All of these 5 star reviews are for a REASON. I came in blind, just needing new headshots for my new agency upon moving to LA. My session with Elina not only produced the best headshots I've ever had (and I've had many), but it was also such a fun and joyful experience. Elina is so knowledgable about getting the most natural and relaxed "performance" out of her subject, and also about all that fancy-schmancy (natural!) lighting stuff that makes your skin glow and your eyes pop. I was also so happy that she was willing to be my mirror, in a sense. I know I wouldn't be as happy with my headshots if she hadn't been willing to step forward and fix up my hair, and let me know to reapply some chapstick. Before we started shooting, she was also such a great LISTENER, taking in everything I knew that I wanted out of my headshots, as well as what my agents had asked for. And boy, did she deliever! Now, onto what I think is the number one best thing about her service. She sends you the full-size, full-quality digital photos of EVERY shot she takes (which is a lot!), and then another file that points out her favorites. That way, I had an idea of which ones she thought had the best lighting, expression, etc., but I also had access and the ability to choose which ones (and how many) that I wanted to use as my main headshots. My agency is so happy with my new headshots, and so am I. I will reccommend ANY actor to get headshots at Actors Essentials with Elina. read more

Actors Essentials are a phenomenal team! They were so attentive to every single detail when shooting my headshots...every little "flyaway" hair, the lighting, the background...EVERYTHING!! They made me super comfortable from the first shot...which is so important when shooting headshots. Nik & Elina are such a sweet couple and are amazing to work with. Plus, the work they do together to create some striking headshots is the best part! They follow through on the process up until the very last moment...and are extremely involved in helping choose and retouch the most marketable photos of yourself. They really understand the current industry trends and are helpful in educating you on it if you need it! ...I certainly did! :) All in all, I am so glad I chose to work with them, and even more happy with how my shots turned out...there are so many good ones, I am even having trouble choosing! hahaha! I plan on working with them next time I need any headshots...and my advice is: YOU SHOULD TOO!!! Thanks Nik & Elina! You guys rock!!!!! Warmly, Kristi H. read more

Head shots are a serious thing for any actor. The best part about working with ELINA is that she knows exactly what it takes to make it in this business. She gives you insight from your wardrobe to the shots, making sure that you as an artist always shine thru. I have a difficult time enjoying meeting new photographers because a lot of them already have some client base and you're just another face. WITH Actors Essentials and Elina thats NOT the case. She takes a personal interest in you and your goals. She wanted me to be 100% happy with my looks, and I am so happy I was able to shoot with her. She is nothing short of fabulous and talented. I can't even begin to describe how much fun shooting with her was. I was comfortable and relaxed the entire time despite my nerves. She's young but she has a true eye for the camera and her personality radiates so its impossible to not get good photos because she lights you up. If you want amazing pictures and a quality experience check her out. Theres really none quite like her in LA. read more

Elina is amazing! I have been an actor since I was a kid and have had many headshots done. She is honestly the best. All headshots I have done in the past are okay but I wasn't happy with them and felt that I had to settle for a photo. With her, she sent me like 400 to pick from and I LOVE every single one of them. For the first time I am proud to post any of these. She is very talented. As for the session I couldn't have asked for anything better. For the moment I got there she treated me like a friend I hadn't seen in a while and helped me pick great outfits that worked for my skin, eyes, and the looks that I audition for. The entire session was relaxed and fun and felt like friends just messing around with a camera. There was no pressure. I made the right decision getting headshots with her, and I will continue going back as long as she will take them. read more

A couple months ago, I was out and about in Hollywood when I noticed an Actors Essentials flyer posted. Since I was due for current headshots, I grabbed the number and checked out the website. I was pleased with what I saw and the package values were awesome! I am extremely picky when it comes to selecting photographers but I had a great feeling about it, so I made an appointment and I'm so happy I did! The level of professionalism, knowledge and versatility Elina displayed was off the charts! She went above and beyond helping with wardrobe, hair, make-up and got my retouched pictures to me in no time! It really shows when someone cares about their work and puts their heart into it, and it is especially rare in this town! I could not have been more pleased with the shots and the experience itself. Actors Essentials totally exceeded my expectations! read more

I had the absolute grandest time with Elina from Actors Essentials. Her main goal was to allow me to be in the best situation possible to produce the best head shots imaginable. In a little more than 2 hours she was able to get me in 3 different looks (with make-up), 3 different themes that really got to the heart of what i was trying to portray...sometimes i can be hard to love, by thanks to Elina the camera fell in love with me (and is now my mistress coincidentally). I would definitely recommend Actors Essentials to anyone who requires top quality head shots and the essence required in order to be great. Ray Diamond read more

First I have to say wow! my headshots came out absolutely fantastic! Ive never been so happy with results of prior headshots as I was with Elina's! Not only did they come out amazing, but working with Elina was also such a joy! She's so sweet and makes you feel comfortable while taking your shots. We had a fabulous time outside getting different looks and honing in on characters we see me playing. She's also so efficient on getting your pics back to you to pick out right away! If anyone in the surrounding area needs headshots done.. I would definitely recommend her! Well you heard it from me.. you better be getting your headshots done by Elina! :) :) read more

Elina is AWESOME! I was about to put a down payment with another place that was booked for months beforehand when I was referred to ActorsEssentials. I'm so glad I didn't, because I was given amazing headshots and service by AE. She was able to fit me into her busy schedule within a few weeks, and she is super sweet and professional. Elina is kind hearted, patient, and really knows what she's doing. I highly recommend her to any actor looking to get some headshots made. Shes affordable, efficient and talented. In "the biz" it's hard to know what routes to take, and how to avoid scammy situations, but, Elina is definitely good people. Use this lady! read more

Elina was amazing both as a photographer and as a person. She made me feel comfortable from her "Hi" to the moment we separated ways. She was professional to say the least, and she went above and beyond to keep me happy despite my difficult personal situation (at the time of our shoot). She delivered the pictures as quickly as she promised, keeping me posted every day. She followed up asking both about my career and my emotional state, proving once again she's good at her job and a splendid human being. I would recommend her without a doubt to any actor/model who needs a refreshing headshot session to brighten up their resumes. read more

Wow, I was not to sure when my agent, Kruglov Talent, recommended Actors Essentials to do my 8"x10" Actor's HeadShots. But, after working and doing my photo shoot with photographer, Elina Dmitrieva, I was nothing short than Impressed! She was attentive to detail as to capture your best look naturally through her camera. Kudos! And Elina also had a make-up Artist on hand at the photo shoot. I Highly recommend this photographer for other Artist needing photos. Thanks again! My agent & I love your work. I already have a very good actor friend, Earl, who is ready to do a photo shoot with Actors Essentials! read more

My session with Elina was the most enjoyable of my career, she was patient, and so present and empathetic. The welcome packet she sends before sessions inspires the actor to ask just the right questions about themselves and walk into their session with a great deal of assurance. She was so sensitive to my needs and creative when it came to my look and how to frame me. Her suggestions were on the artist to artist level, never results driven, and allowed one to feel their way through their session openly. Elina's location was very central, and I had a blast! Will definitely be working with her again. read more

Elina is an absolutely superb photographer. Not only was she incredibly helpful picking out my 3 looks for my Headshots but allowed me to see if they tested well before continuing with the shoot. I get especially nervous and self conscious when it comes to taking new Headshots, worrying about angles and if my outfit is flattering or not. While taking the pictures Elina was complementary and directed me in order to ensure the best possible outcome. I felt comfortable and love my new Headshots!! Thank you so much Elina for a wonderful shoot!! Book your appointment with Actors Essentials!!! read more

Elina!! Honestly I have spent so much money over the years on headshots having worked with the "industry's best and over priced" photographers , and not one of them had ever captured my essence in the way that Elina did. After working with her not only am I happy, but my manager loved the new images. Elina offers affordable services, and produces quality results. Not only will I be returning for my next session, but I will definitely be referring her to other friends. Thank you Elina, it was such a pleasure to work with you. read more

I had an absolute blast shooting with Elina. She immediately greeted me with a hug and could not have been warmer welcoming me to LA and making sure I felt comfortable with my shoot. She works with you, so that virtually every single shot is usable! I was amazed at how much we accomplished in 30 minutes and never once felt rushed. She really listened to the looks I was going for and I am thrilled with how the photos turned out. Not only will you walk away with excellent photos, but an experience just as lovely! read more

Elina is amazing !! Her shots turned out unbelievably striking and she was very keen to what worked for me and my look ! I was literally overjoyed with my results , especially since it was only a 30 minute , 2 look session . Elina maximized my session with specificity & was so personable & easy to work with . I definitely recommend her because her work & price is (in my experience) unbeatable . You won't go wrong with this lovely lady . Truly . I'll be back . For sure . read more

Elina is as lovely a friend as she is skilled a photographer. I've now taken my headshots with her twice, and I can say after my first photoshoot with her my audition rate went up. She knows how to direct you so that you get your best photos for whatever type or character you're aiming to achieve, and she does so in a way that makes the time fly! I'm very happy I found her and I highly recommend her, especially for artists who struggle to take photos - like myself. read more

All around awesome! I was looking for headshots that didn't cost too much, but still had the quality I needed. Actors Essentials are very competitively priced, so that gained my interest. When I was shooting, it was so easy and I felt comfortable and was able to get a lot of different looks because of that. Oh and they came out amazing! My agent raved about these headshots and said that these are the ones that will get me work. Highly Recommended. read more

This girl could seriously shoot with the best of them. If take a look into the mucho expensive, "renowned" headshot photographers' portfolios then take a gander at Elina's it's hard to spot a difference besides personal style. She's as good as anyone except she won't destroy your bank account. I strongly suggest booking with her soon before she realizes how good she is and ups her rates. My pictures came out great, I would recommend her to anyone. read more

Elina is honestly the best! She's taken my headshots twice and I have loved them both times. She is patient with you and talks you through posing. She encourages you while you're shooting and makes you feel comfortable. Her prices are extremely fair and the photos are just beautiful. I would definitely recommend her to anyone. We did 4 looks in 1 hour and they all came out great! Ah, I can't say enough about her. The best! read more