David Muller Photography

David Muller is a veteran headshot photographer based in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, who brings over 30 years of entertainment industry experience and 15-plus years of dedicated photography expertise to his headshot work. What distinguishes Muller from many headshot photographers is his background as a former actor — having spent years on the other side of the camera, he brings an intimate understanding of the anxieties, goals, and pressures that actors face during headshot sessions, and this empathy translates into a session experience that feels supportive and collaborative rather than clinical. His studio at 11757 Lerdo Avenue in Granada Hills provides a comfortable, professional environment equipped for both studio lighting and natural-light setups. Muller has been recognized multiple times by Backstage magazine, winning the Backstage Readers Choice Award as a favorite LA headshot photographer in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and being named one of Backstage's '8 Killer Headshot Photographers in NY and LA' in 2015 — a level of sustained industry recognition that reflects the consistency and quality of his work over many years.

In 2025, David Muller Photography continues to serve the Los Angeles acting community with a style that balances classic studio portraiture with contemporary, natural aesthetics — an approach that produces headshots versatile enough to work across theatrical, commercial, and digital submission categories. Muller's former career as an actor informs every aspect of his sessions, from his ability to communicate in the language of performance and casting to his intuitive understanding of the emotional vulnerability that headshot sessions can trigger. His conversational shooting style keeps actors relaxed and present, using genuine dialogue and connection rather than rigid direction to elicit authentic expressions. The studio accommodates a range of looks, from traditional studio headshots with controlled lighting to more lifestyle-oriented natural-light images that feel contemporary and editorial. Muller's vibrant, colorful photography style produces images that stand out on casting platforms where hundreds of headshots compete for attention in thumbnail format.

Booking a session with David Muller requires a $125 non-refundable deposit to secure the appointment, which is applied toward the total session fee. Contact the studio at (213) 309-3405 or through the website at davidmullerphotography.com to discuss session options and availability. Studio hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Pre-session consultations cover the actor's career goals, current representation, target casting categories, and wardrobe selection, with Muller providing guidance on colors, textures, and styles that photograph best. Sessions include multiple look changes to provide variety across different submission categories, and both studio lighting and natural-light setups are available within the same session. The shooting process is designed to feel conversational and relaxed — Muller draws on his actor background to create genuine rapport with clients, using conversation and connection rather than formal posing direction to produce authentic expressions.

The David Muller session experience reflects his dual perspective as both a photographer and a former actor who understands what it feels like to sit in the subject's chair. Muller shoots conversationally, engaging actors in genuine dialogue that produces the natural, unguarded moments that make headshots compelling to casting professionals. His direction is responsive and adaptive — rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, he reads each actor's energy and comfort level and adjusts his technique accordingly, whether that means providing more specific physical direction for nervous newcomers or stepping back to let confident performers drive the session. Both traditional headshot setups and editorial-style compositions are available, and Muller's experience with both studio and natural lighting means he can create dramatically different looks within a single session. Post-session, actors receive proofs from which to select their final retouched images, and Muller's retouching approach maintains the natural quality of the images while addressing standard skin refinement and color optimization.

David Muller's client base spans the full range of Los Angeles acting talent — from newcomers building their first professional headshot package to working professionals updating their materials for new representation or career transitions to veterans with decades of credits who appreciate Muller's consistency and reliability. His Backstage award wins and editorial recognition provide social proof that his work meets industry standards at the highest level, and many clients discover him through Backstage's photographer directories and recommendations. The Granada Hills studio location serves actors across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Muller's former actor background creates a natural rapport with clients that extends beyond typical photographer-subject interactions — actors often describe the experience as feeling like they are working with a fellow performer who happens to have a camera, rather than sitting for a formal portrait photographer.

David Muller's pricing requires contacting the studio directly, with a $125 non-refundable deposit required to book a session. Based on his industry positioning, Backstage award wins, and market reputation, sessions are competitively priced within the professional LA headshot market. Muller also offers a 'lightning session' — a 45-minute budget-friendly option with unlimited wardrobe changes — designed for actors who need quality headshots quickly or on a tighter budget. Standard session packages include consultation, the session itself, and a selection of retouched digital images, with extended sessions available for actors who need more variety or additional looks. Compared to premium photographers charging $695 or more per session, Muller offers strong value with the added benefit of his Backstage-recognized quality and his unique former-actor perspective.

David Muller is an excellent choice for actors who value a supportive, empathetic session experience from a photographer who genuinely understands the acting profession from the inside. His Backstage award wins provide confident assurance that the images will meet professional industry standards, and his conversational approach is particularly valuable for actors who have had stiff or uncomfortable experiences with other photographers. The lightning session option makes quality headshots accessible even on a tight budget. If you are based in the Valley or northern LA, the Granada Hills location is conveniently positioned. If you are based in West LA or central Hollywood and want to avoid a long commute, other photographers on this list may be more geographically convenient. For actors who want a photographer who speaks their language and understands their profession from personal experience, Muller delivers a uniquely empathetic session experience that sets him apart from photographers whose understanding of acting is purely observational.

Call (213) 309-3405 to discuss pricing and availability before booking — the phone conversation gives you a sense of Muller's personality and communication style, which are central to the session experience. Mention if you are a working actor updating headshots or a newcomer building your first package — Muller adapts his approach and guidance based on experience level, and knowing your situation in advance helps him prepare the most effective session plan. Bring at least four wardrobe options in solid colors that represent different aspects of your casting range — a casual everyday look, a professional or upscale look, something for your primary casting type, and a wild card that expresses your personality. If you are nervous about the session, tell Muller directly — his actor background means he has genuine empathy for session anxiety, and being upfront about it allows him to adjust his approach to help you relax more quickly. Schedule during mid-morning if possible, when most actors look their best and the energy level is naturally positive and alert.