Bader Howar

I’ve been in the biz for over two decades… I’ve worked… I’ve auditioned… I’ve researched… And… in all honesty I’ve even shot head shots for friends, and my own shots. Shoot for shoot… HOWEVER…
Bader is a pro.
Recommended to me by my new manager, Bader was far more accommodating that I would have imagined, and far more price reasonable than I imagined she’d be. With a plethora of quick slip in and out backgrounds, and ample space and light she runs her studio extremely well, professionally and efficiently.
But what’s important… the pictures… Right?
Overall, the day was easy, relaxed… She’s a bit old school, in that she knows positioning and just doesn’t hit the go button… She snaps, adjusts you slightly, verbally and then when she knows she’s got it, snaps repeatedly…
The most challenging thing about the entire transaction was after I deleted 10 shots that were easily ruled out (fake smile or blinky eyes), I had to whittle down from over 1,000 high quality shots. My manger was very happy with them, and so were my theatrical agents. I now have new tools they can use to unstick a few offices, and maybe crack open few new doors.
Simple, straightforward, clear, capturing essence of characters I play, and who I am, honestly.

My wife and I had a wonderful recent photoshoot with Bader, in addition to her doing author headshots for me. She is warm, responsive, attentive, and expertly outfitted both in her studio equipment and her camera knowledge to creatively make use of backgrounds, lighting, and pose positions to bring out the best in the subject. I found her on Unilocal,and couldn’t have been luckier!

I can’t say enough good stuff about Bader and her ways. She is easy to work with and very smart, funny and laid back. We got some great shots… she’s very big hearted and… well just look at my profile picture! She’s the best! I highly recommend her.

What a pleasure! Bader made the experience of head shots totally enjoyable, keeping me at ease and engaged throughout the whole process. Bader clearly takes pride in her work, and helped me make sure that each look was exactly what I wanted, both before and after the shoot.
I felt like I received an incredible value for my investment, and would recommend her to anyone looking to refresh their looks, or someone looking to start out with a wide variety of options!

If I could give Bader Howar more stars I would. I would give her 10 stars for:
1. Making my husband admit he had fun at a photo shoot — he hates getting head shots. We had to go together for a couples shot requested by our mutual agent — and then he and I both did individual shots. Bader was great to work with — from setting up this non-​traditional request — to handling both of our needs and personalities.
2. Balancing professionalism with passion and warmth — she’s clearly a master craftsperson and knows the industry, your needs as a performer and the ways in which she can get the most from lighting, color, and physicality (what looks best on camera once the shot is taken). She’s down to earth, fun, has a sense of humor but keeps things moving and stays focused from start to finish. She keeps the energy in the room at a high and time passes quickly while she shoots.
3. Willing to try things (glasses, outfits, lighting, backgrounds, stance) and conscious of changing things up so you never get that frozen, vacant look or any stiff posed shots that feel unnatural.
4. Caring about your post-​shoot needs (after also caring about pre and during shoot needs and expectations)
5. Providing you with so many great shots that you have lots of options to work with
6. An excellent experience. Hopefully the first of many — updating headshots just became a lot more fun.

Bader is AMAZING!
I am shy when it comes to taking pictures and she made me feel really comfortable.
She really is all in. She cares about making you feel good so she can get your energy through the shots, capturing your personality.
She helped me to understand which poses work for me according to my appearance and personality. You can see she loves her job, she has talent and knowledge about it, that’s why she does it so well.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER!

Bader is wonderful! Not only are her pictures professional quality, but she took her time during our session and not once made me feel rushed. Bader took the time to listen to exactly what I was looking for in each look and in specific expressions I wanted to capture. I had a blast shooting with her and the final product is excellent.

Don’t go anywhere else for photos. If you want more work or just to market yourself, Bader is a true professional to go to. She got me some amazing headshots! I have gotten my headshots done elsewhere before but they never came out as good as I wanted them to be. My experience with Bader was completely different.
Miss Bader is super friendly and you can tell right way that she truly cares about you and wants nothing more than for you to be 100% happy with your end photos. She did not rush me but rather made me feel very comfortable. Her studio is very private and you can sit and really tell her exactly what you want out of your photo-​shoot.
I felt very comfortable telling Bader my story and what I wanted. If you are an actor or actress, or even just trying to market yourself for business (linked in), She knows exactly what you need to get you an agent or book your next job. There is a LOT that goes into getting an amazing headshot. Not only must the photographer know how to use a camera but more importantly she must know how to truly connect with the individual and keep you engaged throughout the whole photoshoot.
From my photoshoot, I got almost 1200 amazing proofs, AND she helped my narrow them down to the top 8! It was the most fun photoshoot I ever had.
Hands down the best photographer in LA. And her prices are very reasonable, I recommend calling her and telling her what you need and she will work with you to give you a good price.

The photography business for head shots has become over saturated, and not necessarily for the betterment of the industry. Head shots are more than a pretty picture, and the person I trust most with this idea is Bader Howar. Bader understands posing and is a master of lighting; her studio is filled with natural light which she knows how to manipulate to get the best look possible.
My shoot was so fun, I almost didn’t want to leave. Being that relaxed and comfortable is so crucial because you want to feel safe as you’re being vulnerable so that every picture is natural and not forced. I knew that I could completely trust Bader to find my best angles, my best light, and my best character shining through my eyes.
I also had Bader’s trusted makeup artist, Kenneth, helping me that day, and between the two of them, I couldn’t have looked any better. They didn’t let a single stray hair go out of control, and Bader was so wonderful directing behind the camera, I felt like every look I had evolved exactly into the character I wanted to portray. By her simple direction, I could tell she wasn’t just there to make me look pretty; she was there to ensure that I was adhering to my branding and marketing plan.
Honestly, Bader is one of the best head shot photographers in LA: you cannot beat her professionalism, her know-​how, her attention to detail, and her undisputed talent. I will undoubtedly use Bader again if and when I change my look. 110% worth every dime!!!

I was nervous to have my picture taken and Bader put me at ease, So professional and easy to work with.
Highly recommended!!!

Just had my new headshots done by Bader. She was awesome! Such a pleasure to work with, and really captured me in a wonderful light.
I never felt rushed, and she put me totally at ease… which really came through in the photos. The pictures came out great, and my reps are thrilled!

Deserves a gazillion stars.
Bader has an eye like no other. Ive shot with photographers in LA, NYC, & Toronto. She is the best and most generous photographer Ive ever shot with.
Beyond recommended.

My company asked me to get corporate head shots, so after using Unilocal to find an experienced photographer in Santa Monica, I booked an appointment with Bader. I am so pleased with my experience working with Bader. She made me feel completely at ease, quickly gauged the best angle to shoot my shot from, and did a magnificent job re-​touching the photos following our shoot. I would highly recommend Bader to anyone who needs corporate head shots! She definitely over delivered far beyond my expectations! Thank you, Bader!

If you are looking for a really experienced headshot photographer don’t go any further! I am experienced actor and have been working with dozens and dozens photographers and i never met a professional like Bader. She has the perfect approach, and she’s excellent in giving very good directions so you can really do your best. Do i have to say that with her photo i booked my first casting?! Thank you Bader!
Petar

Bader is the best!
I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for when I contacted Bader about some acting headshots. She took the time to meet with me a few weeks beforehand. About 5 minutes into the meeting, I realized just how knowledgeable and professional she is. She has a unique understanding of the human face, and the different colors, lighting and photographic techniques that can really create a character. Through our conversation, I was able to form a clear understanding of the different looks I needed. From that meeting on, I knew I was in good hands.
The shoot itself was an excellent, collaborative experience. She put me at ease from the start, and the results did not disappoint. All around, I felt very fortunate to be working with such a talented photographer. You won’t be disappointed!

I was looking for a business/​professional photo and had a photo shoot done at Bader’s studio this week. It was by far the most complete and professional experience I’d ever had done. She not only has the eye for what looks great, but she really knows how to bring out the best in you. Thank you Bader, you are a total pro!

Bader Howar gave me the best headshot experience I have ever had, by far.
I went to Bader’s fantastic studio in Santa Monica for new headshots on the strong recommendation of my manager. I wanted a variety but was looking for just a couple good solid shots that could ‘do it all’. She gave me exactly what I was hoping for and then some. and the entire experience (about a 4 – 5 hour shoot) was so much fun that I actually really enjoyed getting my picture taken, which has not been the case with other photographers I have used.
Bader understands so well what makes a good headshot, not just visually, but in the attitude and atmosphere of the room. She was so encouraging, flattering, complimentary, etc. that I really just felt awesome about myself the whole time she was shooting me. And most importantly, that confidence really showed up in my shots!
Instead of taking hundreds and hundreds of shots only to have a handful of possible choices (as I have had before) I got dozens and dozens of very strong possibilities — even a bunch of good smile/​commercial shots which are always awkward for me. I think her background as an actor is definitely so helpful for being able to use that kind of encouragement to bring your best self out.
I just had to review her because I felt so great on the drive home from my shoot and I knew I was going to love my photos (which I got on a disc the same day!) Now my rep’s and I are still trying to narrow down the choices because we got so many good options. Best headshot photographer ever.

I needed professional photos for work and picked Bader and so glad I did. She blew me away with her professionalism and cool and relaxed way of shooting photos. Her studio is huge and light-​filled and Bader played music, offered up drinks and made me feel comfortable with getting my picture taken. Prior to the photo session she gave me great advice on wardrobe and jewelry and makeup – what looks better in photos, and what would be best for me, so I could project the image I wanted.
She was also seriously fast and efficient, as I had the photos the next day. Bader came highly recommended to me, and I would use her again for any future photos in a heartbeat. The extra bonus was that Bader was seriously fun, and it was really interesting to watch her work. She’s a genius with a camera!

Bader is the BOMB, period. She is my favorite head shot photographer /​artist in Los Angeles. I have been getting headshots with her since 1998. The truth is, her pictures get me work. They get me in the door and that is what a head shot is supposed to do.
My pictures with Bader always look like me. Casting has never said, «Uh, you don’t look like this in person.» Not only has Bader done some amazing head shots for me; she has also done some great pictures as well. She is able to really bring out and capture what’s deep inside of me.
She makes the process easy, smooth, and enjoyable. If I tell her, «Don’t put this lipstick on me, I would never walk into a casting office with this on,» she listens and does what I say. I agree with Abigail, Bader is generous with her time, I never feel rushed. I always feel like I am visiting a good friend. I adore Bader, I really do. I have been getting my head shots with her since I was in my early 20’s. I think highly and fondly of her.

Bader was great to work with. She took the time to go through all the wardrobe choices I had brought with me and I brought A LOT. She picked the items that complemented me and would look great photographed.
She knows how to bring out the energy and life out of you and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. She does not rush you and makes sure that you have all the looks and shots that you want.
I enjoyed shooting with Bader!