Brad Buckman Photography

Brad Buckman has been a fixture in the Los Angeles headshot photography scene since 1997, building a 28-year career that has made him one of the most established and trusted names in Hollywood actor headshots. Operating from his studio at 820 North Hollywood Way in Burbank, Buckman has photographed thousands of actors from first-time performers building their initial portfolios to working Hollywood veterans updating their materials for new representation or career transitions. His longevity in a competitive market speaks to the consistency and quality of his work — in an industry where headshot photographers come and go with fashion trends, Buckman has maintained relevance by evolving his style while maintaining the clean, professional aesthetic that casting directors and agents consistently respond to. His studio has been voted 'Best in LA' and named as an LA favorite in actor headshot photography, with referrals from top Hollywood agents, managers, coaches, and casting directors serving as his primary source of new clients. Beyond actor headshots, Buckman also works in corporate portraiture, publicity photography, and fine art, bringing a breadth of photographic experience that enriches his headshot work.

In 2025, Brad Buckman Photography continues to serve the Los Angeles acting community with the same dedication to quality and personal attention that has defined his practice for nearly three decades. His approach emphasizes creating a relaxed, conversational studio environment where actors feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and reveal authentic expressions — Buckman understands that the best headshots emerge from genuine moments rather than forced poses, and his session style is designed to facilitate that authenticity. His studio in Burbank is equipped with professional-grade lighting systems that allow him to create a range of looks from classic studio portraiture to more natural, editorial-style images depending on the actor's needs and casting goals. The clean, modern aesthetic of his images makes them versatile across multiple submission platforms — from Actors Access and Casting Networks to agency websites and social media — ensuring that actors get maximum utility from their investment. Buckman's familiarity with the LA casting landscape, developed over nearly three decades of working with actors who book roles across film, television, and commercial markets, informs his ability to guide actors toward looks that align with current industry expectations.

Booking a session with Brad Buckman involves contacting his studio by phone at (323) 466-2700 or through the contact form on bradbuckman.com. During the initial consultation, Buckman discusses the actor's current representation, the types of roles they are targeting, and any specific requirements from agents or managers regarding headshot style or look. Sessions are scheduled at his Burbank studio, which provides a controlled, comfortable environment with professional lighting and multiple backdrop options. The session itself begins with wardrobe review — Buckman provides guidance on which clothing options photograph best and align with the actor's casting goals, helping actors avoid common wardrobe mistakes that can undermine otherwise excellent images. Multiple look changes are included to provide variety for different submission categories (theatrical, commercial, episodic), and Buckman provides continuous direction throughout the shoot to capture a range of expressions and energies. Digital delivery of retouched images is standard with all packages.

The Brad Buckman session experience reflects his decades of experience working with actors of all experience levels and comfort levels in front of the camera. His conversational directing style keeps the session feeling natural rather than clinical — rather than barking commands or asking actors to hold artificial poses, Buckman engages in genuine conversation that elicits the authentic reactions and expressions that make headshots compelling. He understands the specific challenges that actors face in headshot sessions — the pressure to look 'right,' the self-consciousness of being scrutinized up close, and the uncertainty about what casting professionals want to see — and his approach is designed to alleviate these pressures through warmth, humor, and professional reassurance. The studio's equipment includes professional lighting rigs, high-resolution digital cameras, and tethered monitors that allow actors to see images in real time during the session. Post-session, Buckman handles all retouching in-house, ensuring consistency between the raw images actors saw during the shoot and the final delivered files. Turnaround time is typically one to two weeks for standard orders.

Brad Buckman's client base spans the full spectrum of Los Angeles acting talent — from newcomers who have just arrived in LA and need their first professional headshots, to mid-career working actors updating their materials after booking new representation or transitioning between casting types, to veteran performers with decades of credits who continue to rely on Buckman's consistent quality. His studio is regularly recommended by talent agents, managers, and acting coaches across the LA market, and many actors return to him year after year as their careers evolve. The Burbank location is convenient for actors working in the San Fernando Valley studio corridor, with easy access from the major studios and casting offices in the area. Buckman also photographs corporate professionals, publicity shots for entertainment industry figures, and architectural photography, but actor headshots remain the core of his practice and the area where his expertise is deepest.

Brad Buckman's pricing is available by contacting the studio directly, with a non-refundable deposit required to secure session bookings. Based on industry positioning and comparable LA photographers, sessions typically fall in the mid-range tier for professional LA headshots. Buckman also offers a 'lightning session' — a 45-minute budget-friendly option with unlimited wardrobe changes — designed for actors who need quality headshots on a tighter budget or timeline. All packages include digital delivery of retouched images. Compared to premium photographers like Peter Hurley ($1,500 and above) or Michael Roud ($695 and above), Buckman offers competitive pricing that reflects his established reputation without the premium-tier investment. For actors who are uncertain about his style or approach, the lightning session provides an affordable entry point to experience the studio and evaluate the results before committing to a full-length session.

Brad Buckman is an excellent choice for actors who want reliable, agent-approved headshots from a proven professional with nearly three decades of LA market experience. If you have been referred by your agent or manager, or if you want the confidence of knowing your photographer is a trusted name in the industry, Buckman delivers consistent quality that meets professional standards. The lightning session is a smart option for actors on a budget or those who want to test the waters before committing to a full session. If you are seeking a more stylized, cinematic, or editorial look, you may want to explore photographers like Michael Roud or Diana Ragland whose aesthetic sensibility leans more toward artistic expression. If you prefer outdoor natural-light sessions, other photographers on this list may be a better fit for your vision. For actors who value experience, reliability, and industry trust above cutting-edge style, Buckman is one of the safest investments in the LA headshot market.

Call the studio at (323) 466-2700 to discuss pricing and availability before booking — the phone consultation gives you a chance to assess whether Buckman's approach and personality feel like a good fit. Bring at least three wardrobe options in solid colors — a casual look, a business or professional look, and something that represents your primary casting type — and let Buckman advise on which options photograph best. If you are on a tight budget, start with the lightning session to get quality headshots quickly and affordably, then return for a full session when your budget allows for more variety. Ask your agent or manager if they have specific headshot preferences or requirements before your session — some reps prefer particular crops, backgrounds, or looks, and communicating these preferences to Buckman in advance ensures the final images meet everyone's expectations. Schedule your session during weekday hours for the most relaxed experience — the Burbank studio is quieter and more focused on weekdays, which contributes to the comfortable atmosphere that produces natural expressions.