with the results. Then, I found Mark. Not only was I thrilled with the way his shots turned out, he was an absolute pleasure to work with. I felt very comfortable being myself with him and wasn't self-aware about being in front of the camera as we worked. His studio in Queens is bright, colorful and close to the train, and he was thoughtful about making sure I had many different looks to choose from at the end of the day. Highly, highly recommend -- the easiest and most successful shoot I've had with a photographer so far. read more

OUTSTANDING is the word that immediately comes to mind in describing the entire experience of working with Mark. He's a class act: highly experienced as a photographer, a great personality that is professional, fun, easy to work with. I had a wonderful time, was very comfortable and relaxed because of him. The icing plus the candles on the cake, I found him skilled as a stylist in helping me to create the versatility I was delighted with in defining my looks. I have no hesitation in highly recommending him, imagining only an enjoyable time for anyone who works with Mark yielding amazing results. read more

I've worked with many photographers in my life, and shooting with Mark Bennington was one of the best experiences I've ever had. He's fun to work with, has lots of amazing stories to share, he's generous, and has a super relaxed vibe that makes things so easy... But most of all, I think he's very good because he is present: he listens, he cares. I think that's what made me feel so comfortable in front of his camera. And I think that's what makes his shots so good: he's able to capture the deeper human essence in you, something not all photographers can do... And Mark Bennington is great at that! read more

I've generally hated every photo of me ever taken, until I went to Mark! He immediately put me at ease & listened to what I was looking for. He noticed things I wasn't aware of, like a need to get some of my hair away from my face. When I posted my head-shots, people commented on what they thought was my great new haircut! Even better is his adept use of direct and reflected light, and his ability to find the best angle to shoot from, both of which took years off my face. I've gotten so many lovely compliments on my new photos. If you need head-shots, my advice is run, don't walk, to Mark! read more

Mark is an expert. He has honed an intuitive mastery of lighting and angles. I could tell immediately. Mark's technical mastery reduced my stress to "get a good shot". Furthermore, his easygoing genuine personality warms up the room. I felt immediately comfortable to be myself in front of the camera. He's interesting and interested. This not only made the headshot session enjoyable, but it also yielded a wide array of brilliant shots. Mark's shots reveal many facets of my personality and have provided me with top notch materials for my website and casting sites. Thank you, Mark! read more

Mark is the best there is! I've had two headshots done by him and will do one next year, too. I have dozens of writer friends who have had their headshots taken by Mark and everyone says the same thing: professional, fun, easy going, makes you feel like a rock star, beautiful photos, captures your essence, wonderful experience. Most people find getting their photo done awkward but Mark makes it a joy and produces an outstanding result every time. Cannot recommend him highly enough! If you need a professional photo, and who doesn't, have Mark Bennington take it! read more

My experience with Mark was a wonderful one! I had never gotten head shots done before, and was fairly nervous about posing for the camera. Mark made it so enjoyable and did a great job of relaxing me. He was laid back, supportive and encouraging. After the shoot was finished, he promptly sent me the photos, and the selection was amazing! They are stunning photos, that I can be proud of! I would recommend Mark to anyone who wants to work with a true professional, who knows exactly what he is doing, and also is just a gem of a person! read more

Mark Bennington is simply one of the best headshot photographers in the business! He's got a visual artist's keen aesthetic and an actor's emotive sensibility. I've been taking head shots for decades and what matters most is that a picture captures your personal essence, uniqueness and individuality. This is what makes you stand out and what Casting Directors, directors and, producers will remember. Every agent in town should have Mark on their "Preferred Photographers" list! Thank you Mark and see you soon! read more