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about

OUR SERVICES + FAQs

WHY HIRE A PRO?

SHORT ANSWER

Because with over 24 years experience, my knowledge of industry standards gives me the ability to provide you with headshots that get results rather than getting you an agent who says “please re-shoot”. Simply put, having to re-shoot will end up costing you more in the long run.

BTS shots of headshots

But here’s the long answer…

I run a business, so I’m constantly re-investing in my craft, my livelihood, by continuing my education to ensure I’m always up to speed on the latest trends, technology and equipment.

I carry insurance. Your digital data is backed up in three different places. Your files are safe and kept forever.

Not only do I have the ability to put you at ease, but I have the ability to give you consistent results. I don’t stumble upon great images.

My experience allows me to clearly define and bring to light what you’re asking for.

You can trust me to be a professional. I’m on time, I don’t cancel (unless I’m deathly sick) and I’m accessible before, during and long after your session.

Recommended by

A BUNCHA INDUSTRY FOLK!

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90210 Talent Agency

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Affinity Artists

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Johnson Talent Agency

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Smith & Hervey Grimes

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The Acting Center

ANSWERS TO YOUR

QUESTIONS

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?

We use natural lighting for both environmental and in-studio setups for actors.

Are your sessions indoors or outdoors?

Both. Mostly indoors and sometimes outdoors (weather permitting). It’s up to your preference of course!

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

Yes, we provide a professional makeup artist and 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 results consistent with what you see in our portfolio and give you the best experience possible. 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.

Is makeup required?

You may come in makeup ready but if you’d like someone with you during the shoot, we require you work with our own trained team.

Can your makeup artist do well on black skin?

Hell yes! I’m super hands on with hand picking my MUAs. I’m also a picky person myself so 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 reason’s 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 kids hire a makeup artist?

We don’t recommend makeup for kids 13 and under. Most teenagesrs 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.

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What is your availability?

I’m booked roughly 4-6 weeks in advance while my associate photographers have availability within 2-3 weeks. We also have a wait list which moves frequently. Once you reserve a date, if you’re interested, we’ll add you to the list which means we’ll contact you when there’s an opening sooner.

What is your delivery time?

Your web gallery is delivered in 1 business day and your retouched files are delivered in 4-5 business days.

When can we have a consultation?

Please email us and we’ll send you our consultation video with all the info you’ll need to make your decision including our process, how to prepare looks & wardrobe, as well as pricing options with each photographer!

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

A detailed wardrobe guideline 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?

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 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 discounts do you offer?

We offer a variety of discounts from industry refererrals to “Friend Sessions” where you and a friend shoot together on the same day, and each receive a $100 off. Additionaly, if you text the word “headshots” to 323-843-7884, you’ll receive 10% off your session!

What are your fees?

We have package for every budget, seriously! Between Joe, Kayvon and I, with discounts, our prices range from the low $200s to the high $800s- or more if you choose an unlimited look package. Joe and Kayvon offer everything from 1 look to unlimited looks. I offer 4 looks and up. You may learn more about our package options, promotions and how to book your session here!

Anything else I should know about?

Well since you asked… to reserve a date on the calendar, we take a non refundable $200 reservation fee which applies towards your session. Don’t worry, you’ll receive a more comprehensive outline of the package details as well as 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.

Whew, okay that was a lot of info, but are you ready now? Great! Email us and let’s get this party started!

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 and would sometimes spend an entire headshot session giving clients career advice, my associate photographer and working actor, Kayvon Esmaili, offers personalized career advice but without the bulsh*t.

  • 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.

AS SEEN ON

HERE’S MORE PROOF

WE’RE PROS

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” 

— Red Adair

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We invest in you.

Our headshot sessions are never weather dependent. We shoot acting headshots using natural light, so when Mother Nature doesn’t quite cooperate, we’ve bought the same lights motion picture studios use to emulate daylight, which means no last minute cancellations because of dreary weather.  After all, you’ve been planning this date for some time… your schedule has been cleared, you’re mentally prepared, and we’re ready to give you the awesome experience you deserve!
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Complimentary consultation

Agents and managers need headshots with specific character types that define your age range and target market. If you don’t already have an agent who has given you notes, or if you do have notes but don’t know what to do about wardrobe, we’re here to help. When you watch our complimentary, NO OBLIGATION, video consultation, I help by providing you with both, a specific list of trending looks in your age group and resources to help with wardrobe preparation! After all, if you have a game plan in place, you’ll have a successful session! Email us for the video.
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Our post: second to none.

You’ve come to us for our look, our style. A lot of that magic is our ‘secret sauce’ that gets added to your headshots in post. This is why we don’t turn over our Hi-Rez files so that your “friend” can do the retouching. Uhum, with all due respect, your friend doesn’t have my stamp, he doesn’t have my skills, my vision to color correct, retouch, apply the proper post necessary for printing, not to mention his job title is not photographer. It’s like asking a painter whose work you love not to finish a painting cuz you’d rather put the finishing touches on the canvas yourself!

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

students

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brandon reece - atlanta

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chris lonsberry - Charlston

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emmy valenzuela - oxnard