Paul Smith Photography — Local services in Los Angeles

I regret choosing to go with Paul Smith photography for actor headshots. While his experience guarantees a basic level of professionalism, there are so many other highly competent and talented photographers around town who will give you more bang for your buck and time.

Paul's website makes clear how little wiggle room he leaves at every stage of the process for feedback, or grace for any point of dissatisfaction. * Note: the original photo files alone are available for only a few weeks until he charges yet another high fee just to download! No reshoots. No retouches. No refunds. And I am left without access to ANY photos...even if I wanted to have just for personal use.

I knew less than midway through my session that I made the wrong decision, and felt so soured and trapped by the investment I had already made. Also rushed - sandwiched between two actors also running over time. Even though I was able to get an idea of how the photos were looking midshoot, other photographers I've worked with scheduled shoots in such a way as to leave ample time and space at the end to browse through with more care…

The makeup artist was friendly, but she was subbing for the one who normally works in studio and did not have the instincts nor offer the guiding presence during the shoot that I expected, given what I paid. I came hair ready, but the website says "They will help you fine-tune your hair, watch for flyaways..." - I did not experience any of that, and realized only after the shoot was over, that a simple comb through would have been well advised. sigh

Lastly, I would have benefitted from better communication regarding the realities of timing and scheduling the shoot around natural light. It was Paul's use of natural light in the photos on his website that made me choose him in the first place...But I could already see from the screen mid-shoot that what I had hoped for and visualized was not...

Paul is spectacular.

This was my first time ever getting professional headshots taken and I was so nervous previous to scheduling an appointment with Paul.

However, every part of the process for me made me feel comfortable, taken care of, and creatively inspired!

In the first part of the process, he was wonderful at communicating with me personally over email and giving me recommendations on what to wear. Later, on the day of the shoot, he made me feel GORGEOUS and like an amazing model- despite the fact that I don't tend to feel comfortable in front of a camera. Also- shout out to his in-house makeup artist Lauren, because she is also simply the greatest. I'm quite certain she is a make up wizard with how easily she incorporated the specific looks I was going for, and created such a versatility on camera.

I plan on going here again and again. I highly recommend him to everyone! I got such a wonderful variety of shots that make me look fierce...

Paul is the best photographer I've worked with! I did three looks with him and am so happy with all the photos we took. I have never been so happy with head shots and feel like Paul really captured my spirit in each of his photos. I also had my make-up done by Adriana who was wonderful and did a great job with highlighting my features for each look. All of my family and friends love my photos as well and have been asking me who did them. Paul was very professional and made me feel very comfortable from the get-go. Whenever I need new head shots from now on Paul will be my go-to-guy. ...