Close-up professional studio headshot photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Modern professional headshot photographed in Studio City, Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Professional famous actor headshot of Jay Ellis photographed by Marc Cartwright in Los Angeles
Bright studio commercial headshot of a smiling woman with long dark hair in a teal top. Photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a man with facial piercings and a chest tattoo in a black shirt. Photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Classic studio actor headshot photography of a young actress in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Professional acting headshot of Marcellas Reynolds photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a smiling woman with short pink hair and black-rimmed glasses in an embroidered brown top, against a green background, photographed in Studio City, Los Angeles
Acting headshot of a young man with dark hair in a plaid jacket, hands clasped. Studio headshot photography in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a man with red hair and a red beard in a gray suit by Marc Cartwright in Los Angeles
Colorful studio headshot of an actress photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a young man with shoulder-length black hair in a yellow-green jacket. Photography by Marc Cartwright
Actress headshot of a woman with blonde-tipped locs in a black top, against a gray background. Photographed in Studio City, Los Angeles
Clean modern studio actor headshot photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Commercial actor headshot of a smiling actress with long curly blonde hair in a light blue top
Actor headshot of Justin Biel with short blond hair and stubble in a dark top, against a teal background by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a woman with very short hair in a black leather jacket and choker. High-contrast studio acting portrait photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a smiling man with long curly hair in a floral shirt and tattoos by Marc Cartwright Headshots in Los Angeles
Editorial-style actor headshot photographed in Los Angeles by Marc Cartwright, featuring a natural, expressive portrait designed for casting, film, television, and commercial submissions.

Professional Headshot Photographer

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The key to an effective headshot is authenticity! As a Los Angeles headshot photographer, I offer directed sessions with personalized guidance that takes the guesswork out of being in front of the camera. The result is a relaxed, collaborative environment that brings out your natural confidence and personality.

I specialize in actor headshots, business headshots and executive portraits for clients across Los Angeles.

Whether you’re an actor preparing for auditions, a business professional updating your LinkedIn profile, or an executive who needs a polished portrait, the goal is the same: images that look like you.

Studio City · 20+ years · Agency-recommended · Backstage contributor · Live image review · Retouching included · Sessions from $345

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 his understanding of lighting, accurate skin tones, and how subtle changes in expression 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 understands how unnatural the experience can feel and brings that perspective to every session.

Actor Headshot Portfolio

A few recent examples of actor headshots photographed at my Studio City location, including theater headshots for stage actors and singers, and headshots for musicians. You’ll find the full Men’s, Women’s and Kids galleries through the menu.

Los Angeles Professional Headshot Photography (Copy) (Copy)
Actor headshot of a man with dark curly hair in a black T-shirt, arms crossed showing forearm tattoos in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant Female Actor Headshot - Character Look for TV & Film (Copy) (Copy)
Actor headshot example of a smiling man with graying hair and a short gray beard in a blue gingham shirt. Photographed by Marc Cartwright in LA
Acting headshot of an actress with long brown hair looking back over her bare shoulder, against a rose background. Photographed in Studio City, CA by Marc Cartwright
Actor headshot of a young man in a gray T-shirt with a serious expression, against a green background in Studio City, LA

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 when deciding who to bring in for an audition.

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.

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What Actors Are Saying

  • "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.

  • “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

  • “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

Marc also photographs corporate and executive headshots for LinkedIn and company websites at his Studio City location.

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.

Schedule a Session

Prefer to talk? (323) 878-2603