Anthony Mongiello Photography: My Experience Shooting Unlimited Looks for Acting Headshots

Headshots are one of the most important tools in an actor’s arsenal—but what makes a session truly exceptional is when the photographer understands range, character, and the nuances of film and television marketing. 

That’s exactly what I experienced during my recent two-hour, unlimited-looks session with Anthony Mongiello Photography in Downtown Los Angeles.

Getting Ready for the Shoot

I arrived at Anthony’s DTLA studio with a wardrobe rack full of outfits—everything from upscale attorney to trendy rock star, quirky comedic roles, blue-collar characters, and even a couple of wildcard options. Because his sessions can be booked by the hour, not by the number of looks, it meant I could bring as many options as I wanted without worrying about being restricted to a specific count.

That flexibility alone is incredibly valuable for actors. When a shoot is based on time rather than a fixed number of looks, you’re able to pivot creatively, stay relaxed, and shoot exactly as much variety as your session allows.

Professional, Friendly, and Efficient

From the moment I walked in, Anthony’s energy set the tone—professional, friendly, and highly focused. He’s excellent at giving small, specific adjustments that bring out the authenticity needed for strong theatrical (film/TV) headshots.

He understands how to photograph characters, not just “nice pictures,” which is something I wish more actors considered when choosing a photographer. Each look we shot felt intentional, grounded, and crafted with booking in mind.

Anthony also makes collaboration easy. He welcomes ideas, suggests alternatives, and keeps the session moving in a way that never feels rushed.

Studio & Outdoor Variety = Cinematic Results

We shot both in studio and around his neighborhood in Downtown LA—and I loved that mix. The studio lighting offered clean, polished options ideal for agents, casting submissions, and professional branding. The outdoor portion gave my theatrical looks the cinematic realism I prefer.

For actors shooting film/TV headshots, I always recommend asking for real-life, softly blurred backgrounds (instead of flat, solid color backdrops). Anthony excels at this. The environments we used—alley textures, neutral walls, modern architectural lines—created believable, grounded worlds for each character.

A Moment From the Shoot

This was genuinely one of the most productive headshot sessions I’ve done. Because we had a full two hours, I was able to capture a wide range of characters without feeling limited or boxed in by a predefined number of looks.

Actors who want variety—and want to avoid leaving a session thinking, “I wish I had one more option”—will appreciate this structure.

Why I Recommend Anthony Mongiello Photography

Anthony is known across Los Angeles for headshots that capture depth and authenticity. Since founding his studio in 2006, he has photographed actors, models, and professionals with a style that balances clean technical lighting with real emotional presence.

His sessions can be booked by the hour:

• 1 hour

• 1.5 hours

• 2 hours
  

This format allows actors to shoot as many looks as time allows, giving you maximum creative value.

Whether you’re looking for studio portraits, outdoor cinematic shots, or a combination of both, Anthony delivers consistent, high-quality results that stand out to casting and representation.

How to Book Anthony

To view his portfolio or schedule a session, visit anthonymongiello.com

Browse actor headshots, business portraits, modeling portfolios, senior portraits, and more.

Anthony also offers the option to book makeup and wardrobe support, plus pre-session wardrobe guidance via his FAQ and blog.

You can contact him directly for rates, quotes, or to schedule your next headshot session.

Need help prepping your looks?

My Career Consultations walk you through everything—from casting types and wardrobe recommendations to character branding and session planning. A great photographer plus a strong strategy is the formula for standout headshots.

– Walid