Tess Steinkolk is an acclaimed professional photographer based in New York City, specializing in captivating headshot and portrait photography for actors, authors, musicians, corporate executives, and individuals. Her expertise lies in capturing the essence of her subjects, creating portraits that are both authentic and impactful. She is renowned for her ability to put her clients at ease, fostering a collaborative environment that results in natural, expressive images.

Her interest in photography stems from a deep appreciation for the power of a well-crafted portrait. She believes that a headshot or portrait is more than just a picture; it's a visual representation of one's personality, professionalism, and individuality. Her approach to photography is personal, as she strives to connect with her clients on a genuine level, understanding their unique qualities and goals for a successful photo experience.

Tess’ extensive training in classic film photography, her study of various styles and natural interest and ability to connect with people all add up to an experienced and creative photographer and artist. 

Bio

Tess' career began with Living Stage, the improvisational theatrical outreach company in residence at the prestigious Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Her original interest was in play-writing but her growing interest in classic black & white portraiture was inspired by the works of many legendary photographers such as Irving Penn, August Sander, Dorothea Lange and many others. It was honed at her job at Arena Stage. As executive assistant to Living Stage, an improvisational and politically minded Equity company, she photographed the company's pioneering theatrical work with prisoners at Lorton Reformatory, a maximum security prison in Lorton, Virginia. Her portfolio of those photographs were shown at Arena Stage in 1980, the first of her portrait exhibitions. 

While attending Corcoran Art School she was also the photographer for Events, Inc. for which she photographed the senate and house during during the Iran Hostage Crisis in the Carter administration.

In 1981, Tess moved to New York City and opened a portrait studio that has continuously attracted a steady stream of actors, musicians, authors and corporate executives. Please see her partial Client List.

At the height of the war between the U.S.-backed Contras and the Sandinista government, she went to Nicaragua to photograph the ninth anniversary of the revolution. Upon return she hosted a gallery show of her work at her village studio to raise money for housing in Nicaragua. Presently, she is working on a Large Format Camera Project with her 8x10 Deardorff.

  • CLIENT LIST:

  • AMERICAN EXPRESS

  • MORGAN STANLEY

  • CBS

  • LIFETIME TELEVISION

  • GLOBAL ATLANTIC

  • VIACOM

  • SUNDANCE CHANNEL

  • TURNER BROADCASTING

  • A+E NEWWORK

  • MTV

  • HARRY WALKING AGENCY

  • NIKE

  • BRATSKEIR & COMPANY

  • TRU TV

  • RDF USA

  • ESQUIRE MAGAZINE

  • UNIVISION

  • NBC

  • GETNICK LAW

  • HOLM & O’HARA LAW

  • LINKEDIN

  • REID/COLLINS/TSAI

  • CPI FINANCIAL

  • TIME WARNER

  • HEALIX INTERNATIONAL