Join us for a 45-minute panel with photographers Stephanie Girard, Jamaal Murray, Russell Baer & Vanie Poyey as they discuss headshots. Moderated by casting director, Sunny Boling. A great headshot is one of the most important tools in a actor's career. They will offer valuable insight into choosing the right photographer, preparing for your session and maximizing the impact of your headshot. There will be a 20-min audience Q&A following the panel. 

BIOS:

Stephanie Girard

Stephanie Girard is a Los Angeles based Headshots and Portrait Photographer . As one of L.A.'s most sought after photographers by Actors, Agents, Mangers, and Casting Directors, she has photographed individuals from many walks of life, including Hollywood’s newest brightest stars as well as more recognizable faces, and  the corporate elite ranging from Netflix to some of the top Tech companies in the world.

Stephanie has been voted "Best Headshot Photographer" in Los Angeles by Backstage Magazine yearly since 2014 and featured on KCRW's “The Business,” with Saul Gonzales.

Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Variety, Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, Ventura Blvd.Magazine, Los Angeles Confidential, Forbes, Beverly Hills Lifestyle, Snow Magazine, 25A, En Boga, En Sociedad, and Backstage Magazine, and VoyageLA among others. 

With 15 + years of experience she is known for her dynamic images, extensive knowledge of the industry and headshot photography and putting her clients at ease allowing them to be their best most authentic self.

Instagram @stephgirardheadshots

Jamaal Murray

Jamaal is an actor, photographer, and PR pro based in Los Angeles, bringing a fun, stress-free vibe to every headshot session. With a degree in Public Relations—a field all about managing public image and building strong connections—he knows exactly what actors need to stand out.

As an actor first, Jamaal gets it. He knows the pressure of auditions, the importance of a killer headshot, and how to capture the best version of you—without the awkward, stiff poses. His goal? To make headshot sessions feel relaxed, supportive, and actually fun so your personality shines through.

Jamaal launched PhotosByJamaal in 2012 and quickly became a go-to photographer for actors, models, and industry pros. His work has landed in front of top talent agencies and casting directors, helping countless performers take their careers to the next level.

Beyond photography, Jamaal has worked on commercials, stage productions, and films, giving him firsthand experience on both sides of the camera. That insight helps him create headshots that not only look amazing but work in the industry.

Ready to update your headshots? Connect with Jamaal on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and let’s make some magic happen!

Instagram @photosbyjamaal

Russell Baer

Photographer Russell Baer has been shooting Hollywood's most famous faces for the past 20 years. His environmental portraits range from the highest profile celebrity, to the everyday man on the street. Russell's photographs have beenseen on the pages of almost every magazine on newsstands today including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Esquire, Time, Elle, Teen Vogue, People, Maxim, Men's Health, Hollywood Reporter, Numero Netherlands, New York Times, Variety and Newsweek. 

Russell has worked with some of Hollywood's most recognizable faces including Ben Affleck, Michael B Jordan, Austin Butler, Jenna Ortega, Walton Goggins,Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Moss. In addition he has provided headshots for much of the industries working actors in Los Angeles, New York, Georgia and Vancouver.

He has been actively involved with the Non Profit organization Venice Arts as a youth mentor and taught advanced classes in documentary photography. Most recently he expanded his program to the children of Mozambique Africa with his final show at United Nations in New York City.

 Russell's photographic achievements have been recognized through variousawards including the Certificate of Commendation from both the United States Congress and the City of Los Angeles.

Vanie Poyey

"Hia, I’m the Los Angeles headshot photographer for character actors who don’t like to pose aaaand I blame my parents for the misspelling of my name. My name is actually pronounced like Bonnie (Vah-nee).

How I came to be a headshot photographer? Totally my late dad’s fault. He was the "professional hobbyist" back in the film days, and his hand-me-down Nikon F2 is where it all started for me. Teenage me? I became known as "the girl with the camera" documenting my crazy LA nightlife. Cut to: I'm an Angelino obsessed with photographing actors – go figure!

Now for the part where I awkwardly brag about myself: I’ve photographed actors you've seen in shows like Lincoln Lawyer, The Morning Show, Chicago Fire, Black Mirror (and a gazillion others, honestly). Plus music legends like Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, and sports heroes like Cal Ripken Jr. and Derek Jeter. My photos have even popped up in fancy places like USA Today and The New York Times.

Twenty-six-plus years later, I’ve helped roughly 6000+ actors like you with headshots that land auditions and build thriving careers. And now, I’m even mentoring other photographers through my program, Headshot Academy®.

Whether you shoot with me or my trained associate, Kayvon, you’ll receive a fun, collaborative experience and headshots that are more than just a pretty picture – powerful marketing tools that help you achieve your acting dreams."

Instagram @poyeyheadshots