About Marc Cartwright
From Actor to Headshot Photographer
Marc Cartwright is a Los Angeles headshot photographer and former commercial actor who has spent more than 20 years on both sides of the camera. He has photographed actors and professionals since 2005, with an approach grounded in direction, collaboration, and authentic expression.
Originally from Long Island’s East End, Marc’s fascination with visual storytelling began with classic Hollywood cinema. He moved to New York City at 18 to study Mass Media and Human Behavior at NYU, where he discovered photography, a medium that bridged his interest in psychology with his fascination for human expression.
After graduating, Marc moved to the West Coast to pursue acting, building a commercial and print career that included work for brands such as Coca-Cola and Tommy Hilfiger. His experience in front of the camera later informed the way he directs actors from behind it, particularly his understanding of how vulnerable and unnatural being photographed can feel. He eventually transitioned fully into photography. His direction is built around taking away the pressure of the camera so expressions stay honest and grounded.
Headshot Photography and Industry Experience
Today, Marc photographs actors and professionals through directed sessions at his Studio City location and is recommended by talent agencies. His work has appeared in CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Fortune, Men's Health, and Vogue, and he is a contributing writer for Backstage, where he writes about actor headshots and headshot photography.
His approach to actor headshots focuses on expression, direction, wardrobe, posing, and creating distinct commercial and theatrical looks without losing the person behind them. Marc shares that experience in his Actor Headshot Resource Library, which covers the practical decisions actors make before and during a headshot session.
Actor Headshot Resources
Marc's Actor Headshot Resource Library covers the practical side of preparing for and understanding professional actor headshots.