Actors · Models · Commercial · Theatrical

Acting & Modeling Headshot Portfolio

Acting and modeling headshots don't all need to look the same. In fact, they probably shouldn't. I've spent years photographing and directing actors and models for commercial advertising shoots, and I bring a lot of that experience into my headshot sessions. Your photographs have to get someone's attention quickly, but they also need to give them a reason to look a little longer. Sometimes we're looking for something bright, open and commercial. Other times we want something quieter, more theatrical or character-driven. With models, we may open things up even further and work with movement, body language and wider compositions. This portfolio is a look at some of those different directions, photographed both in and around my Torrance studio. The common thread is that I want the person in front of my camera to actually come through in the photograph.

Commercial Acting Headshots

A commercial acting headshot usually needs to feel open and approachable, but that doesn't mean everybody gets the same big smile against a bright background. I'm looking for energy and connection. Sometimes that's a smile. Sometimes it's something happening in the eyes or a slightly unexpected expression that makes the photograph feel less predictable. This is where my commercial photography background comes into play quite a bit. I've spent years directing actors and models on advertising shoots, where expressions need to feel natural even though we're being very intentional about what we're creating. We'll work with expression, wardrobe, backgrounds and lighting while keeping the photograph believable. The goal is something that feels appropriate for commercial casting while still looking and feeling like you.

Theatrical & Character Headshots

Theatrical headshots give us room to go in a different direction. They can be quieter, more intense or a little more mysterious, but I don't think that automatically means serious expression, dark background and dramatic lighting. What interests me more is character. I want to find something in your expression that makes someone curious about who you are or what might be going on behind your eyes. Sometimes we'll start with the kinds of roles you're interested in and build from there. Other times something happens during the session that points us in a direction we hadn't planned. A change in posture, expression, wardrobe or lighting can suddenly suggest an entirely different character. I don't want to turn you into someone else for the photograph. The idea is to find different sides of you that are already there and give them a little more room to come out. I explore this approach further in my article about character-driven headshots for acting.

Modeling & Agency Portfolio Images

Modeling photographs give us a little more freedom to move beyond the traditional headshot. Expression still matters, but now body language, movement, wardrobe and the way you carry yourself can become just as important. If you're approaching an agency, we'll start with what they actually need. Some submissions call for very clean, straightforward photographs that show what you look like without a lot of production around you. From there, we can create images with more personality, different lighting, wardrobe and wider compositions that begin to show your range. I especially like working with movement. Rather than locking you into a pose and asking you to hold it, I'll often have you walk, turn, shift your weight or move through an idea. The moments in between are frequently more interesting than the pose we were originally trying to create. It's something I talk about more in my article on posing and expression during a headshot session. If you already have a portfolio, bring it or link us to your socials. We can look at what you have and concentrate on creating images that add something rather than simply giving you newer versions of the same images.

Studio, Outdoor & Different Looks

One of the advantages of having a large studio is that we don't have to make an entire portfolio against one background or with one style of lighting. We can move around the studio, change backgrounds and lighting, shoot something clean and simple, then walk outside and create something that feels completely different. Sometimes we'll make a major change. Other times a different lens, wardrobe or quality of light is enough to make the next photograph feel like it came from another shoot. That's particularly useful when you're building a portfolio. I want the photographs to work together, but I don't want someone looking through them and immediately thinking they were all made during the same two hour session.

Ready to Create Your Own Portfolio?

Whether you're just getting started in acting or modeling, updating your portfolio or looking to explore a different direction, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. My studio is in Torrance, serving actors and models throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles. We'll talk about what you're hoping to accomplish, the kinds of opportunities you're pursuing and how we can create photographs that give you something different to work with. I'll guide you throughout the session, but I also want to leave room for the unexpected. Some of my favorite photographs happen when we're trying something new, moving around or simply having a good time with the process. Ready to get started? Take a look at our acting and modeling sessions, pricing and booking options. View Sessions & Pricing → Explore Acting & Modeling Headshot Sessions → Read the Acting Headshot Guide →