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RECEIVE
THE
CELEBRITY
TREATMENT

CHICAGO HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER

HEADSHOTS
FOR PEOPLE
WHO
REFUSE
TO BE
IGNORED

Behind the scenes shot of business man being photographed by celebrity portrait and headshot photographer Michael Schacht at his chic west loop headshot studio

PERSONAL
BRANDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR INDUSTRY
TITANS

These days, most people have a headshot that they use on social media platforms like LinkedIn. If you're a public figure or have a public facing role, having additional digital assets to use for your assorted marketing efforts and social media profiles will maximize your effectiveness at communicating your brand and connecting with others.

This vibrant photo series features a charismatic CEO showcasing personal branding in both casual and professional looks, set against the beautiful backdrop of Chicago.

MODELING
HEADSHOTS
FOR NEW
AND EXPERIENCED
MODELS

Print and runway models rely on something called a comp card to book jobs and showcase their abilities. A comp card is a printed collage of images that represent "your look" and give agencies and art directors an idea of what you might look like in their campaign.

A stunning brunette female model poses confidently for her modeling headshot, showcasing her natural beauty and expressive eyes, perfect for a comp card.

OFFICE
HEADSHOTS
FOR
GROWING
COMPANIES

A noteworthy workplace culutre is difficult to cultivate and even harder to communicate to perspective talent and clients. I create engaging images for your company website, your marketing initiatives, and the LinkedIn profiles of your team members so that the world knows that your company is awesome! An office headshot session usually begins with a zoom call. We'll discuss your project needs and I'll give you my input by creating a plan that sets us both up for success.

Branding headshot session for Chicagoland law firm. All of the attorneys were photographed on a black background and then there's also a group shot of them posed in their swanky office lobby.

CORPORATE
HEADSHOTS
DON'T HAVE
TO BE
STERILE AND
BORING

Corporate headshot photography has come a long way since the days of ugly backgrounds, cheesy smiles and dated styling. Loosen up a bit and let your personality come through with a modern professional headshot. You can probably even leave your tie at home.

A finance executive dressed in a blue suit with a white button-down shirt smiles warmly in a corporate headshot, reflecting a polished and professional image.

GROUP
HEADSHOTS
IN OR AROUND
CHICAGO

Whether you're getting your team together for an annual meeting or getting ready to launch a new company website, it's probably the right time to hire a professional headshot photographer. Schedule a zoom call, let's talk about your project and see if I'm the right photographer for you. 

A vibrant collection of group headshots showcasing individuals of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, reflecting a diverse corporate environment.

ACTING
HEADSHOTS
FOR NEW
AND
EXPERIENCED
ACTORS

An actor headshot is more than just a fancy picture of your money maker. IMDB profiles, Actors Access, agency websites, and your social media profiles should all be populated with images that attempt to brand you as a "type". Great headshots go a long way in communicating that to casting directors. Whether you're the "best friend", "the guy/gal next door", "the villain", or the "lead", your headshots are used to decide whether you're a good fit for the role and whether or not you'll be called in for an audition .

Collage of actor headshots showcasing diversity and the ability to adapt to the needs of may rolls From best friend to boy next door to leading man, he has all of the bases covered and looks great doing it.

BUSINESS
HEADSHOTS
WITH STYLE
AND
SUBSTANCE

You're a unique individual and you're certainly more than a picture on a website or a LinkedIn profile. That said, these profile pictures are a great way to connect with colleagues, clients, and future employers. A great headshot probably isn't going to get you a raise or a better job, but opportunity is a difficult thing to define and a modern business headshot is going to make you appear more interesting and interject some of your personality into your online profiles.

Distinguished academic at the top of her game poses for business headshots in assorted backgrounds and wardrobe showcasing her personal style while enforcing her personal brand.

HEADSHOTS FOR
WOMEN
WHO WANT
TO LOOK THEIR ABSOLUTE
BEST

We all want to look great in pictures and most of us need a little extra help in order to make that happen. Some poses are more flattering than others with certain body types. The same can be said for clothing. Some women embrace the aging process, and some would prefer a little extra retouching. There isn't a one size fits all scenario and that's where I come in. My years of experience, attention to detail, and listening skills are the secret to my success.

Beautiful headshot of a stylish mom with dark hair and olive skin, radiating warmth and approachability, ideal for online dating in Chicago. Image Title Text: Chic Dating Profile Headshot for Moms in Chicago

HEADSHOTS FOR
MEN LOOKING
TO RAISE THEIR
PROFILE

Most men benefit from having a variety of headshots. A buttoned-up and formal headshot may be what's appropriate for the company website or for your Linked-In page, and something more casual and laid back might work better for your other social media profiles. Maybe you're being featured in the media or speaking at a conference. Maybe you want a candid portrait for your dating profile. The possibilities are endless. I'll help you choose your wardrobe, position you in a way that doesn't look awkward and work with you to get a genuine and authentic smile. We'll fix the rest with a little photoshop and you'll be good to go.

Collage of handsome Filipino male model in different poses and outfits, demonstrating range of headshot styles for men

HEADSHOTS FOR
INFLUENCERS
LOOKING
TO GROW THEIR
AUDIENCES

The forumula is pretty simple. Do something cool, share your story, and build attention around your message... And just like that, you're an influencer! The more "You" that you can interject into your messaging, the more loyal your audience will become and the faster your audience will grow. Headshots can be used as a personal logo for identifying your personal brand. Once established you can leverage your brand and your circle of influence in your quest for social media domination..

An influencer dressed in stylish casual attire stands against a scenic backdrop, embodying modern trends and personal branding.

HEADSHOTS
FOR TEENS
WORKING IN
THEATER FILM
AND TELEVISION

Chicago is a theater town which means there are lots of actors and lots of opportunity both union and non-Equity. In 2011 Chicago Cinespace opened its doors and brought a thriving film and television scene along for the ride. As members of the acting community, teens need headshots to captialize on these opporunities. As your look changes, your headshots need to change too. 

A teenage boy poses confidently in a photography studio, showcasing a professional headshot that captures his vibrant personality and youthful energy.
Professional headshot of a woman with a warm smile, wearing a stylish pink jacket against a light pink background.

“AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE FROM BEGINNING TO END”

Working with Mike is like hanging out with an old friend. 

★★★★★

Kathryn V – Atlanta

A UNIQUE
TWIST
ON THE TRADITIONAL
HEADSHOT

Striking modeling headshot for an aspiring actress, perfect for comp cards and auditions in the competitive Chicago market
jack schumacher actor

“FUN!”

There are lots of “good” photographers out there, but I always come back to Mike because he’s the most fun to work with and that fun comes through in the images.

★★★★★

Jack S – Los Angeles

HEADSHOTS
THAT
DEFINE
YOUR
BRAND

Professional headshot of a business professional in a modern setting, ideal for LinkedIn and corporate branding

FREE HEADSHOT CONSULTATIONS

Schedule a virtual headshot consult from the convenience of your home to find out if I’m the best solution to your problem.

High-quality professional headshots of smiling business professionals in a modern office environment, ideal for corporate branding and LinkedIn profiles.
High-quality actor headshot of a smiling individual positioned against a rustic brick wall, ideal for casting calls and promotional materials.

“MADE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE RELAXING AND A LOT OF FUN!”

Headshot sessions can be tough, but he immediately caught on to what I was looking for and made the whole experience relaxing and a lot of fun!

★★★★★

Chris M – Chicago
Colorful collage of headshots featuring actors and business professionals in different styles, illustrating the versatility of personal branding and professional presentation
Premium Actor headshot of a man in a leather jacket, showcasing a confident expression, ideal for casting calls and promotional materials

“MICHAEL LISTENS TO WHAT YOU WANT”

I’m already getting very positive feedback on the images which I’m using professionally on social media.

★★★★★

John M – Chicago

HEADSHOTS
FOR
BUSINESS

Studio headshots in a variety of different styles and backgrounds for websites, social media, and LinkedIn profiles.

HEADSHOTS CHICAGO

READ MORE

Business headshots or corporate headshots as some people refer to them are one of several ways that indivudals and companies can visually market themselves. The more that you like your headshot, the more you’ll use it and the more valuable it becomes.

Collage of professional business headshots featuring smiling individuals in corporate attire, showcasing the work of a Chicago-based headshot photographer.
Professional headshot of a young, hip, and attractive businessman in a stylish suit, ideal for a LinkedIn profile

HEADSHOTS THAT ARE SURE TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION.

I already knew Michael was good behind the camera, I was genuinely surprised by how good he is in connecting with clients in the studio.

★★★★★

CJ – Chicago

ACTOR
HEADSHOTS

Acting headshots that capture the attention of casting directors and help you to land auditons

HEADSHOTS CHICAGO

READ MORE

The Chicago acting community is filled with opportunities in film, television, and on-stage. Between the Chicago theater community being one of the largest in the country and Cinespace opening its doors here in 2010, there’s a perfect part for everyone and your headshot is your ticket in the door.

Collage of professional actor headshots showcasing diverse styles, expressions and looks, ideal for casting calls and promotional materials.
Vanity Fair-inspired corporate portrait of a professional individual posing confidently against a hand-painted backdrop, showcasing a stylish and artistic flair

“I LOVE HOW THE IMAGES TURNED OUT”

They have the exact stylized look I was going for (consesrvative/professional but with an editorial edge) and I am so excited to use them going forward.

★★★★★

Cara N – Chicago

TEAM
HEADSHOTS

Corporate headshots of your team that show off your company culture and provide consistency in your branding.

HEADSHOTS CHICAGO

READ MORE

Some companies give their team headshots as a company perk. Some businesses provide corporate headshots as a sales tool for their staff. The companies I’m most impressed by are the ones that provide their team with headshots because they understand that their employee’s are an extension of their brand. When a prospective client searches for your business on LinkedIn it’s very impressive when everyone has a great profile picture and the photography is consistently amazing. If you agree, then I’m likely the right photographer for you.

Collage of professional headshots showcasing a cohesive team of employees from the same company, presenting a consistent, friendly, and polished appearance ideal for corporate branding and marketing materials
LinkedIn headshot of Alex Rowe in Chicago

“I’VE NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD!”

I don’t photograph well. Seriously, I’m not photogenic and I was nervous about the headshot session. I don’t know how he did it, but Mike made me look like a celebrity.

★★★★★

Alex R – Chicago

BUSINESS
PORTRAITS

Business headshots and environmental portraits in your Chicago home or office with an editorial twist. Great for personal branding and PR opportunities.

HEADSHOTS CHICAGO

READ MORE

Studio headshots are a great marketing tool, but some people benefit from something more. If you’re a C-Suite executive or a solopreneur then you’re probably one of those people. The business portraits expand on the idea of a headshot and bring in some visual context. Depending on the situation, these sessions often take place in your office or place of business. I serve clients within a 50 mile radius of Chicago

Portraits of a successful woman at McCormick Place, Chicago, highlighting her career success in both a black turtleneck and a dress, with the iconic convention center as a backdrop.