Actor Headshots Hollywood CA
Professional Headshots - Headshot Photography
West Hollywood - LA Headshot Photographer
The Professional Headshot Studio Hollywood & West Hollywood Professionals Trust
Karen Vaisman is an award-winning photographer and Master Retouch Artist who has spent 30+ years helping people look their best on camera. From her Agoura Hills studio, serving Hollywood and West Hollywood, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Camarillo, Los Angeles and Greater Los Angeles, she creates professional headshots, personal branding, and portrait photography, coaching every expression and pose so the final image looks polished, confident, and authentically you. She holds a BFA in Photography from Syracuse University.
Ready to Book Your Professional Headshot?
Choose the fastest path to book — or compare your options.
Book Your Retouched Headshot Session
Silver Deluxe
- About 1½ hours at the studio: shoot, image selection & checkout
- 1 finished headshot, hand‑retouched by a master retoucher
- Delivered in print & web sizes
Not sure which session is right for you? Call Karen: (818) 991‑7787
Key Takeaways
Professional Headshots Near Hollywood
- ✓Studio based in nearby Agoura Hills — serving Hollywood, Santa Clarita, Pasadena & the Greater Los Angeles area
- ✓Corporate, LinkedIn, actor, realtor, personal branding & online dating sessions available
- ✓Expert lighting & expression coaching — fully retouched sessions available — what to wear guide
- ✓ 30+ years experience — BFA Syracuse University — Master Retouch Artist
- ✓ 300+ 5-Star reviews on Google & Yelp
- ✓ Trusted by executives from Forbes-listed companies, Bain & Co. & Dell
- ✓By appointment Mon–Sat
Karen answers her own phone
“Karen coached me through the whole headshot experience. I am SOOO pleased!”
Corporate Headshot
Client Testimonial
Amanda Flaum - shares her enthusiastic experience getting a Business Headshot with Karen Vaisman Photography.
"Karen is absolutely fantastic. I went in there absolutely looking hideous and came out looking unbelievable. I recommend it wholeheartedly!"
Read this review on Yelp
"Karen is an absolute pro! She listened to what I was looking for, gave me her professional opinion, and was so lovely to work with! I needed a professional headshot and she captured exactly what I wanted. And, she was really patient and kind too. Don't waste your money on cheap photography- Karen is the best and you will be very happy with your photos."
Read this review on Yelp
"I would highly recommend Karen Vaisman Photography for anyone interested in a professional headshot. Karen went out of her way to re-arrange her personal schedule to accommodate an urgent, last minute request for new headshots for me! It was very unexpected and incredibly appreciated.
She was extremely professional and knowledgeable about how to achieve the exact look I was going for. Her experience and advice on how to think about different backgrounds and poses was different than any photographers I have worked with in the past.
Absolutely wonderful photographer! Thanks again for your great work Karen!"
"I had a photo session yesterday with Karen because I need corporate head shots for print and web purposes. Karen was amazing - incredibly meticulous and professional, coupled with a great sense of humor. She knew exactly how to get the best out of me and conjured up a variety of different looks that surprised even me ... and I'm the one that sees that face every day in the mirror. She understands the concept of one's brand and image, and knows exactly how to produce what you are looking for. She even made the selection process fun despite the fact that she had created over 40 pictures, every one of which was perfect in its own right. I could not be more delighted with the first picture which she has already completed. The retouching was subtle but made a big difference and gave just the right look. I put the picture up on the web last night and have already received rave reviews from people who have seen it.
I recommend Karen to anyone - if I could give more than 5 stars I would"
"I needed some professional photos done for a networking trip I was taking in less than two weeks as I get ready to graduate with my MBA. Karen was incredibly flexible with her time to fit me into a tight window and expertly develop my photos. They came out even better than I had hoped. Although I had no idea what I was doing, Karen knew exactly how to make me pose, gave me great advice and create the perfect image I was looking for. She even went above and beyond by helping me network with a highly placed individual in my field. I am so thankful I called her and highly recommend her for anyone who needs professional photos taken."
Read this review on Yelp
A weak headshot costs you the interview, the client, or the role —
before you ever get a chance to make your case in person.
Real, Not Forced
The Step Most Skip
- Natural, confident — authentically you, not stiff or over‑posed
- We’ll review selected photos together on the iPad as we go, so you can see what’s working. You’ll make your final selections on the larger computer screen.
- Karen reviews and selects favorite images with you before you leave
Executives & Professionals
- Tailored to your industry and personal brand
- Real-time expression coaching — confident and approachable, not stiff
- Every image reviewed together before you leave
Best Headshot Testimonials
“Out of 50 pictures, 50 came out MARVELOUS!”
BUSINESS HEADSHOT TESTIMONIAL VIDEO (1‑Minute)
Pam McCoy’s excitement over the results of her photo shoot is almost palpable! She loved them and was truly pleasantly surprised by the experience! No need for a makeup artist or professional makeup, Karen did it all in post production!
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Professional Retouching - Digital Slenderizing
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Professionally Retouched - Skin Smoothing, Teeth Whitening, Hair Repair
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Retouched - Hair Clean Up, Face Slenderizing, Skin Smoothing, Clothing Wrinkle Repair
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Retouched - Face Slenderizing, Double Chin Repair, Undereye Circles, Hair Repair, Teeth Whitening
- Warm, approachable, and trusted professional
- Indoor studio or outdoor palm tree setting — your choice
- 30+ years photographing realtors across Los Angeles.
- Natural and authentic — not stiff or over‑posed
- Works on Tinder, Hinge, Match, Bumble, and any platform
- Karen guides you through everything — wardrobe to final image
- Dress simply — clean, classic clothing that doesn't distract
- Show your range — a few different looks help casting directors
- Be present — the more relaxed you feel, the better your photos
Not someone else. Not airbrushed.
You — just better.
- Digital makeup and eyelashes are included with retouched headshots if you’d like them.
- Skin smoothing — natural, not plastic
- Digital eyelashes — subtle, elegant
- Hair cleanup and color correction
- Teeth whitening — natural, never blinding white
- Under-eye improvements — refreshed, not altered
From Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard to Melrose Avenue and the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, actors and professionals need photographs suited to how they present themselves. Karen serves Hollywood and West Hollywood clients at her private Agoura Hills studio for acting headshots, business headshots, LinkedIn profile photos and online dating photography. Tell her whether you need a casting submission, a professional biography photograph or a company profile; each starts with a different intended audience.
Bring the brief or submission requirements and discuss wardrobe, expression and background before the shoot, and allow for traffic between Hollywood and the Agoura Hills studio. Karen provides in-person direction and helps you choose your images. For casting use, begin with the acting-headshot information and confirm the session that fits your needs rather than choosing by price or label alone. Prepare with Karen's guides to posing, natural smiles and looking confident, and view before-and-after retouching examples.
Hollywood, West Hollywood and Nearby Communities
From Hollywood to West Hollywood, your photographs should reflect your personality and intended audience. Karen also serves clients from Studio City, North Hollywood and Burbank. All sessions take place at her Agoura Hills studio, with personal guidance backed by 30+ years of professional photography experience.
Karen Vaisman Photography, 5624 Silver Valley Ave, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. From Frances Howard Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Branch Library, the drive to the studio is approximately 31.0 miles via US-101 N. From West Hollywood City Hall, the drive to the studio is approximately 30.5 miles via US-101 N. Your time varies with starting point and traffic — check current directions.
Nearby: Studio City · North Hollywood · Burbank · Los Angeles
Karen Vaisman is an excellent photographer, with great technical and people skills. I had an excellent experience in getting some headshot photos by her and some retouching of some other photos not taken by her. I will use her again and recommend to others.
Read this review on Yelp
I found Karen on Yelp and contacted her after reading the outstanding reviews. She responded very quickly and asked thoughtful, knowledgeable questions about my needs and goals. From start (initial call and detailed emails) to finish (two great head shots), Karen is wonderful to work with. Her eye for angles, light and color and her enthusiastic, supportive, professional demeanor translated into a session where I could relax, smile, and be genuine for the camera. Her retouching skills are exceptional.
Read this review on Yelp
I am absolutely overjoyed with the beautiful portraits! I have been overwhelmed by the lovely comments and feedback from friends, co-workers and family. Like many others, I am somebody who is very uncomfortable in front of the camera but i desperately needed some professional images. Karen was absolutely amazing! She goes above and beyond any expectation. Karen pays attention to every tiny detail. She not only guides you with your wardrobe, make-up, hair and posture but also goes to great lengths to help you express a look that represents who you are. Truly a gifted artist and so patient!!! I ended up really enjoying an experience that I had dreaded for years!! Looking forward to bringing my family to Karen for our family portrait
Read this review on Yelp
First, let me say, I haven't been to a real photographer for head shots before finding Karen. In fact, I don't think I've had a formal picture done since high school and I am retired! I am not a small person and big girls aren't fond of mirrors let alone others taking pictures! Karen picked up immediately that I was VERY nervous about doing this and quickly put me at ease. She guided me through all of the shots and she is AMAZING! But it gets better, because she is an ABSOLUTE GENIUS at the editing and retouching the photos!!! You cannot go wrong with Karen! She is the best!
Read this review on Yelp
I hired Karen to shoot new headshots for my business keynote speaking website. She was wonderful to work with and is CLEARLY passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about photography. The quality of the final, re-touched photos exceeded my expectations 10-fold. Great job Karen!! I highly recommend her for professional, business headshots.
Read this review on YelpHave questions?
Frequently Asked Questions — Professional Headshots Near Hollywood & West Hollywood
Karen Vaisman Photography serves professionals throughout Hollywood and West Hollywood and nearby Beverly Hills, Studio City, Culver City & Century City, West Los Angeles and Glendale from her private appointment-only studio at 5624 Silver Valley Ave, Agoura Hills — just minutes off the 101 Freeway. Sessions are by appointment Monday through Saturday, 9am–5pm.
Karen answers her own phone — call (818) 991-7787 to ask questions before you book, or book your session directly online →
Yes — a professional headshot is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your personal brand. Your headshot appears on LinkedIn, your company website, business cards, and anywhere a potential client or employer searches for you online. A confident, approachable image communicates credibility before you say a word.
For executives, attorneys, financial advisors, and entrepreneurs in Hollywood and West Hollywood, the quality of your headshot directly impacts how you are perceived. Karen Vaisman Photography has helped professionals across greater Los Angeles upgrade their image for over 30 years. See modern professional headshots, female professional headshots, and professional headshot examples. Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 — she answers her own phone.
Yes — your LinkedIn profile photo is seen before your resume, before your pitch, and before you walk in the room. A professional headshot gives you a consistent image for LinkedIn, your company website and other professional profiles.
For executives, attorneys, financial advisors, and entrepreneurs in Hollywood and West Hollywood, strong LinkedIn headshots and LinkedIn profile pictures communicate credibility and authority instantly. Karen specializes in LinkedIn headshots that look natural and confident — with expert posing and expression coaching so you never look stiff or over-posed. Book your LinkedIn headshot session →
Yes — Karen's studio in Agoura Hills offers both professional indoor studio lighting AND a beautiful outdoor setting with palm trees and natural light, just steps apart. You can get a polished corporate indoor headshot and a warm, approachable outdoor headshot in one session at no extra charge.
No travel, no weather delays, no running around town. Most clients love having both options for different uses — LinkedIn, company website, speaking bios, and social media. See our outdoor headshots for executives guide. Book your session →
Yes — virtual background headshots are a specialty at Karen Vaisman Photography. If you need a specific environment — a corporate boardroom, a branded backdrop, a city skyline, or any other setting — Karen can add it seamlessly in post-production.
Virtual backgrounds let you get multiple completely different looks in one session without leaving the studio. The results look so realistic that clients say colleagues assume they traveled to five different locations. Learn more about virtual background headshots →
You can take a photo yourself, but it rarely achieves what a professional headshot session produces. A trained headshot photographer controls studio lighting, lens selection, expression coaching, posing, and professional retouching — none of which can be replicated with a phone, a ring light, or a selfie.
The difference is immediately visible to hiring managers, casting directors, and clients. Karen coaches your expression during the session — so you don't just look good, you look like the best, most confident version of yourself. See our before and after retouching gallery to see the difference.
Solid, medium-to-dark toned colors photograph best. The most reliable choices are:
- Navy blue — projects authority and photographs beautifully under studio lighting
- Charcoal grey — classic, versatile, always professional
- Burgundy or deep red — strong and confident
- Forest green or slate blue — distinctive and polished
- Black — classic, always works
Dark colors also have a slenderizing effect under professional studio lighting — another reason they're a smart choice.
What to avoid: tight patterns, fine stripes, herringbone, small checks, and busy textures. These create moiré patterns in digital cameras — a distracting optical interference effect that is very difficult to remove in post-production. Solid fabrics always photograph cleaner.
Bring 2–3 outfit options — Karen will advise which photographs best under studio lighting. Read our complete guide to the best colors to wear for headshots and our what to wear for headshots guide.
Most headshot sessions at Karen Vaisman Photography include:
- Pre-session style consultation so you arrive prepared
- Professional studio lighting calibrated to your skin tone and goals
- Expert expression and posing coaching throughout the session
- Multiple looks and outfit changes
- In-person image review before you leave. For Silver Deluxe, you’ll usually have about 30–50 images to choose from and select one headshot for retouching. Gold Deluxe sessions usually offer more images to choose from.
- Included file sizes depend on the session you choose. Please check your package details.
Retouched sessions also include natural-looking professional hand-retouching. Digital makeup and eyelashes are included with retouched headshots if you’d like them. You can upgrade to retouching during your session. Karen is a Master Retouch Artist with 30+ years of experience and a BFA from Syracuse University. See full session details and pricing →
Choose clothing that reflects your profession and personal brand. Well-fitted, polished outfits always photograph better than baggy or overly casual clothing. A few key rules:
- Bring 2–3 outfit options — variety gives you more choices in your final images
- Stick to solid, neutral colors — avoid busy patterns, tight textures, and logos
- Make sure everything is freshly pressed or steamed — wrinkles are very visible on camera
- Avoid transition lenses — regular glasses or contacts keep the focus on your eyes
- Keep jewelry simple — nothing that competes with your face
Read our complete what to wear for headshots guide and our color guide for full details.
The best background keeps the focus on you. Options include:
- Studio backgrounds — solid colors or textured walls give a sharp, polished result
- Outdoor locations — natural settings with soft, blurred backgrounds add warmth and approachability. See our outdoor headshot guide for executives
- Virtual backgrounds — add any environment in post-production for multiple looks in one session
- Environmental backgrounds — your office or an architectural setting can reinforce your professional brand
Read our ultimate headshot background guide and our professional headshot background guide for more.
Your headshot is often the very first time someone meets you — and online, you’re a stranger. That connection has to happen instantly, on a flat, two-dimensional image. In a split second, people decide whether you seem trustworthy, approachable and real.
That’s why Karen never just says “smile” or “say cheese.” While she photographs you, she talks with you about your life, your family, your work — and when she sees that spark, she asks you to look right into the lens and picture it: your child’s face, or the Hawaii trip you can’t wait to take. Your expression changes on its own, and that genuine warmth is what she captures. It’s guided conversation and imagination, not forced poses.
Karen also fine-tunes your posture and expression as you go, so you come across confident, approachable, and authentically yourself. Afterward, you choose your favorites together on a large screen, with her guidance on which images connect best. Retouched sessions include her natural hand retouching — see the before and after gallery. Questions? Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 — she answers her own phone.
Yes — actor and talent headshots are one of Karen's specialties. Your headshot is your calling card — it's the first thing casting directors see when considering you for a role. In a competitive industry, a standout headshot can mean the difference between getting the audition and getting passed over.
Karen understands what casting directors look for and coaches actors through expression, range, and character during their session. Book your actor headshot session →
Yes — Karen Vaisman Photography has photographed realtors and attorneys. 30+ years photographing realtors across Los Angeles. Real estate is a relationship business, and your headshot is on everything — signs, cards, Zillow listings, and your website. It needs to communicate trust and approachability instantly.
Karen specializes in realtor headshots that position you as the expert you are. Book your real estate headshot session →
Yes — online dating photography is a specialty at Karen Vaisman Photography. In a sea of selfies, a natural, confident professional photo makes you stand out immediately and attracts the right match.
Karen creates dating profile photos that feel relaxed and authentic — not stiff or staged. Virtual backgrounds are also popular for dating sessions — Karen uses them to help tell your story, creating multiple looks and settings that show your personality and lifestyle in one session. Also see Karen's dating photographer Los Angeles sessions. Book your dating photo session →
Yes — personal branding photography goes beyond a single headshot. It's a full suite of on-brand imagery for coaches, consultants, speakers, and entrepreneurs — everything you need for your website, social media, press kit, and marketing materials.
Virtual backgrounds are especially popular for personal branding sessions — Karen can create multiple completely different environments in one session, giving you a full library of on-brand images without leaving the studio.
Karen works with you to understand your brand, your audience, and your goals — then creates images that tell your story. Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 to discuss your personal branding session.
In retouched sessions, professional retouching refines your final images after the session — balancing skin tone, removing temporary blemishes, sharpening eyes, and ensuring the overall image is polished and publication-ready. Karen is a Master Retouch Artist with over 30 years of experience.
Digital makeup and eyelashes are included with retouched headshots if you’d like them. The goal is never to make you look like someone else — it's to present you at your absolute best. See real examples in our before and after gallery. See session options →
Preparation makes a real difference in your results. Here's what Karen recommends:
- Get a full night of sleep the night before
- Arrive with freshly washed, styled hair — as you would for an important meeting
- Apply makeup as you normally would for a professional setting — read our makeup for headshots guide for camera-ready tips
- Bring 2–3 outfit options — read our what to wear guide before you arrive
- Avoid a brand new haircut right before — wait 1–2 weeks so it settles
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in and relax before we start
Karen will walk you through everything else during the session. Questions beforehand? Call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 — she answers her own phone.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Ave, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway, a short drive from Hollywood and West Hollywood — see the directions section on this page for landmark mileage. Sessions are by appointment Monday through Saturday, 9am–5pm.
Karen answers her own phone — call (818) 991-7787 for a free consultation before you book. Or book directly online: Book your headshot session →
See all the areas we serve across Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Agoura Hills Photography Studio
Serving Hollywood, West Hollywood & Greater Los Angeles
Call (818) 991-7787
Karen answers her own phone
Book Your Headshot Session →Karen Vaisman is an award-winning photographer and Master Retouch Artist who has spent 30+ years helping people look their best on camera. From her Agoura Hills studio, serving Hollywood and West Hollywood, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Camarillo, Los Angeles and Greater Los Angeles, she creates professional headshots, personal branding, and portrait photography, coaching every expression and pose so the final image looks polished, confident, and authentically you. She holds a BFA in Photography from Syracuse University.
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- Posture — stand straight, shoulders back, chin slightly forward
- Angle your body — slightly to the side adds depth and dimension
- Eye contact — relax your face and let your smile come naturally
- Look approachable — a relaxed expression connects instantly
- Off-camera look — glancing slightly off‑camera feels more natural
Ready for a Headshot You’re Proud Of?
Book your retouched session, or compare all headshot options.
Prefer to talk first? Karen answers her own phone.
(818) 991-7787Agoura Hills Photography Studio · By appointment
What Our Clients Have to Say …
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Mish Polak
“Karen is the most amazing photographer. For someone who hates having their picture taken, she actually had me loving my own photo. She has such an amazing eye with everything from the background color, what you’re wearing, make-up, to how relaxed you are so that your smile looks natural. Thank you Karen for flawless headshots!”
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Brenda Guess
“I flew in from the Bay Area for Karen to take my photo. I can never adequately express what a wonderful experience it was having my picture taken by her! She helped me prepare and I felt so comfortable. She took incredible shots! I loved how she touched up my photos and provided my photos so promptly. I highly recommend Karen!”
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JR Rackley
“Karen made this experience very comfortable and fun. The final photos came out perfect and the retouches were spot on. I would recommend Karen Vaisman Photography to anyone.”
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Terry Benzel
“I am not photogenic but Karen is very talented at figuring out how to get me to relax and capture the true me. She knows how to apply just the right amount of touch up to make me look great without overdoing it. Even if you aren't in the area she is worth the drive!”
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Miranda Frederick
“My experience with Karen was tremendous. We were having such a good time our session - we laughed like old friends. Not only did she do a great job, I requested a Rush and I received the photos in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend Karen for your next photo shoot. She's a true professional.”
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Bill Richardson
“Karen puts her clients at ease and captures the essence of who you are and she makes it fun. Her photography and retouching skills are outstanding.”
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Susana Cabrera
“From the moment I walked into her studio, it was clear that Karen is not only an incredibly talented photographer but also an absolute professional in every sense of the word.”
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Tina Thomas
Working with Karen was an exceptional experience from start to finish — and the final photographs are nothing short of stunning. What truly stood out was her skillful retouching: she strikes the perfect balance, enhancing the images just enough to bring out their full potential while still maintaining the natural essence of my appearance. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of top-notch photography services.
Enjoy our Blog …
Dreading your next professional headshot? Fear not! As a veteran Los Angeles photographer, I've helped countless camera-shy clients shine in their photos. With the right techniques and a supportive environment, anyone can look confident and approachable in their headshot – yes, even you who just thought, "But I'm not photogenic!" Let me show you how to transform your headshot experience from nerve-wracking to enjoyable.