About Marc Cartwright

Marc Cartwright is a contributing writer for Backstage, where he writes about actor headshots and headshot photography.

From Actor to Headshot Photographer

Marc Cartwright is a Los Angeles headshot photographer based in Studio City, specializing in actor headshots and professional headshot photography. 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.