Shandon Photography

Shandon Photography, led by photographer Shandon Youngclaus, has been a premier headshot destination in Los Angeles since 1999, building over 26 years of experience photographing actors, celebrities, and entertainment industry professionals at the highest level. Operating from a studio at 2100 North Main Street in Los Angeles, Shandon has established himself as a top choice for many of Hollywood's most reputable talent agencies, managers, and casting directors — a referral network built through decades of consistently delivering images that meet the exacting standards of the professional entertainment industry. His work extends beyond traditional headshots to include publicity photography for major brands, networks, and celebrity clients, and he maintains an active shooting presence in multiple markets including New York, New Orleans, and Las Vegas in addition to his home base in Los Angeles. Shandon's enduring reputation in a competitive and trend-driven market speaks to his ability to evolve his style while maintaining the warm, genuine quality that has defined his work throughout his career. With a 4.9-star rating from customer reviews and a loyal client base that returns year after year, Shandon Photography represents one of the most consistently trusted names in LA actor headshots.

In 2025, Shandon Photography continues to serve the Los Angeles acting community with the same commitment to authenticity and personality-driven imagery that has defined the studio for over two decades. Shandon's photographic philosophy centers on capturing each actor's unique personality and energy rather than applying a formulaic aesthetic — he believes that the most effective headshots are those that feel like genuine windows into who the actor is, not polished masks that obscure individuality. This approach produces images that resonate with casting directors who are looking for authentic, compelling faces rather than technically perfect but emotionally empty photographs. The studio is equipped for both controlled studio lighting setups and natural-light looks, giving actors the flexibility to create images appropriate for different submission categories. Shandon's extensive experience working with Hollywood's top agencies means he understands exactly what representatives expect from headshots and can guide actors toward choices that will be approved and effective. His Instagram presence at @shandonphotography showcases his current work and demonstrates the consistent quality and distinctive warmth that characterize his images.

Booking a session with Shandon Photography begins with contacting the studio through shandonphotography.com or by phone. Pre-shoot consultations are a standard part of the process — before the session, Shandon discusses the actor's goals, current representation, target casting categories, and specific needs to ensure the session is tailored to produce images that serve the actor's career strategy. Wardrobe guidance is provided during the consultation, with Shandon advising on colors, textures, and styles that photograph best and align with the actor's casting type. Studio hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and the session environment is designed to be comfortable and relaxed rather than high-pressure. Multiple look changes are included to provide variety across theatrical, commercial, and character categories. The session itself emphasizes Shandon's collaborative approach — rather than rigidly directing every expression, he creates an atmosphere where genuine personality emerges naturally through conversation and connection.

The Shandon Photography session experience is built around creating a relaxed, collaborative environment where actors feel safe to be themselves rather than performing for the camera. Shandon's 26-plus years of experience working with actors of all experience levels — from first-time performers who have never had professional headshots to seasoned veterans who have been photographed by dozens of photographers — give him an intuitive understanding of how to put each individual at ease and draw out their authentic energy. His direction is responsive rather than prescriptive, adapting to each actor's natural rhythms and comfort level rather than forcing everyone through the same routine. The studio's professional lighting systems allow Shandon to create a range of looks — from bright, warm commercial lighting to more dramatic theatrical setups — within a single session, maximizing the variety of images actors receive without requiring multiple appointments. Post-session, Shandon handles retouching with attention to maintaining the natural quality of the images — retouching enhances without over-processing, ensuring that the final headshots look like the actor who shows up to the audition room rather than an artificially perfected version.

Shandon Photography serves actors across the full spectrum of the Los Angeles entertainment industry, from newcomers who have recently arrived in LA and need their first professional headshots to establish their presence on casting platforms, to working actors updating their materials after booking new roles or signing with new representation, to established professionals who have relied on Shandon's consistent quality for years or even decades. His client base includes actors across all demographics, ages, and casting types, and his portfolio reflects this diversity with images that demonstrate his ability to capture the unique qualities of each individual regardless of their background or experience level. The agency referral network that sends clients to Shandon spans many of Hollywood's top talent representatives, and the endorsement of these industry professionals provides confidence that the investment will produce images that meet the standards expected at the highest levels of the business. Shandon's multi-city shooting capability (LA, New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas) makes him accessible to actors working in multiple markets.

Shandon Photography's pricing is available by contacting the studio directly. Based on his industry positioning as a premier LA headshot photographer with over 26 years of experience and top-agency referrals, sessions are priced in the professional tier appropriate to his reputation and the quality of his work. Packages typically include the session, multiple look changes, and a set number of retouched digital images with options to purchase additional retouching on selected frames. Compared to premium-tier photographers like Peter Hurley ($1,500-plus) or Michael Roud ($695-plus), Shandon offers competitive pricing that reflects his established reputation while remaining accessible to working actors. For actors considering their headshot investment, the value proposition of Shandon Photography lies in the combination of proven industry trust, decades of experience, and the consistently warm, authentic aesthetic that casting directors and agents respond to positively.

Shandon Photography is an excellent choice for actors who value experience, industry trust, and authentic warmth in their headshots. If you want images that feel genuine, personality-driven, and agent-approved from a photographer whose work has been endorsed by top Hollywood talent representatives for over two decades, Shandon delivers consistently at this standard. The personalized consultation approach is particularly valuable for actors who are unsure what looks to pursue or what style will best serve their career — Shandon's experience allows him to provide informed guidance that newer photographers cannot offer. If you are seeking a highly stylized, cinematic, or edgy aesthetic, you may want to explore photographers whose artistic vision leans more toward editorial photography. If weekday scheduling is difficult, confirm weekend availability or consider photographers with more flexible hours. For actors who prioritize reliability, consistency, and the confidence of knowing their headshots will be approved by agents and casting directors, Shandon Photography is one of the safest investments in the LA headshot market.

Contact the studio early in your planning process to discuss pricing, availability, and session options — Shandon's schedule fills up, particularly during peak headshot season in late summer and early fall. Take the pre-shoot consultation seriously and come prepared with information about your current representation, target casting categories, and any specific guidance your agent or manager has provided about headshot style or look. Bring at least four wardrobe options in solid, camera-friendly colors — Shandon will guide you on which options work best during the session, but having variety ensures you can achieve multiple distinct looks. Follow @shandonphotography on Instagram before your session to familiarize yourself with his current style and identify specific images in his portfolio that appeal to you — bringing visual references to the consultation helps communicate your preferences clearly. If you are new to LA and building your first set of professional headshots, ask Shandon for candid advice about what the current market expects — his 26-plus years of experience make him one of the most informed sources of practical headshot guidance in the city.