Vanie Poyey Photography

Vanie Poyey is one of the most sought-after headshot photographers in Los Angeles, with over 26 years of experience and more than 6,000 actors photographed throughout her career. Operating from her studio at 10636 Burbank Boulevard in North Hollywood, Poyey has built a reputation for producing vibrant, authentic headshots that consistently help actors book more auditions — a claim supported by numerous client testimonials reporting that their audition volume doubled or tripled after switching to Poyey headshots. Her work has earned her the LA Readers' Choice Award as a favorite headshot photographer, and she has been invited as a guest speaker at UCLA Extension, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and the American Institute of Architects, demonstrating the breadth of respect her expertise commands beyond the acting community. Backstage West magazine has interviewed Poyey about her approach to headshot photography, and her portfolio has been recognized for its consistent quality across a remarkably diverse range of actors spanning all ethnicities, ages, genders, and career levels. Poyey's specialty is directing people who are uncomfortable posing for cameras — her ability to draw out authentic, unguarded expressions from even the most camera-shy actors is the foundation of her reputation.

In 2025, Vanie Poyey Photography has evolved from its origins as a natural-light-focused practice to incorporate both natural and artificial lighting techniques, reflecting Poyey's commitment to staying current with industry trends and casting platform requirements. While she initially built her reputation on the warm, vibrant quality of natural-light headshots, Poyey has expanded her technical repertoire to include studio lighting setups that produce clean, professional images optimized for the digital casting platforms where most submissions are reviewed today. This evolution demonstrates a photographer who prioritizes results over personal aesthetic preferences — Poyey adapts her approach to whatever technique produces the most effective headshots for each individual actor's needs and casting goals. Her studio in North Hollywood serves as a comfortable, professional environment for studio sessions, while outdoor locations around the Los Angeles area provide natural-light options for actors who prefer that aesthetic. The combination of technical versatility and over two decades of experience directing actors makes Poyey one of the most capable and adaptable headshot photographers in the LA market.

Booking a session with Vanie Poyey involves contacting the studio through poyeyphotos.com or by email at info@poyeyphotos.com. Poyey offers multiple session packages that accommodate different budgets and needs, from individual headshot sessions starting at approximately $250 to more comprehensive packages that include multiple looks, additional retouching, and extended session time for up to $600. Pre-session consultations are part of the process, with Poyey discussing the actor's casting type, career goals, current representation, and specific wardrobe and styling considerations before the shoot. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable rather than stressful — Poyey's 26-plus years of experience working with actors who range from total newcomers to seasoned professionals gives her an intuitive understanding of how to create an environment where authentic expressions emerge naturally. Wardrobe guidance is provided to help actors select clothing that photographs well and supports their casting goals, and Poyey encourages actors to bring multiple options to maximize the variety of looks achieved during the session.

The Vanie Poyey session experience is built around her exceptional skill in directing authentic expressions from subjects who may be uncomfortable, uncertain, or self-conscious in front of the camera. Over 26 years and 6,000-plus sessions, Poyey has developed a directing methodology that combines warmth, humor, specific physical guidance, and emotional prompts to draw out the unguarded, genuine moments that make headshots compelling to casting professionals. Rather than relying on generic direction like 'look natural' or 'give me a smile,' Poyey provides specific, actionable coaching that produces measurable improvements in expression and energy — her approach has been compared to a performance coaching session as much as a photography appointment. The session atmosphere is notably relaxed and supportive, with Poyey's personality creating a safe space where actors can experiment with different expressions and energies without judgment. Both studio and outdoor locations are available depending on the actor's preferences and casting needs, and Poyey's technical proficiency with both natural and artificial light ensures high-quality results regardless of the setting. Post-session retouching is handled with a light touch that enhances without over-processing, maintaining the authentic quality that defines her work.

Vanie Poyey's client base is remarkably diverse, spanning actors of all ethnicities, ages, genders, body types, and career levels — from complete beginners assembling their first headshot package to seasoned professionals with decades of credits who continue to rely on Poyey's consistent quality. Her portfolio deliberately showcases this diversity, demonstrating her ability to capture the unique qualities of every individual regardless of their background or experience. The extensive Yelp presence — over 400 reviews — provides transparent social proof of client satisfaction and the real-world results actors experience with her headshots. Many clients report that Poyey headshots significantly increased their audition activity, with some attributing a dramatic uptick in agent interest, casting director callbacks, and booking rates directly to switching to her images. Her guest speaking engagements at UCLA Extension and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation connect her with aspiring actors early in their careers, and many first-time headshot clients discover Poyey through these educational appearances.

Vanie Poyey's pricing ranges from approximately $250 to $600 for individual headshot sessions, with packages varying based on session length, number of looks, and number of final retouched images included. On-site group sessions for organizations, acting classes, or corporate clients start at $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the size of the group and specific requirements. Compared to premium photographers like Peter Hurley ($1,500-plus) or Michael Roud ($695-plus), Poyey offers competitive pricing that delivers professional, casting-ready results at a more accessible investment level. The lower end of her pricing range makes quality headshots achievable even for actors on tight budgets, while the higher-end packages provide the extended session time and additional retouching that serious professionals require. Her Photography Masterclass, drawing on 20-plus years of experience, is available for photographers who want to learn her techniques. Digital delivery of all images is standard, and prints can be arranged through partner labs if needed.

Vanie Poyey is an excellent choice for virtually any actor seeking professional, casting-ready headshots in Los Angeles — her combination of experience, directing skill, technical versatility, and accessible pricing makes her one of the best value propositions in the LA headshot market. She is particularly well-suited for actors who are nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera, as her 26-plus years of experience directing reluctant subjects is unmatched in the market. For actors on a budget who want professional results without a premium investment, Poyey delivers quality that competes with photographers charging significantly more. If you are an actor who wants a highly stylized, cinematic, or editorial aesthetic, you may prefer photographers whose artistic vision produces a more distinctive look. If you value authentic, personality-forward images that showcase who you genuinely are rather than an artistic interpretation of you, Poyey is one of the strongest choices available. Read her 400-plus Yelp reviews before booking — the volume and consistency of positive client experiences is the most convincing evidence of what you can expect.

Browse Poyey's extensive portfolio on poyeyphotos.com and her Yelp page before booking — pay attention to actors who share your casting type and see how she captured their unique qualities. Come to the session with a clear understanding of your casting type and the specific roles you are targeting — Poyey's directing is most effective when she knows what kind of character the headshot needs to suggest. Bring at least four wardrobe options in solid colors that complement your skin tone and represent different aspects of your casting range — casual, professional, character, and a wild card that expresses your personality. Arrive well-rested and hydrated — under-eye circles and dehydrated skin are difficult to fully address in retouching, and showing up in your best physical condition gives Poyey the best canvas to work with. If you are particularly nervous about the session, let Poyey know in advance — her specialty is working with camera-shy subjects, and knowing about your anxiety allows her to adjust her approach to help you relax more quickly.