Los Angeles Acting Headshot FAQs
Get answers to common questions about acting headshots, including prices, headshot looks, wardrobe, makeup, retouching, preparing for your session, and what to expect at our Downtown Los Angeles studio. LAphotoSpot specializes in helping actors create professional headshots built around the roles and character types they're right for.
1. ACTING HEADSHOT BASICS
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A headshot “look” is a combination of wardrobe, styling and expression designed to communicate a specific casting type or range of related characters. For example, a jacket and tie could create a professional look that works for a lawyer, detective or business executive. Multiple looks allow you to show different sides of your casting range.
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The number of looks you need depends on your casting range and the roles you're pursuing. Many actors benefit from having distinct commercial and theatrical looks, while actors with a wider casting range may want additional character looks. The important thing is that each look has a purpose and represents roles you can realistically play. 4 Looks is a nice place to start
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Commercial headshots are generally brighter, warmer and more approachable, and are often used for advertising, commercials and upbeat roles. Theatrical headshots typically have a more serious or dramatic feel for television, film and dramatic roles. Your expression, wardrobe and lighting all help communicate the type of roles you're targeting.
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If you're starting to submit for acting opportunities, professional headshots are one of the basic tools you'll need. Your headshots should accurately represent what you look like while helping casting professionals understand the types of characters and roles you can realistically play.
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Consider getting new acting headshots when your appearance changes noticeably, your current photos no longer represent you accurately, or you're targeting different types of roles. Your headshot should accurately represent the person who shows up for the audition.
2. PRICING & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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LAphotoSpot acting headshot packages start at $300 for two looks before any current promotions or discounts. (Now it’s $75 OFF- $225) The two-look package includes 70+ digital images per look, wardrobe consultation, posing and expression guidance, image review during the session, and an online gallery of your images. Retouching and professional hair and makeup are also available.
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Yes. You keep all the images we photograph during your headshot session. Your package includes an online gallery where you can view and download your high-resolution images. You can then choose your favorites for retouching if you'd like.
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Yes. A $50 deposit is required to schedule your appointment. The remaining balance is paid at your session.
3. PREPARING FOR YOUR ACTING HEADSHOTS
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Bring clothing that supports the characters and roles you can realistically play. Your wardrobe should help communicate each look while keeping the focus on you. Patterns, layers, textures and jewelry can work well when they support the character you're creating. Avoid visible logos or anything that distracts from the overall look. LAphotoSpot provides wardrobe guidance before your session and helps you choose the strongest outfits and combinations for each of your headshot looks.
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When you arrive at the studio, we'll talk about your casting goals and the looks you want to create. We'll go through the wardrobe you've brought and put together the strongest combinations for each look. The goal isn't simply to choose clothes that photograph well—it's to make sure your wardrobe supports the characters and roles you're targeting. You can email me if you have any wardrobe questions
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A professional makeup artist is optional. The goal of headshot makeup is to help you look polished while still looking like yourself. If you prefer to do your own makeup, arrive camera-ready and you can make adjustments at our studio makeup station.
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Yes. Our makeup artists are experienced working with all skin tones and can custom blend makeup shades to create a natural match.
4. DURING YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION
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Yes. You don't need to know how to pose before your session. Todd provides you with posing and expression coaching throughout the shoot and reviews images with you as you work. This allows us to make adjustments to your expression, body position, angles and eye contact during the session.
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Yes. We review images during your session so you can see how your expressions, wardrobe and different looks are photographing. This gives us immediate feedback and allows us to make adjustments before moving on to the next look.
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Most sessions are photographed at our Downtown Los Angeles studio using natural light. We can also photograph outdoors when it makes sense for the look we're creating.
5. AFTER YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION
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You'll receive a link to your online gallery within 48 hours of your headshot session. Your gallery includes all the images from your session for you to view and download. Retouched images are typically delivered within 3–4 days after you send us your selections.
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Acting headshot retouching should keep you looking like yourself. The goal is to clean up temporary distractions without changing the features that make you recognizable. After you've selected the images you'd like retouched, send us your selections and we'll prepare the finished images.
6. LAphotoSpot STUDIO
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LAphotoSpot is located at 822 Wall Street #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014, in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles. The studio specializes in actor headshots as well as professional and business headshots.
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Parking is available on the roof of the building across the street from our studio. Enter the parking structure from Wall Street and follow the signs to rooftop parking. Parking rates are set by the parking operator and may change. Cash Only
READY FOR NEW ACTING HEADSHOTS?
Whether you're updating your current headshots or creating your first professional set, we'll help you plan your looks, choose your wardrobe, and create headshots that represent the roles you're ready to play.