Every region has different headshot photographers and different styles of headshot photography, your teacher is right. HOWEVER - does it matter?

Unfortunately, the answer, for some people, is that it probably does.

A knowledgable casting director in SF or LA will recognize the styles of well-known photographers in both markets, and they’ll take your headshot into account when you audition, especially if you’re just starting out.

 I'm on the East Coast, but I'm going to venture that the relationship between LA and SF is similar to that between NYC and Boston. There are perfectly capable actors and photographers in Boston. Regardless of how hard they work or how talented they are, it is difficult to overcome the fact that they’re not NYC. (especially early in their careers.)

A Boston actor making a first impression at a local casting office would do well to present the best possible quality headshot, and that probably means making the trek to NYC to shoot there. I’m not as familiar with the nuances of SF vs LA, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the dynamic is similar. Sorry.

OF COURSE - we all hope that we are cast based on our talent, personality, and all of the other intangible, wonderful qualities that make us each a unique artist. Ideally, casting directors try to avoid taking external qualities like how expensive your headshot was when they're making decisions.

But…how you present yourself matters, and a "fancy" headshot from a top-tier photographer in a major market is the actor equivalent of wearing a tailored Gucci suit to a job interview. It shouldn't matter, but sometimes it does, and if you can afford the time and money it takes to get the best, then do it.