Reviews of Michael Keel Photography Studio (Photo Studio)

Marianne Mason

Review of Michael Keel: Headshot photographer In twenty years of working with New York headshot photographers, the affable and skilled Michael Keel recently produced my best headshots ever. He and wife Joannie, an expert makeup artist and stylist with a degree in fashion design, work seamlessly to produce a relaxed atmosphere in which you feel comfortable and free to project your best qualities. He can create a wealth of backgrounds from his versatile penthouse studio located conveniently in midtown Manhattan, with windows overlooking an unobstructed skyline view in addition to climbing to the roof of the building and shooting with the spectacular raw skyline of Manhattan in the background. It seemed effortless, not strained or tense. He does not make you feel rushed. At the end of an amazingly short time, he gave me a disc with my name imprinted on the cover and label containing all possible choices. As a part of his fee, he retouches digitally, eliminating the extra time and effort to work with a retoucher. Michael Keel is multitalented, resourceful, creative, and keeps up with the latest trends. He and Joannie are a joy to work with. You will end up with the photos you need that "pop." That is why agents and managers refer actors. He does a considerable amount of fashion photography, but though I am over fifty, he never made me feel any less attractive or marketable, as some photographers regard older actors. He even has a section on his website of senior shots. At the end of the day, I felt energized and upbeat, rather than emotionally drained and spent as I usually feel after headshot shootings. When I made my choices, he had the minimal retouching needed done in a day or two. He is generous; I mentioned a casting director didn't like the pen in my hand, and he removed it seamlessly "just for fun"! An actor friend looked at the choices and called for an appointment immediately, but he had to wait three weeks for an open spot. If you want to get headshots to sell you at your best, not easy for an actor since there is so much hinging on them, and at a reasonable price, I recommend you run, don't walk to the Michael Keel studio. Can't believe I'm the first to place a review on Google! Marianne Mason SAG/AFTRA