Actor Headshots in Los Angeles
Headshots that look like the actor who walks into the room.
Studio City · 20+ years · Agency-recommended · Backstage contributor · Live image review · Retouching included · Sessions from $345
The key to effective actor headshots is AUTHENTICITY.
Los Angeles headshot photographer Marc Cartwright has photographed actors since 2005, from first headshots to series regulars on network and streaming shows. His actor headshot sessions are fully directed and built around the essence, natural energy, and specific vibe each actor brings to the room.
He also photographs corporate and professional headshots for executives, business owners, and other professionals at his Studio City location.
Prefer to talk? (323) 878-2603
Industry-Recognized Expertise
As a contributor to Backstage Magazine, Marc Cartwright has written extensively about actor headshots and the photography process. His work has also been featured in publications including CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Fortune, Men’s Health and Vogue.
More than 20 years of photographing actors has shaped an approach centered on direction, expression, clean lighting, accurate skin tones, and understanding how small changes can give a headshot a different feel without losing the person in the photograph.
Before moving behind the camera, Marc studied Mass Media and Human Behavior at NYU and worked as a commercial and print actor for brands including Coca-Cola and Tommy Hilfiger. Having been photographed himself, he knows how unnatural the camera can feel. His direction is built around what he calls "un-performing": taking away the pressure so expressions stay honest and grounded.
Actor Headshot Portfolio
Explore recent actor headshots photographed in Studio City, including theatrical and commercial looks. The portfolio shows a range of expressions, wardrobe choices, backgrounds, and lighting approaches shaped around the individual actor.
Theatrical and Commercial Headshots
Actors often need acting headshots that communicate different sides of how they can be presented professionally. Commercial headshots tend to feel warmer and more approachable, while theatrical headshots can be more grounded, specific, or dramatic. Those are useful starting points, but the direction of each look should still come from the individual actor rather than a formula.
During a session, wardrobe, background, lighting, expression, and small adjustments in direction are used together to give each look its own identity while keeping the photographs recognizably true to the actor. Marc also photographs theater headshots for stage actors, singers, and dancers.
Commercial vs. Theatrical Headshots: What Actually Sets Them Apart →
How an Actor Headshot Session Works
Each actor headshot session begins with a conversation about the looks being photographed, including wardrobe, background, and the direction each look should take. Marc provides direction throughout the session, working with expression, posture, and small adjustments to create variety without forcing expressions that do not feel natural. Sessions have no set time limit, and Marc photographs only one or two clients a day, so there is room to adjust without feeling rushed.
Images are reviewed together as the session progresses. This makes it possible to see what is working, make adjustments, and confirm that each look has enough range before moving on. After the session, the proof gallery is delivered the same day. Looks are planned to read clearly at thumbnail size on Actors Access and Casting Networks, where casting usually sees them first.
Actor headshot sessions include one professionally retouched image per look for the first three looks. Retouching is kept natural, with the goal of polishing the photograph without changing how the actor actually looks.
Actor Headshot Session Packages
ESSENTIAL - $345
1 Outfit
1 retouched image included
STANDARD - $525
2 Outfits
2 retouched images included
SIGNATURE - $625
3 Outfits
3 retouched images included
Every session includes: no time limit, one or two clients a day, all usable images, a private online gallery, and same-day proofs.
What Actors Are Saying
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"The best actor headshot session I've had in my 20-year acting career. Marc doesn't just shoot. He brings out the moments that give headshots the 'it' factor needed to book."
— Lauren L.
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“The way he communicated during our shoot was so concise and fun that it helped me be at ease. After a couple minutes, we developed a rhythm and were able to accomplish the looks I was going for. We even discovered looks I didn’t know I had in me.”
— Jerry Mack
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“Incredibly collaborative and made sure that we had a strong game plan before I even walked into his studio. He understood exactly what I was working for and both me and my agents are thrilled with the results.”
— Tyler Gaca
Actor Resource Library
Explore the Actor Headshot Resource Library for practical guidance on the actor headshot process, along with interviews with industry professionals offering perspectives from their areas of expertise.
Marc also photographs corporate and professional headshots for executives, business owners, and other professionals at his Studio City location. Sessions are designed for individuals who need a polished, natural photograph for LinkedIn, company websites, professional profiles, and other business uses.
Corporate & Professional Headshots
Book Your Los Angeles Headshot Session
Marc's Studio City location is at 4647 Coldwater Canyon Ave, convenient to Burbank, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and Hollywood. Free street parking is available directly outside.
Prefer to talk? (323) 878-2603