Michael Carlo Photography

I specialise in portrait and headshot photography from a studio base serving Catford and greater London. As someone who trained and worked as an actor, I know what casting directors and agencies look for — and I know how daunting a camera can feel. My aim is simple: to help you relax, find truth in a frame and leave with portraits that genuinely represent who you are. Why choose Michael Carlo Photography? My work is rooted in understanding performance and personality. That actor-training gives me an edge when working with actors, recent graduates and professionals who need images that read well on stage, screen and online. But you don’t have to be an actor — I work with anyone who wants a professional, natural portrait or headshot that’s confident, approachable and ready for casting lists, showreels, LinkedIn profiles or promotional use. My approach is relaxed and playful. Sessions are conversational — we’ll have a laugh, play with ideas and I’ll guide you every step of the way with practical tips and poses that suit your type. I often put music on (I’ve been known as “DJ Carlo”) to help set the mood and make people feel at ease. The session environment is collaborative: we try looks, tweak posture and explore subtle expressions until we capture images that feel honest and interesting. Technically, I focus on clean, modern portraiture that remains true to you. I work in studio and tailor lighting and backdrop choices to suit the mood you want — from crisp, casting-ready headshots to softer promotional portraits. After the session I carefully prepare and refine your selected images so they’re presentation-ready across colour and monochrome formats. Although portraiture is my core focus, I also take on production and event photography by request — these are quoted as bespoke projects and never distract from my portrait work. If you’d like a portrait or headshot that feels like you — professional, relaxed and direct — get in touch. Tell me a little about what you need, and I’ll help you prepare so your session is relaxed, efficient and creative. I look forward to making something great together. — Michael Carlo