Whether you’re a photographer, or perhaps an actor looking for inspiration, I’m going to go through a list of my favorite celebrity headshot photographers. We’ve seen the science behind what makes a good headshot, now let’s talk about who are some of the best at shooting them.

Now, I won’t be sharing any of their copyrighted photos, thus I do encourage that you click over to their website and check out there portfolio. Without further ado, let’s jump into the list (in no particular order):

#1 – Michael Jordan Smith: Los Angeles Celebrity, Beauty and Headshot Photographer

As a portrait and headshot photographer, I draw inspiration from a lot photographers that have come before me. And I’ll start with Matthew Jordan Smith who I happened to catch on an episode of The Grid:

He shared a lovely shot of Tyra Banks with a Ring Flash, and that helped draw inspiration for this headshot of mine:

#2 – Peter Hurley, NYC Headshot Photographer

Next is Peter Hurley, probably the most well known among headshot photographers because of his presence in education and his relationship with Scotty Kelby and KelbyOne. He’s a love or hate kinda guy because of his approach, but I personally like his style and his portfolio can back that up. And if you’re a photographer, he recently released all his secrets in The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits.

#3 – Jordan Matters, NYC Headshot Photographer

It’s clear that Los Angeles and New York are the mecca for headshot photography and after I heard Peter Hurley at a conference state that he was the best headshot photographer in NYC, I wanted to check out his competition. And Jordan Matters is another in the area that is well known for having his own look.

#4 – Alan Weissman: Los Angeles Celebrity, Headshot and Actor Photographer

What I love about looking through celebrity headshot photographers is that sometimes you can come across interesting photos and that’s the case with Alan Weissman whom has a lot of early headshots of well known celebrities. One such example is an early headshot of Cameron Diaz, and compare that to a recent headshot.

#5 – Joel Grimes: Known for his Composite HDR Portraits

While Joel Grimes isn’t your typical headshot photographer, I feel compelled to include him in the list because he essentially created the “Joel Grimes Look.” Known for his work with athletes, he’s now attracted celebrities, the entertainment industry and even the beauty/fashion industry for his unique work.

#6 – Lindsay Adler: Fashion and Beauty Photographer

Staying on the subject of photographers known for their composite photos, up next is Lindsay Adler. She has an amazing portfolio and she has dozens of education videos out there to help photographers.

#7 – Joel L.: NYC Photographer and Director

One of the rising stars in photography, Joey L. has been making waves since he was a teen. One of my favorite portfolios to look through, I find his headshot of Robert Deniro particularly compelling.

And that wraps up the list! Who are your favorite headshot photographers? Let me know in the comments below!

Related: Headshot Tips from Photographers, Casting Directors, and Makeup Artists.