First impressions happen in a glance—that’s why your headshot matters. It’s your moment to convey who you are now and spark curiosity about your next materials. Yes, professional headshots can be expensive, especially when you’re first starting out. But you can still get started on a budget by finding up-and-coming photographers who need practice with real subjects, or swap shoots for portfolio reviews. Here are some resources to start building a strong, affordable portfolio. Although these are LA Schools, you can google photography programs in your area. Contact them to see if they have resources to contact students who are looking for subjects to improve their skills.
Headshot Resources:
Here’s a list of Los Angeles–area schools that offer photography programs.
- • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – BA/BS in Photography within the UCLA School of TFT (Theater, Film and Television).
- • University of Southern California (USC) – BFA in Photography and related programs within the Roski School of Art + Design; MFA options also available.
- • California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – BA/BFA in Photography and related media (Valencia campus; near LA).
- • ArtCenter College of Design (Pasadena) – BFA in Photography (and related visual arts programs).
- • Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – Fine Arts programs with photography within the School of Film and Television; options may include photography emphasis in studio art.
Universities/Colleges in the broader LA area with strong photography offerings
- • California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – BA in Photography; MFA options in related disciplines.
- • California State University, Northridge (CSUN) – BA in Photography; MFA or related programs in the Art Department.
- • California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) – BA in Art with photography emphasis; opportunities in the Art program.
- • University of California, Riverside, Orange County campuses not in LA proper but nearby; (note: not in the city core if you’re focusing strictly on LA proper).
Art/Design colleges (specialized)
- • Otis College of Art and Design (Los Angeles) – BFA in Photography; MFA in related fields via the Graduate program.
- • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) (Downtown LA) – Programs related to photography, visual communications, and studio arts at certificate/associate levels; check for the exact photography offerings and certificates.
- • Pasadena City College – AA/AS in Photography; two-year pathway with strong hands-on labs.
- • Santa Monica College (SMC) – AA/AS in Photography; widely used stepping stone to 4-year programs.
- • Glendale Community College – AA/AS in Photography (and related studio arts sequences).
- • Los Angeles City College (LACC) – AA/AS in Photography; transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
