Actor Headshots in Los Angeles
Headshots that look like the actor who walks into the room.
Studio City · 20+ years · Backstage contributor · Live image review · Retouching included ·
Sessions from $345
Los Angeles headshot photographer Marc Cartwright has photographed actors since 2005. 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 CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What Actors Are Saying
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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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“He guided me in preparing for the shoot and gave me great direction during. I felt so comfortable that even when I started to doubt myself for a moment, he pulled me out of it without me even noticing. I could not be happier with my headshots.”
— Teresa Arias
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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
Ready to schedule your headshot session? Contact Marc to discuss availability, or view current session options and rates.
Prefer to talk? (323) 878-2603