Acting & Performance
Actor Headshots Near Los Angeles
Commercial & theatrical looks in one session — 45 minutes from Hollywood.
Your headshot is your calling card. Casting directors flip through hundreds of submissions — a compelling, authentic headshot is what gets you in the room. I shoot both commercial and theatrical looks so you have the range to submit for any role.
What Casting Directors Actually Want to See
I've worked with actors at every stage of their career — from first headshots to refreshes for working actors. Here's what matters.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Casting directors want to see YOU — not heavy retouching, dramatic filters, or a version of you that doesn't walk into the audition room. I keep it real.
Eyes That Tell a Story
The best actor headshots have life behind the eyes. I direct you through subtle expressions and emotional shifts so your photos show range, not just a pose.
Current and Accurate
Your headshot needs to look like you TODAY. Same hair, same weight, same energy. When you walk into the room, they should recognize you instantly.
Actor Headshots From My Studio
Theatrical, commercial, and character looks — all shot in my Camarillo studio, just off the 101.
Theatrical vs. Commercial — You Need Both
Theatrical Headshot
- Intense, dramatic, or emotionally charged
- Shows depth and range as a performer
- Darker, moodier lighting is common
- Best for film, TV drama, and theater submissions
- Casting directors want to see your raw ability
Commercial Headshot
- Warm, approachable, and friendly
- Natural smile — the "person next door" look
- Bright, clean lighting with simple backgrounds
- Best for commercials, print ads, and hosting
- Brands want someone relatable and likeable
Most actors need at least one of each. I coach you through both looks in a single session.
Commercial Acting Headshots
Commercial acting headshots are the most commonly requested look — and the most misunderstood. Here's exactly what they are and why they matter.
What Commercial Acting Headshots Are For
Commercial acting headshots are submitted for TV commercials, print ads, web content, corporate videos, and hosting gigs. They're what casting directors look for when they need the friendly neighbor, the approachable doctor, the relatable parent — a real person a brand wants representing their product.
What Makes a Strong Commercial Headshot
Warm expression, genuine smile, clean lighting, simple background. The goal is approachable and real — not stiff or overly posed. I direct you through natural expressions so the warmth reads as authentic, not forced. Commercial headshots that look too polished or too perfect actually work against you.
Commercial vs. Theatrical: Shot in One Session
Most actors need both commercial and theatrical looks — and both can be captured in a single session. Commercial headshots for ads and brand work, theatrical headshots for drama and film. I coach you through each look so you walk out with the range to submit for any role, any type, any casting call.
What Your Actor Headshot Session Includes
How It Works
Step 1: Book Your Session
My studio is in Camarillo — a quick drive from LA without the traffic or parking headaches. Pick a time that works for you.
Step 2: We Shoot Multiple Looks
Bring 2-3 wardrobe options. We'll work through theatrical and commercial looks with full direction so you're not guessing at expressions.
Step 3: Get Your Selects
Review your favorites together. Retouched finals delivered within 48 hours — clean, natural retouching that looks like you on your best day.
Actor Headshots Near Los Angeles — Without the LA Price Tag
My studio in Camarillo is 45 minutes from Hollywood on the 101 — close enough to be convenient, far enough to skip the $30 parking and 2-hour commute. LA-quality headshots at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a Hollywood or Silver Lake studio.
850 Calle Plano Suite N, Camarillo, CA 93012 • Right off the 101
Pricing
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Pay the session fee today. After your shoot, you choose the images you love.
Session
$249
session fee
Includes your first retouched image
Unlimited outfit changes and multiple backdrops
Additional images $85 each, chosen after your shoot
Every session includes:
- 1-hour professional session
- Professional coaching & posing direction
- Multiple backgrounds & outfit changes
- Live tethered review — see every shot on screen as we shoot
- Same-day selection gallery — pick your favorites before you leave
- Images priced per-photo — you choose how many after your shoot
100% satisfaction guarantee — love your photos or I'll reshoot for free.
Sessions available now — book today.
Free resource for actors
Download the free actor headshot guide — what casting directors actually look forTestimonials
What My Clients Are Saying
Real feedback from professionals I've worked with
Jeffrey Patton
Business Headshots
“Awesome photos! I would recommend Jose to anyone looking to get professional headshots. He was easy to work with and turned photos around quickly.”
Danet Salazar
Branding
“Jose was an absolute pleasure to work with! This is my first time taking professional headshots & I really appreciate his attention to detail. He made sure to clarify what I wanted & frequently asked for my input. If you want someone to capture you as your best self — he's your guy! It's great to have professional photos that you're proud of & excited to share with others. Definitely will be recommending him!”
Johnnie Mercado
Business Headshots
“I've been following Jose for a while now on social media and I've always loved his headshots! It was time for me to get an update so we set it up and let me tell you — he is very professional, easy to work with and extremely patient. If you are interested in getting headshots or lifestyle photos, I highly recommend working with him. Jose, thank you for your time! MUCH APPRECIATED!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between theatrical and commercial headshots?
Theatrical headshots are intense, dramatic, and show emotional depth — used for film, TV drama, and theater submissions. Commercial headshots are warm, approachable, and friendly — used for commercials, print ads, and hosting gigs. Most actors need at least one of each, and both looks can be captured in a single session.
How much do actor headshots cost?
An actor headshot session is $249 and includes your first retouched image. After your shoot, you review your photos with me and choose any additional images you want at $85 each. There is no package to squeeze into, so you only pay for the images you will actually use.
How should I prepare for an actor headshot session?
Bring 2-3 wardrobe options in solid colors. Get a haircut 5-7 days before (not the day of). Come with natural makeup and well-groomed. Your headshot should look like you on your best day — casting directors want to recognize you when you walk into the room.
Do you provide direction during the session?
Yes. Jose provides full expression coaching and posing direction throughout the session. He works with you through subtle emotional shifts so your photos show range and authenticity — not just a static pose. No modeling experience needed.
How far is your studio from Los Angeles?
The studio is in Camarillo, CA — about 45 minutes from Hollywood via the 101. Close enough to be convenient, far enough to skip LA traffic and parking. The studio is right off the freeway at 850 Calle Plano Suite N.
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You Are One Headshot Session Away
Let's create professional headshots that make you feel confident and look incredible.
Sessions available now, book today.
★ Love Your Photos Guarantee: free reshoot if you're not happy, no questions asked.