By Tara Rochelle | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer
There are sessions that remind you exactly why you do what you do. Andrea’s Headshot Session was one of those days!!
From the moment she walked into the studio, Andrea brought an infectious energy that was impossible not to love — warm, fun, and completely at ease in front of the camera. And once we started shooting? She brought enough energy to fill an entire room!
Meet Andrea
Andrea came to me ready for a refresh. She needed some updated looks and needed to add more theatrical looks into her casting options.
Minutes into the shoot, I could quickly tell why she’s always getting sent out for commercial jobs. That sparkle, that personality, that “I could sell you anything and you’d love it” energy is written all over her face. But Andrea knew she needed more than just great commercial shots. She needed theatrical looks that could hold their own in the room — grounded, connected, and real.
So that’s exactly what we built.
Theatrical vs. Commercial Headshots — What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
If you’re an actor in Los Angeles, you’ve heard this before — but it’s worth saying again because it truly can make or break your submissions:
Theatrical and commercial headshots are not the same thing. In fact, they’re not even close.
And having the wrong one in the wrong submission pile can cost you the call-in before anyone even reads your résumé.
Here’s the breakdown:
Theatrical Headshots
Theatrical headshots are for TV, film, and stage submissions. They need to convey depth, range, and emotional availability. The lighting tends to be more cinematic — think contrast, shadow, and dimension. Wardrobe is typically darker, more textured, more grounded. The expression is less “sell me something” and more “I have a whole world behind these eyes.”
For example, for Andrea we leaned into a rich leather jacket against some of my newest hand painted studio backdrops — deep tones that gave her shots an immediate sense of gravitas. The goal was simple: when a casting director opens her theatrical submission they should feel something.
Commercial Headshots
Commercial headshots are for advertising, print, branded content, and commercial film. They need to feel approachable, relatable, and bright. The lighting is cleaner and more even. Wardrobe tends to be colorful, fun, and personality-forward. The expression is open, warm, and inviting — the kind of face you want selling you a product or starring in a campaign.
For Andrea’s commercial looks we went bold and playful — denim on a bright yellow backdrop, a rainbow stripe shirt against a blush pink, and a crisp white top that let her personality do all the heavy lifting. Every single frame screamed “book her.”
A Moment for The Backdrops — Hand Painted by Yours Truly
One of the things I’m most excited about in the studio right now is my growing collection of hand painted custom backdrops. In fact, every single one was made from scratch — mixed, layered, and textured by hand to create something you genuinely cannot find anywhere else. No experience needed! The ones I thought were hideous were easily saved by another layer of paint and a whole lot of practicing some different techniques.
For Andrea’s session we used several of my newest creations including a deep slate blue, a rich splotchy tan, a deep evergreen, and denim inspired one that can give off major 80’s cheese if not done right (unless, of course, that’s the look you’re going for). Each one was chosen intentionally to complement her coloring, her wardrobe, and the specific energy we were going for in each look.
I currently have 12 unique hand painted backdrops in the studio and I am completely obsessed with making more. Every backdrop is one of a kind — which means your headshots are too.
The Session — 10 Looks, Zero Boring Shots
Andrea booked the Full Session — two hours, four to six looks — but we pushed it and captured closer to ten distinct looks across both theatrical and commercial categories. Here’s a peek at what we built:
Theatrical Looks
- Leather jacket on deep painted canvas — moody, intense, and completely magnetic
- Black vest on white — clean, editorial, and strong
- Full body black and white editorial series — striking contrast that commands attention
- Charcoal blue background with a dark mock neck — grounded and ready for any dramatic role
Commercial Looks
- Denim on yellow seamless — fun, bold, and impossibly charming
- Rainbow stripe shirt on pink seamless — pure commercial gold
- Deep plum halter top on lavender seamless — vibrant energy that leaps off the page
The range we captured in a single session is exactly what your agent or manager needs to get you in the room for both worlds — without having to book two separate sessions.
The Results
Ultimately, Andrea walked out of that studio with a full arsenal of submission-ready headshots that tell the complete story of who she is as an actor. Commercial and theatrical. Fun and serious. Approachable and captivating.
That’s the goal every single time.
Ready to Refresh Your Headshots?
If Andrea’s session has you thinking it might be time to retire that photo from three years ago — you’re probably right.
Whether you need theatrical looks, commercial energy, or both, I would love to build something incredible with you in the studio. My hand painted backdrops, cinematic lighting, and hands-on direction ensure that every single frame is working as hard as you are.
📍 Studio located in Santa Clarita, serving all of Los Angeles County including Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, and beyond.
Questions? Let’s chat — I’d love to hear about what you’re working toward and help you figure out exactly what you need.
Tara Rochelle is a published Los Angeles headshot photographer specializing in theatrical, commercial, and personal branding photography. Her work has been featured in People, InStyle, and Rangefinder Magazine. Based in Santa Clarita and serving all of Los Angeles County.
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