Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Dentinger.
Scott, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
About me:
I grew up in Fort Myers, Florida, a small town where I’d stand outside and stare up at the stars, wondering if artists and celebrities were looking at those same stars. They were, but I didn’t know it yet.
Back then, those stars felt impossibly far away—like dreams that only belonged to other people. As I got older, I learned that those dreams were actually within reach, just waiting for me to get a little braver.
My Journey to Business (and Beyond):
I went to a small private high school in Ft. Myers (25 graduating seniors) and stayed local for community college.
After receiving my AA degree, I transferred to the University of Central Florida, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I’ll never forget ditching my finance class to sneak peeks at the TV series Superboy filming on the UCF campus at the time. That’s when I first realized that film and television opportunities were happening right under my nose—in the ’80s and ’90s, Central Florida was churning out shows like Sheena, SeaQuest, From the Earth to the Moon and movies like The Waterboy, Lethal Weapon and Parenthood.
However, after graduation, I move back to my hometown of Ft. Myers. I jumped into the “rat race,” managing a Marriott hotel and then working at General Electric. But within a few years, I felt my soul flatlining. So, I saved up some money , moved to Sarasota, Florida, waited tables on St. Armand’s Circle, and lived on the beach.
It was a leap of faith—no safety net—I was scared, but I’d never felt happier.
A Chance Encounter Sparks an Acting Career:
One evening, as I was waiting on tables, a gentleman—later revealed to be the Director of Drama at New World Television in LA—gave me his business card after we struck up a conversation about acting. He told me to call him with any questions. Normally, I wouldn’t dare call, but I actually did. He encouraged me to do some theater and take acting classes. I did exactly that: local theater in Sarasota, then moved back to Orlando on August 31, 1997 (coincidentally, the day Princess Diana left this earth).
A $35 commercial workshop led to agent representation & acting classes. Before I knew it, I was booking commercials, lifestyle print work, voice-over gigs, and spokesperson roles for the next two decades.
The Next Act: Headshot Photography:
In 2014, after almost 20 years of chasing bookings, I needed a new creative outlet that felt steadier, but still in the acting/creative world. That’s when headshot photography presented itself to me. I was taking more acting classes, had just bought my first camera, and started learning and practicing photography on my classmates.
Fast-forward ten years, and I’ve helped hundreds of actors create the first impression that casting directors see. Watching someone go from nervous in front of the camera, to confident on set, never gets old.
Why I Do What I Do:
I’ve been lucky enough to meet amazing people and build lifelong friendships during my journey an actor and photographer. When I’m coaching someone through their first headshot session or guiding them through their 4th session, I’m greeted by the same sense of wonder I had as that kid in Ft. Myers gazing at the night sky.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all just people looking up at the same stars—dreams included.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think pursuing something your passionate about is not always an easy road. As an actor and photographer, self-doubt is always a challenge.
As an actor, it takes a thick skin to work through the highs and lows of the business. We hear NO so much, but there is something inside of us, as artists, that keeps telling us to move through it and do it all over again.
“On to the next” they say.
I think if you get asked to audition, that goes in the success column.
If you get a callback, that goes in the success column.
When you book the project, that goes in the success column.
The roles that are meant for you will come to fruition.
As a photographer, competition is tough and there are tons of photographers out there. Building a product and reputation that stands the test of time is what is important. I believe I have done that, so that, to me, is success.
Of course it would’ve been easier to follow a more stable path, but that never appealed to me. I could’ve worked in the business world and retired in a few years. I’ve always subscribed to the belief to “Do what you love, and the money will follow”.
I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a headshot photographer for actors, performers and business professionals in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas.
What sets me apart from the other headshot photographers in our area?
As an actor, I’ve been in front of the lens as well, so I understand the importance of capturing the essence of my subject in a single frame. I can coach the actors to have specificity in their headshots, and not just churn out a bunch of “nice” photos. My experience in the entertainment industry has given me a keen eye for detail and the ability to bring out the best in my subjects.
I’m most proud of building this headshot business from the ground up. Taking online photography courses and learning in the field. Over time, I think I’ve managed to consistently turn out a headshot product for my clients that gets results. I love being a part of their acting journey and seeing their successes.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
A strong headshot toolkit is necessary for actors to succeed in this business. I’m seeing people post headshots of themselves created by Artificial Intelligence.
While the photos look nice, there is a human element missing. That missing element is life behind the eyes.
I think its important to be open to new technologies, but we shouldn’t allow those technologies to overshadow the human aspect of being an artist/actor.
Pricing:
- For pricing, potential clients can contact me at ScottDentinger@gmail.com or visit www.HeadshotsbyScottDentinger.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HeadshotsbyScottDentinger.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headshotsbyscottdentinger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.dentinger.1
Image Credits
My old headshots credits:
Julia Reilly
Tim Tew
Michael Cairns
Eric Esteban
Caroline Ross
