The Actor’s Foundation: Why "Agency Standard" Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

In the competitive landscape of the Los Angeles entertainment industry, your headshot is your first—and often only—audition before you even step into the room. While I am widely recognized for my moody, high-drama cinematic portraits of icons like Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen, I understand that for many actors, the "Foundation" set requires a specific balance: Agency-preferred commercial lighting paired with artistic depth.

The Commercial Edge: Clean, Bright, and Authentic

Agents and casting directors often look for "Standard" commercial lighting for a first set of headshots. This style is designed to be clean, bright, and approachable—instantly showing your "type" and age range without the distraction of heavy shadows.

However, at my Downtown Los Angeles studio, "standard" does not mean "generic." With over twenty years behind the lens, I bring the same precision used for royalty and world leaders to your commercial looks. We utilize professional studio lighting that fills the frame with clarity while maintaining the emotional depth and timeless composition that makes a headshot stand out on a casting platform.

Introducing the LA Foundation Headshot Session

The Foundation Session is specifically designed for the emerging performer or the established actor needing a focused refresh. It provides a refined introduction to professional portraiture, ensuring you leave with images that convey confidence and presence rather than a "performed" expression.


  • Duration: Up to 60 Minutes $795.00

  • Versatility: Up to 3 Wardrobe Looks (Allowing for both theatrical and commercial range)

  • Direction: Expert coaching to move past the "pose" and find the "person."

  • The Result: 3 fully retouched, industry-standard images that meet agency requirements while retaining a distinctive, high-end feel.

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Beyond the Image: A Professional Environment

Located in the heart of DTLA, the studio offers a calm, professional atmosphere tailored to the demands of the industry. From wardrobe guidance to meticulous retouching, every element is considered to ensure your portrait is both a career-defining tool and an enduring piece of art.

Whether you are looking to secure your first agent or update your profile for the 2026 pilot season, the Foundation Session offers the precision of fine-art portraiture with the accessibility required by the modern market.