Kirsten Lara Getchell Photography
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Kirsten Lara Getchell Photography
I started shooting headshots in Los Angeles back in the 90's when many talented actors I knew were struggling to find a photographer who could capture compelling headshots that would get them through talent agency and casting director doors. I picked up the camera and something just instinctively clicked.

Twenty-something years later, I've collaborated with countless actors and models - from aspiring newbies, to working actors, and celebrities - as well expanded my work to include professionals, businesses and a variety of others who seek headshots, portraiture and lifestyle images in what I consider to be my clean, less-is-more, authentic style.
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Working with Kirsten was a joy. Her calm, seemingly effortless ways belie the hard work and preparation she puts into her shoots. Her photographs are clean, and beautifully shot. That sort of simplicity is what I look for and what Kirsten is able to create. I most definitely will work with Kirsten again.
In the message box, be sure to specify what type of headshots, portraiture or other photography you are interested in. For example: headshots for acting + modeling; headshots for professionals + businesses; portraits for dating + social media; portraits for families; lifestyle photos; product photos.
Reviews (18)
Belal W.
Belal W.
Feb 01, 2021
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I am an aspiring actor here in the Bay Area. I am just recently beginning to put more energy & effort into acting & knew I had to get some professional headshots done. I did a little bit of research online & came across Kirsten's work. Right off the bat you can see how talented she is at what she does & I knew I wanted to work with her to get my first set of headshots done. Kirsten did not disappoint! First off, she is soooo easy to work with. She made me feel so comfortable & she was so easy going. I let her know that I was a newbie & that wasn't at issue at all
Jay S.
Jay S.
Sep 24, 2020
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You wanna get great Headshots that get you booked? Call Kirsten. It was great working with her. A pro in every sense of the word. Walked me through the entire process. From clothes to pick to photos to use. She is also one of the sweetest people I've met. For good shots you need to be calm and she really helped me with that. Bottom line she's the best. Period.
Lauren G.
Lauren G.
Sep 11, 2018
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Kirsten is amazing. She is such a pro and a joy to work with. She makes being photographed easy and fun and always gets beautiful results. The only headshot photographer I'll use!
Ariana P.
Ariana P.
Feb 24, 2018
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I had the best headshot experience with Kirsten and talented MUA Rachel. Kirsten made me feel so comfortable and confident which is hard for me to do doing headshot sessions! She is so warm and friendly and just puts you at ease. She excels at making you look natural and at your best. Thank your Kirsten! You are my forever headshot photographer.
Dee L.
Dee L.
Jun 20, 2017
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Just left a photo session with Kirsten and Rachel Rockwood (stylist/makeup) and loved the experience. Both completely professional and yet warm, inviting and unpretentious. Kirsten's studio is well lit so whether in or out lighting was natural and open. It was so nice to have a makeup artiat prepared to make up brown skin, naturally and beautifully. Rachel constantly checking in with me for consensus. Kirsten is an excellent guide in playing with the camera and had simple and helpful suggestions to relax me and get me to shift from frame to frame. She has a quick turn around and can retouch
Karen S.
Karen S.
Feb 14, 2017
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I had a wonderful time working with talented, warm, smooth going Kirsten. Her studio felt just right for comfort and then moving to outdoors was a breeze. She is focused and clear with direction. Love her work.
Kristine G.
Kristine G.
Sep 19, 2015
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This is my third time shooting with Kirsten and I've always gotten my best results with her! I've moved to LA in the last year and after trying another photographer (who was fantastic, by the way, but the shots just didn't get me in the door as much as they should have) I decided to go back to Kirsten since I was visiting the Bay Area for the weekend. SO GLAD I DID. She accommodated me and was able to book one of my favorite HMUAs (also a regular HMUA of hers) Nikol Elaine. Seriously, a dream team to work with. Kirsten helped me pick my outfits after discussing the looks we were
A. M.
A. M.
Jun 24, 2015
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After looking through a number of portfolios for professional and casual shots (for my business), Kirsten's clearly stood out. They had an 'extra something' in every shot that made them look interesting. I wasn't sure if she could do anything similar for me - but she did. She has the rare magical gift for taking amazing shots - and in creating the space for them to happen. Great job Kirsten!
Terris L.
Terris L.
Jun 01, 2015
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Kirsten has done two shoots of my teenage daughter, so clearly I'm a fan. The stylists chosen by Kirsten are pros. Kirsten's kind, friendly, and supportive personality is the perfect recipe for getting the best shots of my daughter in multiple looks. Kirsten provides exceptional performance regarding proofs, touch-ups, and final image availability. We will return.
Candy P.
Candy P.
Dec 24, 2014
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She was just OK. Was strongly encouraged by my agency to go to her for headshots, and kept hearing rave reviews about it, but in my honest opinion, Kirsten could have done more to ensure that I got absolutely top notch headshots. While the shots came out okay, ranging from so-so to above decent, I think her shooting style makes people somehow look older and "stale". Comparing her to my previous headshot photographer, she did not nearly make as much effort as the previous one did to make me feel comfortable and in the zone. Example: my previous photographer would deliberately fake laugh
Ailin N.
Ailin N.
Oct 29, 2014
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Right when we walked in, Kirsten made us feel at ease. We were new to this whole thing and my 9 year old daughter was there to get her head shots done. She was so nice, soft spoke, and not snootie or uppity. During the entire time my daughter felt very comfortable with her.

We did check out a few others via recommendations and links. Glad we went to Kirsten. By the way a few of my daughters friends/classmates from acting school went to Kirsten too.

Now here's the best part. Pictures were beautiful AND she gives you all of them (and there were so many). Kirsten, if you're reading
Kyrstannie D.
Kyrstannie D.
Oct 15, 2014
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I cannot say enough good things about Kirsten's work! I was in need of some new head shots and came across Kirsten on Yelp. I am so pleased with not only the results, but how the shoot went overall.
Her stylist Rachael did a GREAT job on my hair and makeup and Kirsten made me feel very comfortable in front of the camera. When I got them back, I was just in awe. My boyfriend even stated these have been some of the best shots I've had taken yet. So very pleased and highly recommended!!
Britt B.
Britt B.
Sep 09, 2014
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A few months ago I was signed by MDT Agency, Inc. to do print modeling, voice-overs and on-camera work. It has been such a fun adventure, and I have had some really amazing opportunities arise! When I got started, they recommended Kirsten Lara Getchell to do my head shots. Since then I have also worked with Kirsten as a makeup artist for other models shoots, and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her! She makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and really knows what she is doing from a technical standpoint as well. If you or anyone you know is looking to get some solid head shots
Danielle O.
Danielle O.
Jun 16, 2014
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Pretty much can't say enough about this fantastic lady! Not only her skill as a photographer, but her genuine spirit as well. Everything was easy about this shoot; from first contact, to booking, to arriving at Kirsten's gorgeous studio. She has EVERYTHING set up: a make-up table, clothing rack, bathroom, changing station. Great locations nearby to shoot outdoors, or several backdrops in her studio. She was very involved in helping me pick out my wardrobe to match my 'types', and she was spot on with every single one. I have noticed an immediate and dramatic upswing in
Monica B.
Monica B.
May 24, 2014
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I've been to several photographers in the Bay Area, and my shoot with Kirsten was, by far, the best. The shoot was easy, efficient, fun, AND, most importantly, I got so many great shots out of it. There was zero ego involved, I felt at ease the entire shoot, and communication with Kirsten is excellent. I will definitely go back to Kirsten when I am ready for new head shots!
Alicia C.
Alicia C.
May 20, 2014
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I am am a mother of 3. I spend my days in yoga pants, chasing munchkins. This was my first foray into headshots and I felt...petrified. Kirsten set me at ease with her friendly smile and mellow demeanor. Not 24 hours later, the proofs were ready. Every shot amazed me. There is magic in Kirsten's work. And it's not just that I look like I sleep. My personality is in every picture. She captured me beautifully. What a gift!
Richard S.
Richard S.
Jan 10, 2014
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I called Kirsten 4 days before a major audition, needing quality head shots. She delivered, creating 2 incredible head shots and set them up so I could get them to the lab for processing the same day. She has a gift. She made it easy peasy. Thank you Kirsten.

Why settle for less?
Pokin Y.
Pokin Y.
Jan 28, 2011
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Kirsten is fantastic! I found her as I was looking for a Christmas present for my old roommate, and decided to get both of us photo packages. My old roommate will be going for a maternity shot while I opted for a headshot package since it felt like it was a good thing to have.

Not only did the pictures turn out amazing, but Kirsten was really friendly AND has a super-quick turnaround time on photos. We did our shoot on Saturday and by Sunday morning Kirsten had pictures in her online gallery ready for browsing.

Definitely highly recommended! :) Can't wait to see my old roommate&apos