She has a 25 year relationship with casting directors, directors, and agents on both coasts, and most importantly: knows what they want.
Xanthe has worked extensively both on stage and screen. She has garnered Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League Award Nominations, as well as winning The BBC Talent and Theatre World Awards. She has worked in casting (Warner Bros., The Casting Company (L.A.), KLS Casting) and knows which headshots make the cut.
A good headshot can get you the job. Your picture is the first thing any agency or casting office sees. It got you that audition, and you want to walk into the room looking like that picture, as there is nothing more frustrating for a casting agent than a headshot that does not represent who you really are. If you get that appointment, you want arrive feeling confident and open: You need a shot that tells the truth.
When you book a session with Xanthe, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours at a Riverside Park location. You will work one-on-one* with her in a relaxed environment, enabling her to capture you at your best. She recommends that you bring 4-5 outfits, solid colors and/or earth tones. Anything that brings out your eyes is always a bonus.
Rain or shine, the shoot is undercover so weather does not interfere, and beautiful light is guaranteed. She uses no reflectors, assistance, or post-shoot editing and she will capture your most natural, truthful self.
A professional make-up artist is available should you need one. This must be booked in advance of the shoot and is a separate cost.
Email Tapy Nicole: tapynicole@gmail.com to schedule your make-up.
The standard headshot session fee is $1495 plus taxes and fees. Payment is due on the day of the shoot.
Shooting with state of the art equipment, Xanthe will work with you to capture all the variety you need in a shot ( includes 4-5 changes), and at 9 frames a second, you will end up with a great variety of pictures to choose from. You will receive all images from the session in high resolution (4.1MB) ready for printing.
Should you need rush turnaround, this is available for a fee of $95.
B&W Playbill format shots included upon request at no extra charge.
An security deposit of $95 is required to secure your session. Student discounts are also available.
Email xelbrickphotography@gmail.com to book your session.
**The one-on-one aspect of the shoot is perhaps the most important part of this process, if you would like to bring friends, family, or make-up artist, please let Xanthe know in advance of the session.
Xanthe Elbrick Photography holds annual Headshot workshops at LFS (London), R.A.D.A, Atlantic Theater School, N.Y.U.. Williamstown Theater Festival, Columbia University, The Juilliard School, PACE, Gettysburg College, and Fordham University.
Please email xelbrickphotography@gmail.com to enroll.
Rated as one of the Top 8 Killer Headshot Photographers in L.A. & NYC, 2015, BACKSTAGE
" A veteran actor herself, Elbrick’s skill for capturing her subjects’ true essence has made her one of the most sought-after headshot photographers in NYC. Clients soak up natural light in beautiful outdoor shoots and work one-on-one with Elbrick to create the perfect shot." - BACKSTAGE
" If you want a great headshot, I recommend Xanthe Elbrick. She is the best kept secret, and takes beautiful pictures at a great price."
- Geoffrey Soffer, Casting Director, ABC
" There is a reason the best in the business get their shots with Xanthe: it takes talent to know talent. You just have to glance at her portfolio to realize she is the go-to headshot photographer for today's working actor."
- Jane Deitch, Head of Casting, BBC.
" Whatever your age or shape or personality, Xanthe will find your best face and put it forward in a stunning photo that is washing in natural light and a soft (and forgiving) focus. And in the light banter of the shoot, you may (as it did) inadvertently reveal emotions and feelings you didn't know existed or thought were buried deep because you are also in the hands of such a talented documentary photographer in the tradition of Dorothea Lange. She explores the soul but at the same time is the best press agent you will ever have. "
- Louise Levathes, National Geographic.
" Xanthe is innovative, efficient, and technically savvy. She creates a fun and relaxing environment where she works to capture "you" in each shot. Extremely personal, professional, and friendly, she makes an often cumbersome experience painless and even enjoyable. Because of her theatre background she understands actors and beyond that, her intelligence means there is always something to converse about. I recommend her to anyone looking for something worth the money, an enjoyable experience, and amazing shots."
- Brandon Jackson, Actor, Fordham University
" I've never felt more relaxed on a shoot than I have with Xanthe. She has an uncanny way of making you feel relaxed and want to open up with her. The photos she took are the best I have ever seen of me. You'd be crazy not to use her. Xanthe has a beautiful spirit and soul...she sees the best in everything."
- Allison Janney, Emmy-Award Winning actor
" Xanthe is incredible. Not only does she take beautiful, natural shots, but SO MANY INCREDIBLE WORKING ACTORS in TV/Film/Theatre choose to shoot with her, they ALL want to work with her...She takes care of top talent. If you have the instinct to shoot with her, trust me, you are in very good company!"
- Matt Campbell, Olivier Award Winning Actor
" If you need new pictures, yet find you are hanging back out of fear, fear no more. Even if you suffer from scared rabbit syndrome when caught in the cross hairs of a still camera, Xanthe will take a beautiful and representative photo that needs no touch ups- she is a genius with the camera! What she shoots is what you get, and what you get is great. Its a dream to be photographed by someone is so much fun to work with, and who really knows what she's doing."
-Harriet Harris, Desperate Housewives
" Want pretty or the truth? Other headshot photographers will get the pretty...Xanthe will get YOU."
- Jackie Grady, actor. London, UK
"We laughed, swapped stories, showed off our pet photos. No pose, no 'tilt', no 'smile!'. And I came away with the best headshots ever. My agent loves them too! Xanthe is a witch behind the camera. A very good witch."
-Connie Ray, actor, The Big C.
"We could not have asked for more from our son's headshot session with Xanthe. From the moment we met her, she put us all at ease with her professionalism, warmth and wit, which evoked many natural smiles and giggles from our shy 7 year old. She captured beautiful shots that truly showcase his personality. We all had a wonderful time watching Xanthe help him to come alive in front of the camera. As out of state clients, this was truly a memorable and fun experience for all of us! We highly recommend Xanthe and will be using her again!"
-Kira Turchin, Happy mom.
"It can be pretty daunting choosing a headshot photographer when you are a student, I feel so lucky to have been referred to Xanthe. She is simply amazing at what she does. Before you have even realized the session has begun, she will already have taken at least 10 incredible shots of you. Working with her feels more like two old friends catching up than a photo session. There is never a moment when you feel posed or analyzed. Xanthe's ease immediately relaxes you and the end result are the most amazing headshots you could ever imagine."
- Eric Villiers, Acting BFA, Marymount College.
" I needed new shots and Xanthe was enthusiastically referred to me by several cast mates and casting directors. On the day of the shoot, she immediately put me at ease and we quickly drummed up a great rapport. I couldn't believe how effortless and comfortable the whole process felt. As for the results, Xanthe truly captured 'me' -- I couldnt be more confident to walk into an audition room and know that my images fully represent my personality. "
- Evan Johnson, actor, Peter and The Starcatcher
" From the moment I first saw Xanthe's work, I knew I wanted her to shoot my next batch of headshots. I'd seen the stunning work she'd done with several friends of mine, and was completely knocked out by the results. She has an uncanny ability to capture her subject's true essence while putting them completely at ease. It's like being caught with one's guard down, except in the good way. When I wasfinally able to shoot with her, I found out how she does it: she is an absolutely delightful, funny, warm, friendly person. It's very easy to be comfortable with her because she doesn't treat the shoot like work. Instead, she treats it like the kind of long, fun conversation you'd have with a friend at a party. Before I knew it, the shoot was over and I had a wealth of options to choose from. Hands down, my favorite headshot session ever, and I can't really imagine myself ever asking anyone else to shoot them. It makes me kind of wish I had an excuse to this every six months or so!"
- Michael Criscuolo, Actor/ Playwright
" Shooting with Xanthe was a joy & I don't say that lightly! I have always approached a shoot with trepidation, but Xanthe's manner, expertise & comfort in her own skin made me comfortable in mine. Her use of natural light is magical...and much cheaper than surgery...Run, don't walk...you won't be sorry. "
- Ann Arvia, actor, Mary Poppins
" Xanthe takes pictures that draw your attention immediately. She captures the best in you- a sure way to make the top of the pile. Getting such results requires art and skill -things Xanthe has as a performer and photographer in abundance."
- Michael Cerveris, Tony Award Winning actor
" Having been a working actor for over two decades, I've had more than my share of headshot photo sessions. I can honestly say I've never had as enjoyable and fruitful a time as with Xanthe Elbrick. A truly talented photographer does more than capture or document, she educates; She somehow shows you just what it is about her subject that makes it remarkable. At the risk of sounding lofty, I came away from Xanthe not only having an absurd wealth of phenomenal pictures to choose from, but also a better understanding of my image and how to use it. I can't think of a higher accolade for a photographer than to say that, after working with Xanthe, I simply can't wait to share these pictures with the world. And the fact that she's also a genuinely awesome person means I'll be coming back for more as soon as I have an excuse."
- Nat Cassidy, actor and playwright, NYC
" Xanthe was recommended to me by a dear friend and fellow actor. I told him I was looking for shots that were different, yet approachable. Something that would be true to who I am as an actor today and that would also catch the eye of casting directors to better get my foot in the audition room door. Boy, did I get that and more with Xanthe! Her shots are so incredibly special. I looked so at ease, approachable and downright joyful in my shots. I had such fun during our shoot and it really comes across in the photos. How she interacts with you makes you open yourself up to the camera and she captures that in an instant, making each and every shot is compelling, interesting, and beautifully YOU. She is such a special spirit, you will adore working with her. I'm in love with my new shots and I know my agents will be as well. I couldn't think of a better way to start off this new acting year than with new headshots with Xanthe Elbrick."
- Susannah Buckley, actor, NYC
" Xanthe is a dream. She truly understands actors, and this comes through strongly in her work. My time with her was so comfortable, easy and fun-- just as it should be! She is an absolute pleasure to work with and be around, you will not want to leave, and you will have a seriously hard time choosing your favorite shots because they are all so good and true to you. * * * * * (5 stars)"
- Raye Levine, actor, 'MARTHA, MARCY, MAY, MARLENE.'
" I am usually terrified of taking pictures. I get in my head about what my left eyelid is doing (and that's the tip of the iceberg), so it can be a struggle for my spirit to come through in shots. And then Xanthe came along. I didn't even realize that we had begun shooting. We were just talking, laughing and having a swell time. Before I knew it, I was more comfortable looking into the lens than I've ever been before. The twinkle in Xanthe's eye spurred me on. I'm going through my pictures now, and I can't narrow it down to less than 100 choices. And it's because Xanthe made me look great, while also capturing a real sense of joy in the shots. Xanthe is a dreamboat. I am thrilled with these pictures!"
- Blake Segal, actor, 'MARY POPPINS'
" Xanthe is my favorite headshot photographer. Not only is she an incredibly talented artist, but the relaxed environment she creates while taking your pictures is none like I have ever experienced. She sets you completely at ease and her sessions are fun and so easy. I love my new pictures thanks to Xanthe's unbelievable talent. I recommend her without question."
- Catherine Brunell, actor
" I feel so incredibly fortunate to have found a real artist like Xanthe! I came across her shots of a colleague, and was immediately struck by the beautiful light and natural expression that she captured. My friend put me in touch with Xanthe, and she was wonderfully responsive and flexible with my schedule. During the shoot, Xanthe combined technical mastery and flawless instincts with such a generous and lively energy, that I was barely aware of being photographed at all. The session felt like an absolute breeze. It's very rare to look at a photo of myself and really recognize myself in it. But I felt that with these shots - like Xanthe got my honest, open self absolutely beautifully. I am so grateful for her work, and will be returning to her again and again!"
- Poornima Kirby, actor
" The shoot was absolutely pain free. It seriously felt like I was hanging out with a friend and not getting headshots done at all. The camera was practically invisible the entire time. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. "
- Mindy Hays, actor, NYC
" Working was Xanthe was awesome.. It felt like hanging out with a great girlfriend. The way she shoots gives her the ability to capture you in a moment without your preparation. A real, genuine moment. It was a freeing and inspiring shoot and I feel we got the shots I need. Xanthe is a true artist and brings that to the table. I mean, if you like that kind of thing."
-Dana De Celis, actor, NYC
" Xanthe is truly phenomenal. Outdoors, people passing, she managed to bring me into an engaging, cozy environment where it is just you and her. I had no idea she was even taking my picture. We laughed and joked our way through the session, and by the time we were done, I had hundreds of breathtaking photos to chose from. I have no idea how she made me look this good! Her combination of location and natural lighting makes immaculate photos that need no retouching at all. I couldn't be happier with my choice in photographer and would book her again in a heartbeat."
-Michael Litchfield, actor, Washington DC
" Xanthe takes a picture like she's talking to you, I've never felt so comfortable in front of the lens... and she knows what its like to be on the other side of the camera. Her ability to capture you when you are truly at your best, is a rare commodity in this business."
- Jonathan Dokuchitz, actor, NY
" This did not feel like a photo shoot. It felt like a wonderful conversation between two friends. I never felt 'posed' in any way, and did not think so many wonderful photos would come out of not even trying!"
- Kevin Carolan, actor, NJ
" I have headshots that never imagined would come out as nicely as they did... where other photographers were charging $1,000+ and wouldn't even speak to me directly, Xanthe made me feel really relaxed and comfortable..."
- Ally Stock, student and actor, Michigan