Nancy Jo Gilchrist Headshot Photography

I don’t have sell anyone on Nancy’s talents and abilities as photographer. Once you take a look at her work anyone can see how truly gifted an artist she is. Nancy has a great eye, her sense of composition, light and color are exceptional.
What truly stood out to me was Nancy’s warmth and personality. I was never comfortable in front of a camera. I never saw myself as very photogenic. In fact I hate most photos that I am in. I had a session with Nancy to get some professional profile pictures of me done, for my website and various business social media pages. From the very first email exchange I had with her, I began to feel a bit more at ease. She told me how to prepare for the shoot, and even helped me decide what to wear. On the day of the shoot she went out her way to make sure I felt comfortable and at ease. I ended up having a great time and she got some great shots of me. I never knew I was such a stud.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nancy since I was 4 years old. When I was a little actress my agent recommended Nancy. Back in that time, we shot in black and white, and your agent picked finished shots off negatives, no instant viewing or deleting «bad» shots. My agent and my mom were floored with Nancy’s work each time we shot together. My headshots got me a TON of work!
Fast forward to my mid-​twenties. I wanted to move back to LA and start acting again. I knew I needed amazing headshots and I wondered if Nancy was still in business. SHE WAS! She was a delight to contact again and we happily scheduled my headshot session.
Nancy is so vibrant and fun, she makes the headshot process so incredibly easy! She helped me select some looks and did my hair and makeup– it was amazing! My skin looked flawless!
We shot for a long time (my nerves) but she was so gracious and paid meticulous attention to detail. The shots were INCREDIBLE. The un-​retouched shots are just surreal. My agents loved her looks and shots, too. I’ve got the CD of the shots and was actually able to find another great look when my agents thought about possibly having me re-​shoot. Her services paid for themselves five fold.
To those who say Nancy cares about you and your career– you’re spot on. She loves actors and wants all of us to succeed! Her advice and knowledge of the industry and her willingness to help really does set her apart from other photographers.
She is worth every penny and is one of the best headshot photographers in the business. I would never trust my headshots with anyone else, and neither should you!

Where to begin? My experience with Nancy was, in a word, exceptional. In addition to getting incredible headshots, I gained a new friend.
I discovered Nancy through Wendy Alane Wright, an LA talent manager and mutual friend. Nancy and I communicated extensively before my shoot, so when we finally met in person, I felt like I was meeting an old friend! The day before the session, she took me to a local salon for a fresh haircut. She stood behind the chair the entire time and provided the stylist with feedback on what would look best on camera. After the best haircut I’ve ever had, she took me to her home, where I was able to see her outdoor studio we would be shooting in the next day. (I also went on a walk with her and her three awesome dogs. Following that, Nancy took me to her neighborhood sushi joint for a fantastic dinner!)
By the time the morning of my session came, I felt a great connection with Nancy. I was so comfortable and relaxed during the shoot. We went through all of my clothing options and, together, decided what would be best to help me achieve the looks I was going for. She then did my hair and makeup (Nancy is a true artist with a makeup brush; my photos needed very little retouching, if at all!). My entire session – including clothing selection, hair and makeup, three looks, and review – took, at most, 4 hours. Nancy works quickly and efficiently to keep her clients connected and engaged.
The feedback I’ve received from industry pros about Nancy’s shots has been consistent: «wow,» «exceptional,» «incredible,» «superior,» etc. Nancy is that headshot photographer that actors spend weeks and months researching and trying to find – friendly, experienced, helpful, honest and real. I couldn’t be happier! Many thanks to you, Nancy!

If I could give Nancy 10 stars — I would! My experience shooting with Nancy was an absolute joy.
I’ve been in the entertainment biz for a little over a decade and getting new head shots was never something that I looked forward to. Nancy’s approach from the start is completely different from other photographers. When I initially called her to inquire about her prices and availability I was dumfounded by the fact that she actually appeared to care about my career and what I wanted/​needed to accomplish with my head shots. We spent nearly an hour on the phone. No kidding. Then, she asked me to email her my current head shots and resume so she could do a little research. I was shocked.
At this point I knew she was dramatically different from other photographers in Los Angeles. I made an appointment and sent her all my marketing swill. To my surprise, I spoke with her again several days before my shoot (for another hour I might add) about clothing choices. Specifically; what colors and clothing types would be most suitable for my look and goals.
Then came the day of the shoot. I was late (F-​ing traffic) but Nancy didn’t let it phase her. I was full of nervous energy as usual but Nancy immediately put me at ease. She sat me down in her make up chair and one of her cute dogs took a nap on my lap while she made me look pretty. ***Side Note: Nancy has three, very cute, friendly and playful dogs. Even a «non-​dog person» can’t deny their adorability.
Then, we started shooting — for nearly 5 hours! The photos we shot were INCREDIBLE. I’m not a model (to say the least) but the pictures Nancy conjured made me look GREAT! Best of all: THEY LOOKED LIKE ME — not some photoshopped’ Ken doll. By the time I left, she gave me a CD with every shot from our session AND a bag of several fresh tomatoes from her garden. Who the hell is that nice in LA?
Her prices are VERY competitive. I suggest going with the unlimited package (HUGE bang for your buck).
If you’re looking for a new photographer do yourself a favor and stop looking — you’ve found Hollywood’s best kept secret.
Thank you Nancy!

HOLLYWOODS BEST KEPT SECRET!
Nancy Jo is a gem! Nancy puts you at ease and brings out the beauty from the inner you. She goes out of her way to make sure you look and feel great the day of your shoot! Nancy only books one shoot per day so you never feel rushed. She does GREAT hair and makeup and helps with outfit choices. She knows how to market actors and knows what agents are looking for!
Nancy Jo is my go to girl!

I am so glad I chose Nancy Jo as my photographer for my first ever head shots. I heard about her through a close friend. I knew she was going to be good from his rave reviews but she went above and beyond my expectations. She was attentive and she focused on just me. I never felt rushed. Her phone rang but she didn’t even look at it! She gave me her honest opinion about the clothes I brought with me. That was really helpful because I had no idea! She gave advice and direction without being condescending. I really loved her and her work is fantastic. I think it speaks for itself. I will absolutely recommend her to anyone.
If you have any doubt, just give her a call. She will make you feel comfortable and welcome. Like a friend…