Joanna

ABOUT ME


From working on both sides of the camera I know how important an actor’s headshot is. As a former actor, I am aware of how fast this business changes and what one agent may want, another casting director hates. I am also constantly researching and talking to agents and casting directors to find out what they are looking for in a headshot. I want your shots to be current, pop on line and serve YOU, the actor. Headshots are very specific job, understanding that and getting out of the way is key for me. Your headshot should be about what makes you unique and tell your specific story.


I have my MFA from the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program (PATP 2002) and I hold a B.F.A. in Fine Art — painting and drawing from Michigan State University. I moved to Los Angeles in ’02 to pursue acting and once I picked up a camera for a project, my eyes lit up and I had found something that is perfect for me.

I started shooting headshots in Los Angeles around 2005, right when the industry switched from black and white film to color digital. While pursuing my career as an actress, I had worked as an assistant and associate in a casting office where I had the looked at thousands of headshots and sitting in on incredible auditions. I am now a full time photographer. I use my actor training to work with you during your session and help put you at ease. I approach your session as your scene partner, biggest cheerleader and team-mate. There are no secrets during the session, you see the images and I am on your side and in collaboration with you and your representatives.


It is important to me that you walk away feeling like you got the shots that you wanted. My goal is to create a safe, kind, creative, easy and fun space for your best work and give you a final image that you can submit to an agent and casting director and know with confidence that you look like that picture and are representing yourself with truth to achieve whatever your next step is.


I have photographed/worked with celebrities and brand new actors and I always approach the session with the same open heart, respect and excitement. I really love what I do. I love meeting new people and seeing actors I have worked with on my television or on stage. My photos have been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, People Magazine, The New York Times, Deadline Hollywood, Book Author Covers, TV Shows, podcasts, Broadway programs and many other online and printed publications.


We are also happy to answer any questions that you can’t find answered here so please email us and we will respond as soon as we can. The biggest reward for me is turning on the TV and watching the actors that came to me for headshots WORK.


I shoot with a Canon r5 mirrorless camera and my whole heart


Happy shooting!


P.S. - In August of 2013 Joanna Brooks was married to Vance DeGeneres and changed her name from Joanna Brooks to Joanna DeGeneres, so if you were looking for Joanna Brooks…you found her. Different last name, same awesome photographs and getting better every day.

ABOUT


SOPHIA - Studio Manager

Sophia is an LA-based actress who joined the team in August of 2022. She holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Arizona, where she first met Joanna while assisting with senior showcase headshot sessions! In addition to acting, Sophia loves to take photos, bake far too many desserts, and spend time with her pet cats & chickens. She will help get you scheduled & ready for your best headshot session yet! 


ABOUT


TATERS


Taters is a 35lb hypo-allergenic Labradoodle and joined the team in August of 2018. She has been an important and flawless addition to our studio. She will always welcome you and assist with stress or nerves by offering her belly for scritching, a couple of face or ankle licks, and may even bring you her toys. She enjoys performing tricks for treats and knows sit, paw, and roll over, high five, wave, spin and "bang-Bang" and will do almost anything you ask for a bit of doggie bacon. She’s sweet and gentle and here to make sure your session is absolutely paw-fect!

ABOUT


RINGO


Ringo is Taters younger brother and a really special addition to our team since May, 2023. He is an Aussiedoodle rescue pup from Wagmor Pet Rescue in Studio City. He, like his sister, is also hypo-alergenic. Ringo has been a welcome addition and injection of energy and love to our studio. He is still figuring out how the schedule works but is already pretty paw-fect. He is still learning and figuring out how much noise his bark makes but he is very snuggly and aims to please and do whatever his sister does. He can't wait to meet you, sit on your feet and bring you a toy.