Actor Headshots in Los Angeles: Theatrical vs Commercial Looks
By Julian Buitrago, BLINK Photo Co. · Updated · 6 min read
A grounded, theatrical-leaning look.
In Los Angeles your headshot is the first audition. Casting sees it before they see you, often as a small thumbnail. The goal is simple: look exactly like the person who will walk into the room, in the roles you can actually book.
Short answerMost LA actors need at least two looks: a theatrical look (grounded, serious, for film and TV drama) and a commercial look (warm, open, smiling, for ads). Wear solid colors that fit your type, keep retouching natural, and update when your look changes. At BLINK's Marina del Rey studio, a session starts at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo; additional retouched photos are $50 each, and multi-look actor sessions are quoted (prices as of October 29, 2026).
Key takeaways
Theatrical: grounded and serious. Commercial: warm and open.
Your headshot must look like you on the day you audition.
Natural retouching only: no reshaped features.
BLINK studio sessions from $375 (one look, Oct 2026); multi-look sessions quoted.
What is the difference between theatrical and commercial?
Theatrical headshots are for film and TV drama. The expression is grounded, thoughtful or intense, and the wardrobe leans toward your type (the lawyer, the detective, the best friend). Commercial headshots are for ads. The expression is warm and open, usually smiling, and wardrobe is brighter and friendlier.
A commercial look: warm and approachable.
How do you choose your looks?
List the roles you are realistically cast in now, not the ones you dream of.
Pick one theatrical and one commercial look that fit those roles.
Ask your agent or manager what they are pitching you for. They know what casting asks for this season.
Bring wardrobe for each look and decide on set with the photographer.
What should actors wear?
Solid colors, good fit, nothing with logos or loud patterns. Necklines matter more than you think: a crew neck reads different from a collar. Bring two or three options per look. Full detail in what to wear for your headshot.
Personality shows in the eyes, not in props.
How much retouching is OK?
Clean up temporary things (a blemish, stray hairs, a shine). Do not change your face shape, your age or your skin texture. If casting calls you in and you do not match the photo, the photo cost you the job.
How often should you update?
When your look changes: a new haircut or color, facial hair, weight change, or about every year or two as you age into new roles.
What does an actor session cost at BLINK?
As of October 29, 2026: studio sessions in Marina del Rey start at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo, and additional retouched photos are $50 each. Actors usually want two or more looks, so multi-look sessions are quoted to fit what you need. See also model digitals and portfolio photos if you model as well, and our talent headshots page.
Prices as of October 29, 2026. Individual studio session at our Marina del Rey studio: $375 (one look, one fully retouched photo, private gallery with LinkedIn crops); additional retouched photos $50 each. On-site team headshots, priced in blocks: first 10 people $225 each, people 11 to 24 $175, 25 to 49 $125, 50 to 99 $75, 100 and up $55; $1,200 minimum per day.
Julian Buitrago is the founder and lead photographer of BLINK Photo Co., based in Los Angeles. BLINK runs on-site event headshot stations nationwide and photographs office teams, actors and models across LA and Orange County.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between theatrical and commercial headshots?
Theatrical headshots are grounded and serious for film and TV drama. Commercial headshots are warm, open and usually smiling, for advertising.
How many looks does an actor need?
At least two: one theatrical and one commercial, matched to the roles you are realistically cast in.
How much do actor headshots cost at BLINK in Los Angeles?
Studio sessions in Marina del Rey start at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo; additional retouched photos are $50 each; multi-look sessions are quoted (prices as of October 29, 2026).
How often should actors update headshots?
Whenever your look changes, or about every year or two.
Book a headshot in Los Angeles or Orange County
Studio in Marina del Rey, or we come to your office. We reply within one business day.
