Meet Bradford Rogne | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bradford Rogne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bradford, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was more of a natural progression than a grand plan. I began shooting actor headshots from my little Hollywood apartment back in 2002 while also working as a makeup artist for the celebrity clients I was starting to attract. My “studio” at the time was basically my Runyon Canyon-adjacent balcony — good light, tight space, and a lot of determination.

Eventually, I outgrew that setup and found the perfect space in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District, where my photo studio still lives today. That move changed everything. It gave me the creative control and flexibility I’d always wanted — a place to design light, shape style, and bring together everything I love about photographing people.

I’ve always wanted to work in the entertainment industry — capturing actors, models, and Hollywood executives in a way that feels honest but elevated. Opening my studio gave me the chance to do exactly that. It became the bridge between my two worlds — the technical and the creative — and it’s where I get to help people look like the most confident version of themselves.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of the most unique aspects of my business is the marriage of my two creative worlds — photography and makeup artistry. Working simultaneously as a headshot and celebrity photographer and a makeup artist, I’ve been able to give my clients a more complete and personal experience. I understand every angle of what goes into making someone look and feel their best in front of the camera — from lighting and posing to subtle adjustments in styling and expression.

At my downtown Los Angeles studio, I work with people from every corner of the entertainment and business world — actors, executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives — each bringing their own story and energy. Over the years, I’ve also photographed for magazines, brands, record labels, and networks, which has kept my work constantly evolving and inspired.

As a makeup artist, I’ve had the chance to work on film, television, and commercial sets, which gave me a completely different vantage point. Watching how other visual creatives — photographers, directors, and stylists — approach their craft shaped my own. I carry that insight into every headshot session I shoot, which allows me to offer clients confident direction, real collaboration, and results that feel authentic and elevated.

I’m most proud of the longevity and reputation I’ve built. Being consistently recognized as one of the Best Headshot Photographers in Los Angeles for over 20 years has taken a lot of dedication, adaptability, and creative reinvention. Some years have been smooth, others a little gritty, but every challenge helped me grow both as an artist and as a business owner.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every client connection matters. I’ve had clients return for new headshots year after year — even 10, 15, 20 years later. Watching their careers evolve and knowing I’ve played a small role in that journey is something I never take for granted.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create portraits that help people feel confident, seen, and ready to take the next step in their careers. That’s what drives me every time someone steps in front of my camera.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Los Angeles, there’s never a shortage of things to see, eat, and do — so when friends come to visit, I try to show them a mix of everything that makes LA feel alive. Here’s how I’d give my best friend the full LA experience:

We’d start with a hike through Griffith Park, heading up to the Observatory for that perfect golden-hour view of the Hollywood Sign. It’s one of those moments that never gets old, even after living here for years.

Dinner might be at one of my go-to restaurants — Alba, Osteria Mozza, or Mother Wolf — all great for incredible food, wine, and people-watching. For a more casual night, we’d grab a beer and an exotic link at Wurstküche, wander through Hauser & Wirth to see what’s showing, and explore the Downtown LA Arts District — my neighborhood and creative home base.

During the week, we’d check out The Broad and The Getty, two of my favorite museums for inspiration and world-class art. Then we’d rent bikes and cruise Venice Beach, before heading to Abbot Kinney for some shopping and a bite at one of the local cafés.

If it’s summer, we’d definitely catch a classic film at Cinespia in Hollywood Forever Cemetery — there’s nothing quite like watching an old movie under the stars surrounded by palm trees and the LA skyline.

To round it out, I’d take them through Silver Lake for coffee and boutique shopping along Sunset Boulevard, and we’d wrap up the weekend at the Larchmont Village Farmers Market, followed by lunch at La Bettola di Terroni. It’s the perfect mix of good food, neighborhood charm, and the occasional celebrity sighting — just to remind us we’re still in LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been really lucky along the way to have some incredible friends and mentors who’ve supported me at every stage — fellow freelance creatives, artists, and a few talent agents and managers who believed in me early on and offered great advice about building a career in the entertainment industry.

My husband, Felipe Menezes, who happens to be one of the top photo retouchers in Los Angeles, deserves a huge amount of credit. He’s spent countless late nights beside me, helping fine-tune images and keeping the creative energy going when we’re both running on fumes. Having a partner who understands the work and shares the same drive has been a game changer.

I really believe that having a strong support system is key to success in any creative business. No one does it alone. I’m incredibly grateful for the friends, clients, and collaborators who’ve helped me build this studio and this life — it’s the combination of community, trust, and shared vision that keeps pushing our careers forward.

Website: https://RognePhoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfordrogne

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordrogne/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradfordRognePhotography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/headshots-by-bradford-rogne-photography-los-angeles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bradfordrogne

Other: Editorial Photography: https://BradfordRogne.com
Google Business Profile: https://g.co/kgs/NBJYzNo
Headshot Photography IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradfordrognephotography/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bradfordrogne

Image Credits
Photography by Bradford Rogne