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info + resources

JUST FOR YOU THESPIAN

client testimonial

recommended

BY A BUNCHA INDUSTRY FOLK!

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Mavrick Artists Agency

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DDO Artists Agency

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Saint Agency

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Love Agency

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The Stander Group

THE PLAYERS

And the process behind making you feel at ease.

Hey! I’m Vanie pronounced like Bonnie (and I blame my parents for the misspelling of my name)!

I’m the Los Angeles headshot photographer for character actors who don’t like to pose. Over the last 25 years, I’ve photographed 6000+ thespians just like you and I also have a team of associate photographers (see below) for clients with a smaller budget.

Our specialty is directing actors with improv games which instantly puts you at ease resulting in personality-based headshots that get you more auditions and more work. ✅

VANIE
Vanie 2022

OWNER+ PHOTOGRAPHER

Lover of all animals, mama to three dogs and a cat. Mornings don’t start without coffee and all evenings should end with a glass of fine wine.🥂

EXPERTISE:
Older women + characters

KAYVON
ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER

Working actor, health fanatic, with a love for his little dog Petrie. You’ll find Kayvon working out  at the gym 🏋️ every afternoon with his girlfriend.

EXPERTISE:
Beauty + characters

JOE
Associate Headshot Photographer
ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER

Working actor, husband to Nicole. Dad to Jack.🐣 It’s never too cold for iced coffee. As a new dad, Joe apologizes in advance for the copious amount of dad jokes.

EXPERTISE:
Kids + characters

JESS
ACE ASSISTANT

Mama of three kids, a dog, and a lizard. The virtual magic (from Pennsylvania) behind the nitty gritty.

CURRENTLY:
Helping answer your questions

KEETO
FROM THE STREETS
OF IRAN

Can instantly make you feel like she’s your best friend.

CURRENTLY:
Getting belly rubs

BANDIT
Associate Headshot Photographer
FROM THE STREETS OF NOHO
The perfect combination of personality, curiosity and love!

CURRENTLY:
Barking

INFORMATION

YOU NEED TO KNOW

Our recommendations, makeup, policies and more!

How many people a day do you photograph?

Depends on who you shoot with. One to two. But don’t worry, you’ll never feel rushed and we leave ample time in-between sessions so you won’t run into the next client.

Do you use natural light or studio lighting? Indoors or outdoors?

We used natural lighting for both environmental and in-studio setups for years.

These days, we shoot indoors with artificial lights because, well, that’s what’s trending right now. We want our stuff and your stuff to be current!

Do you provide professional makeup & hair, is it required and do I have to use your team?

Yes, we provide a professional makeup artist.

No it’s not required. You may come in makeup ready but *if* you’d like someone with you during the shoot, we require you work with our hand selected team.

This way we ensure that we’re working with an efficient team, trained based on our needs, so that we’re able to deliver the results we promise.

Our makeup artists stay with you during your entire session.

Arrive with your hair already styled and the MUA will provide light hair (without hot tools).

Full hair styling (with hot tools) is also available for an additional fee.

Can your makeup artist do well on black skin?

Heck yea! I’m super hands on with hand picking my MUAs.

I understand how to cater to people who have specific and real concerns from past bad experiences.

I meet with makeup artists first and inspect their products to make sure they are pros and not “fakeup artists”?.

Then I provide them with a list of preferences and formulas specifically geared towards our style so that all my girls give you consistent results!

Can I trust your makeup artist not to do too much?

Yes again! Too much makeup is a very common problem and one of the top reasons I see agents ask for re-shoots.

For this reason, I’m super hands on and involved in the process. After we apply the “industry standard” which is very light and natural, we always ask if we did anything you wouldn’t do or vice versa.

It’s a collaborative environment and not one where we claim to know best. Your preferences need to be taken into consideration, right?

Should men get makeup?

If it’s not a budget thing, we definitely recommend a makeup artist for men also! Only becasue it does level up your photos without making you look over-produced. It evens out skin tones, gets rid of sweat and shine (big problem with men), and cleans up under eye circles. They put makeup on you on set, so why not during your headshot session?

Should kids hire a makeup artist?

We don’t recommend makeup for kids 13 and under. Most teenagers also don’t need makeup until 16-ish unless they look older for their age. Hair for kids should be done by the accompanying parent or guardian so they can emmulate the same style for auditions.

What kind of clothing should I bring to my headshot session?

A detailed wardrobe guide is emailed to you once you a book a session with one of us. You may receive our wardrobe tips by filling out the “Wardrobe Tips” form.

Also you may want to browse my blog for visual references on specific looks and wardrobe ideas. Each marketing look is labeled, making it easy to identify what clothing to pair with each look. Simply use the search bar to find looks!

Is jacket on/jacket off considered another look?

Yes and No. It depends.

If you’ll be satisfied with a handful of images with jacket on/off then we don’t charge for it.

If you’d like the same emotional arc and a full range of facial expressions as in the first outfit, then we’ll need to spend the same amount of time on the “change” both shooting and in post. In that case, we charge for an additional look.

What promotions do you have?

We offer “Friend Sessions” where you and a friend shoot together on the same day and provided you purchase the same package, you each receive a $100 off.

Additionaly, if you text the word “headshots” to 323-843-7884, you’ll receive 10% off your session!

What is your deposit, cancellation and rescheduling policy?

To reserve a date on the calendar, we take a non-refundable $200 reservation fee which applies towards your session.

If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited, if you move, the deposit goes with you but we take a new non-refundable deposit to reserve the new date which will also apply towards the session.

Once you book, you’ll receive a complete list of our Terms & Conditions, before paying your deposit.

It outlines everything from how we handle re-shoot requests, time allotted for each package & our policies on cancellations.

What are your prices and how do I book?

Depending on who you shoot with (myself or one of my associates), we have three different price tiers. Simply click on this link to view pricing for each of us and to book a session!

How many people a day do you photograph?

Depends on who you shoot with. One to two. But don’t worry, you’ll never feel rushed and we leave ample time in-between sessions so you won’t run into the next client.

Do you use natural light or studio lighting? Indoors or outdoors?

We used natural lighting for both environmental and in-studio setups for years.

These days, we shoot indoors with artificial lights because, well, that’s what’s trending right now. We want our stuff and your stuff to be current!

Do you provide professional makeup & hair, is it required and do I have to use your team?

Yes, we provide a professional makeup artist.

No it’s not required. You may come in makeup ready but *if* you’d like someone with you during the shoot, we require you work with our hand selected team.

This way we ensure that we’re working with an efficient team, trained based on our needs, so that we’re able to deliver the results we promise.

Our makeup artists stay with you during your entire session.

Arrive with your hair already styled and the MUA will provide light hair (without hot tools).

Full hair styling (with hot tools) is also available for an additional fee.

Can your makeup artist do well on black skin?

Heck yea! I’m super hands on with hand picking my MUAs.

I understand how to cater to people who have specific and real concerns from past bad experiences.

I meet with makeup artists first and inspect their products to make sure they are pros and not “fakeup artists”?.

Then I provide them with a list of preferences and formulas specifically geared towards our style so that all my girls give you consistent results!

Can I trust your makeup artist not to do too much?

Yes again! Too much makeup is a very common problem and one of the top reasons I see agents ask for re-shoots.

For this reason, I’m super hands on and involved in the process. After we apply the “industry standard” which is very light and natural, we always ask if we did anything you wouldn’t do or vice versa.

It’s a collaborative environment and not one where we claim to know best. Your preferences need to be taken into consideration, right?

Should men get makeup?

If it’s not a budget thing, we definitely recommend a makeup artist for men also! Only becasue it does level up your photos without making you look over-produced. It evens out skin tones, gets rid of sweat and shine (big problem with men), and cleans up under eye circles. They put makeup on you on set, so why not during your headshot session?

Should kids hire a makeup artist?

We don’t recommend makeup for kids 13 and under. Most teenagers also don’t need makeup until 16-ish unless they look older for their age. Hair for kids should be done by the accompanying parent or guardian so they can emmulate the same style for auditions.

What kind of clothing should I bring to my headshot session?

A detailed wardrobe guide is emailed to you once you a book a session with one of us. You may receive our wardrobe tips by filling out the “Wardrobe Tips” form.

Also you may want to browse my blog for visual references on specific looks and wardrobe ideas. Each marketing look is labeled, making it easy to identify what clothing to pair with each look. Simply use the search bar to find looks!

Is jacket on/jacket off considered another look?

Yes and No. It depends.

If you’ll be satisfied with a handful of images with jacket on/off then we don’t charge for it.

If you’d like the same emotional arc and a full range of facial expressions as in the first outfit, then we’ll need to spend the same amount of time on the “change” both shooting and in post. In that case, we charge for an additional look.

What promotions do you have?

We offer “Friend Sessions” where you and a friend shoot together on the same day and provided you purchase the same package, you each receive a $100 off.

Additionaly, if you text the word “headshots” to 323-843-7884, you’ll receive 10% off your session!

What is your deposit, cancellation and rescheduling policy?

To reserve a date on the calendar, we take a non-refundable $200 reservation fee which applies towards your session.

If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited, if you move, the deposit goes with you but we take a new non-refundable deposit to reserve the new date which will also apply towards the session.

Once you book, you’ll receive a complete list of our Terms & Conditions, before paying your deposit.

It outlines everything from how we handle re-shoot requests, time allotted for each package & our policies on cancellations.

What are your prices and how do I book?

Depending on who you shoot with (myself or one of my associates), we have three different price tiers. Simply click on this link to view pricing for each of us and to book a session!

career consults

ONE-ON-ONE GUIDANCE BY KAYVON

If you’re feeling lost and hopeless about your career, whether you’re a newcomer who has no idea where to start or a veteran actor who’s stuck, Kayvon’s bruttaly honest, one on one career consultation might be just what you need!

Inspired by the fact that he LOVES helping actors, my associate photographer and working actor, Kayvon Esmaili, offers personalized career advice.

  • He’ll review your current marketing materials, discuss your career goals, and help you understand your “type”.
  • He’ll be brutally honest about your look, why you may not be working because of it, and what to change about it.
  • He’ll be brutally honest about your reel, why it may not be working for you and what to change about it.
  • He’ll give you an actionable step by step plan to execute before your headshot session so that you have a cohesive direction!

See what your peers are saying HERE.

OUR STUDIO

where the magic happens

PRESS
Affordable-Headshots-Los-Angeles

“Headshots are often the first impression casting directors have of actors. They see a thumbnail for a brief moment as they scroll through a large volume of submissions, and as an actor, you hope something about your headshot makes you stand out. But as

top LA headshot photographer

Vanie Poyey tells us, it’s more than just taking a pretty picture. Knowing which characters you’re right for, as well as having a grasp of your overall brand, allows you to best market yourself as an actor. But how do you translate all this to your headshots? Poyey took time from her busy shooting schedule to give actors some guidance on the process.

CASTING NETWORKS
professional-headshots
HOW TO GET AN EFFECTIVE HEADSHOT
Watch this interview with Hollywood talent manager, Wendy Alane.
Q
Actors Headshots
FREE HEADSHOT WEBINAR
Watch this webinar hosted by actress and coach for actors, Jodie Bently, joined by myself and photographers Nile Scott and Christian Web.
professional-headshots
DEMYSTIFYING HEADSHOTS
Watch this interview with Melissa, founder of “Rock Your Reel”.
Q
professional-headshots
THE 5 BEST HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE WORLD?!
Watch this breakdown of top headshot photographers by photographer Gary Hughes.
Q
acting-headshots

GET MORE AUDITIONS! ESSENTIAL HEADSHOT RULES FOR ACTORS

Q
actors-headshots

James Larson and I discuss the importance of headshots as a marketing tool for actors and the need to define your brand and target specific marketing looks.

Q
acting-headshots
THE TIA AND TAMARA SHOW
Watch this clip from the Style Network where I was selected to photograph Cree!
Q
actors-headshots
JUST ANOTHER IMMIGRANT
Watch Episode 3, from Showtime where I was selected to photograph comedian Ramesh Ranganathan.
Q
actor resources
HEADSHOT PRINTERS
The Actor’s Photo Lab in LA – www.theactorsphotolab.com

CASTING SITES
Casting Networks – The Right Actor, The Right Part
Actors Access – Where The Industry Goes to Work

ADVICE AND RESOURCES
Backstage – Casting Calls, Agency Lists and More
Secrets of a Hollywood Talent Manager – Reputable Agencies in Your Area

REELS & VO STUFF
Rock Your Reel – Awesome Demo Reel Footage Which Saves You Years

WEBSITE DESIGN
GO-SEO – SEO + Web Design for the Savvy Small Business

ACTING CLASSES
John Rosenfeld Studios – Creating the Constitution of a Working Actor
Line Runner Tapes – Self Tape Classes
The Young Actors’ Studio – For kids and Teens Chris Game Casting – Learn Commercial Audition Technique

CAREER COACHES
Bonnie Gillespie  – Bring More Joy to the Showbiz Journey
Career ACTivate – Activate Your Acting Career
Actor Inspiration by Wendy Braun  –  Ace Every Audition
The Hollywood Winner’s Circle – How to Finally Become a Working Actor
Jodie Bentley – The Actor’s Branding System
Jordan Ancel – Thriving Actor Business Academy

PODCASTS
Audrey Moore – Audrey Helps Actors
Bonnie Gillespie – The Work

HAIR STYLIST
Claire Chang (my very own stylist) – Book Appointment

CLOTHING FOR HEADSHOTS
It’s a Wrap – Clothing from Major Hollywood Studios

MAKEUP ARTISTS
Danielle Baum – https://www.daniellebaum.com/
Sara Montano – https://www.saramontano.com/
Abby Manuel – https://www.abbymanuelmakeup.com/
Julie Hirji – https://www.makeupbyjuliehirjie.com/

WARDROBE STYLIST
My client – Rayne Parvis – Certified Personal Stylist & Style Coach™
Buckley Sampson – Image Consultant for Actors
Caroline Fogarty – Styled by a Ginger