Paying per image gives the clients more control over their cost and experience. Under this structure I’m no longer constrained by “packages”. We can shoot as long (or as quickly) as we need, no worries about time limits or “looks”. This also gives me an incentive to perform and create as many amazing images as possible, since the client is under no obligation to purchase any images after our shoot. Each photo session is a unique experience tailored to the client to create maximum value. At the end of each session I will help the client narrow down their selection as much as possible in an absolutely no pressure atmosphere. I believe I create better value by having repeat clients who are likely to refer me more-so than pressuring a client to spend as much as possible.

Where are you located?

I shoot on location and I have a studio in DTLA! All of my equipment is portable, I can come to any location of your choice

Do you recommend a makeup artist?

Absolutely. Especially for females. A talented makeup artist understands your skin type, texture and all of your needs at a level that I cannot achieve in photoshop. MUAs are absolutely invaluable to elevating your look. Note* if you’re already talented at makeup and understand what works on you, having a MUA is not needed

How do you accept payment?

I accept cash, credit card, venmo or paypal

What comes with a retouched photo?

A retouched photo includes professional skin retouching, stray hair removal, contouring, color/lighting correction and creative color grading. By default I prefer to keep edits subtle and natural, but we will communicate if you prefer more intense editing. I edit my pictures myself. That means if you have any feedback with an edit I can correct it as needed. Retouching/editing is an art-form, there is no right or wrong way to do it. That is why I believe in utilizing a collaborative approach.

What equipment do you use?

I use the BEST equipment to take gorgeous images of people. My camera is a Nikon D850 and I use a Sigma ART 85mm Lens and a Nikkor 105mm Lens for headshots. I have two Flashpoint Explor 600 strobes, two Evolv 200 strobes, a beauty dish, two 35 inch softboxes, standard reflectors, two 65 inch umbrellas with optional diffusers, two V-Flats and a curved eye lighter reflector.

Do you offer refunds?

I absolutely offer refunds on headshot session fees. My goal is to create a high-end experience and offering refunds reflects my confidence to be able to do that. If you simply don’t like the results, your session fee will be refunded. I will not charge you for edits until you receive them and approve of them. Unfortunately, I cannot offer refunds on MUA fees or lifestyle/modeling shoots at this time.

How many headshot sessions do you book per day?

Typically I will book a maximum of two per day. I estimate that a single headshot session takes 5-9 hours of time between setting up, shooting, editing, travel and communicating with the client. Weekly I aim to book 5-10 sessions. This allows me to give full focus on every shoot as a unique, high-end experience while also giving me free time during the week for other tasks including, marketing, networking, content creation, social media management, website development, community outreach, test shooting and administrative work.

What happens when I book a session? How does this all work?

Every session starts with a client contacting me in some way. Methods of communication include call, text, email, Instagram DM, Facebook Messanger, and my scheduling app. If you book an appointment through the schedule, I will call you to verify the appointment and go over what to expect. Next, we will meet in studio or on location. For studio shoots, I will have you utilize the free street parking in the area (there is also a nearby lot that costs $10) and have you call or upon your arrival. I will walk down, meet up with you and take you to the studio where the lighting will be set up and ready to go. I will show you examples of headshots/backgrounds to get a feel for your preferences. I will teach you how to stand and how to utilize angles to create more flattering images (this part is not difficult at all). I will also create an easy-going, warm environment to bring out natural expressions in your photographs. Next, we will go over our images on a computer and select the ones that we want to edit. I can also send a folder with watermarked images to your phone if you prefer to do this process on your own (this is the default for shoots on location). After showing and selecting the photos, I will take payment via cash, credit card, Venmo, or Paypal. You will receive your images as soon as possible (1-7 days). I can also expedite the delivery of your edited images if needed.

Actor Headshot Pricing

Packages are for in-studio shoots only

Important: A quick note about availability - When you look at the calendar for each day, you’ll see a bunch of appointment times. This is to allow clients more flexibility with their schedules. HOWEVER, once there are only two shoots booked in a day, the entire day gets blocked off. It’s important to keep this in mind for scheduling purposes because it may look like certain days have a lot of availability, but that’s not usually the case; you may put off booking only to come back and find that the availability is completely gone.
Sessions may not be split up. For instance, you can’t book a three-hour session and then shoot three different days an hour at a time.
Sessions can not be split with a friend. If you’d like to book with a friend, please let me know beforehand. In some cases, I can provide a discount but it’s highly dependent on my schedule and availability. All groups of 3 or more get discounted rates.
Discounts are available for veterans, SAG-AFTRA members, and current students of select Los Angeles area schools (AMDA, LACC, USC, UCLA, Emerson, LMU, SMC, Chapman, UC Irvine only). Discount is 10% off any session and must be verified via ID. Students must be verified via ID and class schedule. Please contact me before booking to verify discount eligibility.
Returning clients receive 10% off any session; please get in touch with me before booking to verify discount eligibility.
There are no discounts available for models/influencers unless your niche is clearly and specifically aimed toward helping actors learn and grow within the industry and only if you’ve been based in Los Angeles for at least a year.

For clients interested in booking a makeup artist, I can provide you with my list of recommended makeup artists. You are NOT forced to book hair or makeup artists, nor is it needed. Makeup artist recommendations are provided AFTER booking because clients should read my preparation material before deciding to book makeup. If you’re unsure about makeup, you should book the session plenty of time in advance so you can read the material and make arrangements.

Hair/Makeup rates from recommended artists that provide do & go services from their location start at $125. Artists that come to the studio and stay for touchups usually average $200-$350.

If you need last-minute availability, or if the only days that you are available are booked, please email me at info@mattmarcheski.com! I may be able to open something up!

If you’re unsure of which session to book, please email me and let me know your goals for what you’d like to achieve with the session & I’ll be able to match you up with the perfect one!

If you’re a model looking for portfolio shots, you may book any of these sessions, but it’s best to email me first for more custom pricing. I no longer do modeling digitals.

One Hour Session: 465

Unlimited Looks
Recommended for all, especially men who tend to shoot quicker. If opting for more looks, expect quicker shooting per look and less lighting/background options. It’s a great option if you already know what you want or if you’re a brand new actor looking for 2-3 looks. There’s less time for direction with this shoot
Plus 5 minutes for arrival & setup
Studio Photos Indoors & Natural Light Outside
As many photos as possible
Client Receives All High-Resolution Images (Lighting adjustments/color grading included)
NOT recommended for people who need full change hair/makeup during the shoot- there’s not enough time. There is time for quick makeup changes & hair adjustments.
Usually leads to 2-3 quick outfit changes or experienced actors
Timing starts AT the appointment time, so please don’t be late. Timing ends on the hour. You’ll have time to pack, and complete payment after.
Must arrive Hair/Makeup ready for this session.
Includes One Standard Retouched Image

See Availability/Book
1.5 Hour Standard Session: 565

Unlimited Looks
Recommended for all. My favorite session for best value. I typically don’t get as much variety with backgrounds and lighting as the Two Hour Session. There’s a tad bit less direction involved for those looking to achieve more looks.
Plus 5 minutes for arrival & setup
Studio Photos Indoors & Natural Light Outside
As many photos as possible
Client Receives All High-Resolution Images (Lighting adjustments/color grading included)
Usually leads to 3-5 outfit changes, depending on hair/makeup changes
Timing starts AT the appointment time, so please don’t be late. Timing ends on the hour. You’ll have time to pack, and complete payment after.
Up to one hour for hair/makeup is available if hiring one of my recommended makeup artists. This MUST be confirmed with me for scheduling purposes.
Includes One Standard Retouched Image

See Availability/Book
Two Hour Standard Session: 665

Unlimited Looks
Recommended for individuals who want multiple lighting setups & backgrounds for each look. Recommended for anyone who may need to do more extensive hair & makeup. May also be a great option for those that need a few slate shots, full body shots, modeling shots, or PR shots, which are all add-ons.
Plus 5 minutes for arrival & setup
Studio Photos Indoors & Natural Light Outside
As many photos as possible
Client Receives All High-Resolution Images (Lighting adjustments/color grading included)
Usually leads to 4-7 outfit changes, depending on hair/makeup changes
Timing starts AT the appointment time, so please don’t be late. Timing ends on the hour. You’ll have time to pack, and complete payment after.
Up to one hour for hair/makeup is available if hiring one of my recommended makeup artists. This MUST be confirmed with me for scheduling purposes.
Includes One Standard Retouched Image

See Availability/Book
Three Hour Session: 865

Unlimited Looks
Recommended only if you’re doing extensive hair/makeup changes. May also be a great option for those that need a variety of slate shots, full body shots, modeling shots or PR shots which are all add-ons.
As many photos as possible
Plus 5 minutes for arrival & setup
Studio Photos Indoors & Natural Light Outside
Client Receives All High-Resolution Images (Lighting adjustments/color grading included)
Usually leads to 8+ outfit changes (unless makeup is being done)
Timing starts AT the appointment time, so please don’t be late. Timing ends on the hour. You’ll have time to pack, and complete payment after.
Up to one hour for hair/makeup is available if hiring one of my recommended makeup artists. This MUST be confirmed with me for scheduling purposes.
Includes One Standard Retouched Image

See Availability/Book
30 Minute Session: 365

Unlimited Looks
Recommended for previous clients who are familiar with the process and would like 1-2 outfits.
RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RETURNING CLIENTS
Timing starts AT the appointment time, so please don’t be late.
Must arrive Hair/Makeup ready for this session.
NO retouches included
If you wish to book this session, please contact me and I can provide the scheduling link. If you are NOT a previous client please let me know what your goals are for this session so I can make sure it’s the right session for you.

Contact me

Extras:

Full Body Shots: $45

Shoot a full-body look during the session. This only applies if I need to roll out seamless background paper for the shoots. They are expensive!

$35 Curated Image Folder (For whole shoot)

I’ll hand-select my favorite images from each look we shoot- normally 5-10 photos per look. This will give you an idea of what I think looks best with my trained eye. This folder includes three subfolders where I categorize 5 Star, 4 Star and 3 Star Photos