Justin Lubin Photography
Industry-connected photographer with set photography and headshot expertise
Overview
Justin Lubin brings a unique perspective to headshot photography, drawing on his extensive experience as an on-set still photographer for major film and television productions. This background gives him an intuitive understanding of how actors are lit and framed in professional contexts.
Sessions benefit from Justin's technical expertise and his ability to create looks that feel at home in the entertainment industry. His direction is informed by years of observing actors at work on professional sets.
How It Works
Justin's industry connections and professional credentials set him apart in the LA headshot market. Actors who work with him benefit from a photographer who understands the visual language of film and television from the inside.
Sessions are priced between $400 and $600, reflecting his premium experience and industry background. Packages include retouched digital images with professional-grade color correction.
Who Uses It
An excellent option for actors who want headshots from a photographer with deep industry experience. Justin's on-set background ensures his headshots have a cinematic quality that resonates with casting professionals.
Pricing & Plans
Justin Lubin's sessions are priced between $400 and $600, reflecting his premium industry experience and professional background as an on-set still photographer for major film and television productions. Packages include retouched digital images with professional-grade color correction that matches the cinematic quality of his studio work. The higher price point compared to standard headshot photographers is justified by his unique perspective — actors are not just paying for photography but for the insight of someone who has spent years observing how actors are lit, framed, and presented in professional production environments. Compared to ultra-premium photographers in the $1,000-plus range, Justin offers a strong value proposition given his credentials and industry connections. For actors who view their headshots as a career investment, the $400 to $600 range represents a solid mid-to-upper tier commitment that delivers tangible quality.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Justin Lubin's most significant advantage is his extensive on-set experience with major film and television productions, which gives him an intuitive understanding of how actors are photographed in professional entertainment contexts — his headshots naturally reflect the lighting, framing, and compositional standards of the industry. The cinematic quality of his images means they feel at home alongside the visual language that casting directors and producers encounter daily, creating an unconscious sense of professionalism and belonging. His industry connections provide a network effect that extends beyond the session itself, as working with a well-connected photographer can create peripheral visibility among other industry professionals. The technical expertise gained from professional set environments translates to reliable, consistent lighting and exposure quality that produces polished results regardless of the actor's experience level. His confident direction during sessions draws from years of observing actors work with top directors, allowing him to guide performers toward natural, compelling expressions.
What Could Be Better
Justin's premium pricing puts him above the budget-friendly tier, which may be a stretch for actors who are early in their careers and have limited funds to invest in headshots. His background in on-set still photography, while impressive, is a different discipline from dedicated headshot coaching, and some actors may find that his direction focuses more on technical excellence than on drawing out specific emotional qualities or character-driven expressions. The emphasis on cinematic quality can sometimes produce headshots that feel more like production stills than casting-friendly portraits, which may not suit agents who prefer simpler, more straightforward images. Availability can be limited due to his ongoing work on film and television sets, meaning scheduling may require more advance planning and flexibility than with full-time headshot photographers. His portfolio may be harder to evaluate online compared to photographers who focus exclusively on headshots and maintain extensive galleries of actor portraits.
Our Recommendation
Justin Lubin is an excellent choice for actors who want headshots infused with genuine cinematic quality from a photographer who understands the visual language of professional film and television production. If you are a working actor with credits who wants your headshots to reflect the level you are performing at, Justin's industry background adds credibility and quality that standard headshot photographers cannot replicate. Actors transitioning from theater to screen will particularly benefit from his understanding of how the camera captures performance. If you are a beginner on a tight budget, you may want to start with a more affordable photographer and work with Justin once your career has progressed. If you need intensive expression coaching or a photographer who will spend significant time on emotional direction, consider photographers who specialize in that coaching-intensive approach.
Pro Tips
Ask Justin about his recent on-set work before your session — understanding the productions he has been involved with can help you communicate the type of cinematic quality you are looking for in your own headshots and gives you natural conversation material that keeps the session relaxed. Bring wardrobe options that would be appropriate for the types of roles you are targeting, as Justin's eye for how actors look on professional sets means he can advise you on which clothing reads most authentically for your type. Request at least one look that captures the energy you bring to auditions and self-tapes — matching your headshot energy to your audition energy creates consistency that casting directors appreciate. If you have specific projects or roles you are pursuing, share that information with Justin so he can tailor the session's visual approach to align with those goals. Leverage the cinematic quality of Justin's work by using your strongest images not just for casting submissions but also for your website, social media, and any publicity materials where a polished, professional look adds value.