Actor Headshots Los Angeles
Natural and effective actor headshots for film, TV, and commercial submissions.
18+ years of industry-trusted results in Studio City. Directed sessions built for how casting reviews headshots on Actors Access and Casting Networks. Clear type, grounded, authentic expression, showcasing range.
Studio City · Limited sessions each week
Browse by Category
Women’s Actor Headshots
Casting-ready looks with clear type, emotional range, and fast reading submissions.
Men’s Actor Headshots
Grounded presence, clear type, controlled variation, and clean modern lighting.
Child Actor Headshots
Natural expression, patient direction, relaxed sessions, and age-appropriate range.
Directed Sessions Focused on Casting Results
Each session is directed with clear, specific adjustments that help you access grounded expression, emotional variation, and clarity of type. The goal is not to manufacture a look, but to create images that read immediately in casting submissions.
Prioritizing Presence Over Performance
No forced expressions or “acting for the camera.” The focus is on believable presence, clear type, and emotional availability that reads naturally on screen and in submissions.
Specificity Without Caricature
Each look is intentional and role-aware, helping casting understand where you fit without reducing you to a single type.
Time and Space to Adjust
Sessions are structured but never rushed. You have time to adjust, refine, and explore subtle variations so the strongest images emerge naturally, not by pressure.
Images Built for Modern Casting Platforms
Headshots are selected with modern casting workflows in mind, including how images are reviewed, compared, and filtered across submission platforms.
What to Expect From Your Session
Strategic Pre-Session Consultation
We align on casting targets, type, and what you need for current submissions.
Planning & Wardrobe Direction
We choose options that separate looks clearly and support your character range.
Directed Session Focused on Natural Expression
Clear adjustments to expression, posture, and energy to keep it natural and specific.
You’ll see images during the session so we can make adjustments in real time and ensure you leave with options you’d actually submit.
Image Delivery + Retouching
Images are delivered the next business day via an online gallery. A download link is available at no additional charge. Final retouching stays natural and competitive.
The goal is usable headshots that feel honest and competitive, not overworked.
Actor Testimonials
“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.”
“I got an audition one day after using the headshots. These are professional actor headshots that get you in the door.”
Los Angeles Actor Headshot Photographer
I’m a Los Angeles–based headshot photographer with over 18 years of experience working with actors at every stage, from first submissions to series regulars.
I’m also a regular contributor to Backstage, writing about headshots, casting trends, and submission strategy.
Actor Headshots for Los Angeles Casting
Los Angeles casting directors review thousands of submissions weekly across platforms like Actors Access and Casting Networks. Headshots need to read clearly at small sizes, hold up under filtering, and communicate type immediately. Sessions are structured around those realities.
Actor Headshot FAQ
Do I need different headshots for commercial and theatrical?
Yes. Commercial headshots emphasize approachability and relatability, while theatrical headshots lean more grounded and character-specific. Most actors leave with both within a single session.
How many looks should I plan for in an actor headshot session?
Most actors benefit from 2–4 clearly differentiated looks that align with how they are being submitted. The final number depends on your casting type, current representation, and submission goals. A pre-session consultation ensures we build the right set intentionally.
How much do actor headshots cost in Los Angeles?
Rates vary depending on the number of looks. Sessions are structured around looks rather than time to remove pressure and allow space for refinement. You can view current pricing, what’s included, and retouching details on the Rates & FAQ page.
How quickly will I receive my headshots?
Proof galleries are delivered the next business day. Final retouched images are completed within five business days after you select your included retouches.
How often should actors update their headshots?
Any significant change such as an age range shift, weight change, hairstyle change, or booking direction is a reason to update. For most actors, updating every 12 to 24 months is typical.
Do you work with both new and working actors?
Yes. Sessions are structured to support actors at every stage, whether you’re building your first submissions or updating materials for ongoing professional work.
For wardrobe guidance, pricing details, and retouching info, see Rates & FAQ.
Casting-Focused Retouching
In a sea of thumbnails, your headshot must be polished yet 100% authentic. My signature retouching process, standard for images submitted to IMDb, Actors Access, and Casting Networks, ensures you look exactly like your photo when you walk into the room.
Natural Texture: Preserving skin character and freckles while removing temporary distractions.
The Pop: Enhancing eye clarity and color to grab a casting director's attention in 100 milliseconds.
Subtle Refinement: Professional cleanup of flyaway hairs and wardrobe wrinkles that can detract from your "type."
Session Options & Pricing
View availability, rates, and common questions before booking.
Looking for a specific category?
View dedicated galleries for Women’s Actor Headshots, Men’s Actor Headshots, and Child Actor Headshots in Los Angeles.
Studio City Actor Headshots
Located in the heart of the Valley, my studio is a central hub for actors across Los Angeles. I frequently work with clients coming from West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and Burbank, as well as those making the quick trip over the hill from Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Echo Park. Whether you’re coming from the production hubs of Culver City and Santa Clarita or local neighborhoods like North Hollywood and Encino, the studio is easily accessible for your session.
Meet Marc Cartwright
With over 18 years of experience and a background in Mass Media and Human Behavior from NYU, Marc brings a unique psychological perspective to every session. Having spent years as a working actor and print model for major brands like Coca-Cola and Tommy Hilfiger, he understands the industry from both sides of the lens.
Recognized by Backstage Magazine as a headshot expert, Marc focuses on "un-performing": a process of stripping away the pressure of the camera to capture the honest, grounded version of yourself that agents and casting directors actually want to meet.