Hey there! Amanda & Jake here, and we are the team behind Sub/Urban.

Our photography journey began during high school at home in Ohio, where we learned the fundamentals in our school’s last year of film photography before the dark room was converted into a computer lab (shoutout to Mr. Roetzel).

Our budding interests came with us to NYU where one fateful day Freshman year, a friend asked us to take a quick headshot for summer stock auditions. Amanda wrapped a baking sheet in tinfoil as a reflector, we found the nearest brick wall, and BAM! The first Sub/Urban headshot was born on the corner of 2nd Ave and 11th.

Over the years, we’ve continued to educate ourselves, expand our business, and grow as artists in a medium that is constantly evolving.

When we aren’t taking pictures, you can find Amanda directing or acting, and you can find Jake writing, video editing, or working as a cinematographer.

When we aren’t doing anything productive, we’re probably trying to get into a new restaurant, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, whipping up a NYTimes recipe, hosting a themed party, or taking a long walk in the park with our pup, Pete.

A little more about headshots…

Headshots are… complicated. Not necessarily taking them, but all of the noise that surrounds them. Actors are told a million different things about what they should and shouldn’t be doing for their headshot session, and a lot of the time those opinions don’t line up depending on who you’re talking to. Jewelry or no jewelry? Patterned shirts or solids? Smile or smolder? Can you show a hand? Are you REQUIRED to show a hand???

Somewhere in the middle of all of that noise is you. Not just you as an actor, but you as a person. What sort of work are you into? What gets you excited about how you express yourself on a daily basis? What parts of yourself will you always bring into your artistry, regardless of the character?

What we aim to accomplish during a session is to bring you into clearer focus for industry professionals when they are going through the process of casting. A headshot should draw attention to the most important part of the photo, which is the person being photographed. Headshots should be varied, specific and authentic to the actor. And at an even more base level, a headshot needs to look like you. You, your friends, your family and casting directors should all be able to look at your headshots and say “I know that person!”

Then, it’s our job to take everything you bring into the studio and capture those qualities with light, color, wardrobe, composition, and direction. Our goal is to make all of these technical elements work together so you can focus on the other most important part of the session, which is…

…that you do all you can to show up ready to have some fun. We know headshots can be stressful. We know they have absolutely nothing to do with what inspired you to be an actor in the first place. From our experience, the most successful headshots are created when we’re hanging out with our clients, talking about your favorite TV shows, learning about your hobbies, your family, your favorite restaurants….and taking some pictures along the way. One of the best parts of our job is getting to meet new people every day, and taking the time to enjoy getting to know each other while collaborating makes it all the more fulfilling.

If you’re saying to yourself, “wow, this sounds like fun,” then click the CONTACT button and let’s make some magic!

THE STUDIO

Our studio is located in The Landmark Arts building in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. We are conveniently located near multiple subway stops, Penn Station, and the Lincoln Tunnel, with parking garages in the area.

We have snacks, drinks, tunes, and everything on hand to make you feel at home.

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Interested in renting our space? Please email info@sub-urbanphotography.com for hourly and daily rates.

kind words

  • “I would not change one single thing about my shoot with Sub/Urban.

    I felt so taken care of, listened to, and comfortable getting my headshots done. I truly hate having my photo taken but Amanda and Jake are magicians and I spent the whole day laughing and having the best time with them. I walked away with exactly what I wanted and a truly amazing experience.”

    — SHERZ ALETAHA (Merrily We Roll Along)

  • "Until my first session with them in 2015, I thought that headshots were this stressful, expensive, necessary evil I’d have to put myself through every few years.

    I’d shot with *every* “incredible” headshot photographer in NYC, and always ended up with pictures that didn’t look or feel like me. But that changed completely when Sub/Urban took my photos. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they are kind, empathetic, and collaborative - and for the very first time in my career, I had headshots that looked and felt like me. Jake and Amanda (and Alex!!) are truly extraordinary at what they do. I will never go to anyone else!“

    — JULIA KNITEL (Beautiful, Come From Away)

  • "Jake and Amanda are unbelievable creators.

    My sessions with them are always joyful and fulfilling, and their work is absolutely gorgeous. Excellent vibe, stunning space, and cute dog? A dream team.“

    — PJ ADZIMA (The Book of Mormon, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)