Patrick Patton Photography
Honest, no-fuss headshots that let the actor's personality shine through
Overview
Patrick Patton takes a no-fuss approach to headshot photography, focusing on honesty and simplicity. His images are clean and direct, letting the actor's personality shine without unnecessary visual distractions.
Sessions are relaxed and conversational, with Patrick using humor and genuine interaction to draw out natural expressions. He keeps the technical elements simple so actors can focus on being present.
How It Works
Patrick works with a wide range of actors in Los Angeles, and his down-to-earth style appeals to those who prefer a more casual, authentic session experience. His straightforward images are consistently well-received by industry professionals.
Pricing falls between $300 and $450 per session, with retouched digital images included. Patrick keeps his pricing fair and transparent with no hidden fees.
Who Uses It
Great for actors who want unpretentious, genuine headshots that accurately represent who they are. Patrick's honest approach produces images that casting directors trust because they look like the real person.
Pricing & Plans
Patrick Patton's sessions are priced between $300 and $450, placing him in the accessible mid-range tier for Los Angeles headshot photographers. Standard sessions include retouched digital images with a straightforward pricing model that has no hidden fees, upgrades, or surprise charges — what you see quoted is what you pay. Compared to premium LA photographers charging $600 or more, Patrick offers a budget-conscious option that does not sacrifice quality for affordability. His transparent pricing approach is refreshing in a market where many photographers obscure their rates until after an initial consultation. For actors updating headshots frequently as their look changes or their career evolves, Patrick's accessible pricing makes it feasible to reshoot more often without a major financial commitment.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Patrick Patton's greatest strength is his commitment to honesty and authenticity — his headshots look like the actual person who walks into the audition room, which is exactly what casting directors want. His relaxed, no-fuss session style puts even camera-shy actors at ease, producing natural expressions that feel genuine rather than performative. The transparent, fair pricing with no hidden costs makes budgeting straightforward for working actors who are managing tight finances. His clean, direct photographic style ensures that headshots translate well across all digital platforms and submission services, from Actors Access to agency websites. The conversational approach during sessions means actors spend less time feeling stiff and posed and more time being themselves, which consistently produces the best headshot results.
What Could Be Better
Patrick's deliberately simple, no-frills approach means his headshots may lack the dramatic flair or editorial polish that some actors are looking for — if you want highly stylized, moody, or cinematic images, his clean aesthetic may feel too understated for your taste. The lack of a dedicated website makes it harder for prospective clients to preview his portfolio before booking, requiring actors to seek out his work through referrals or social media. His minimalist direction style, while effective for naturally expressive actors, may leave less experienced performers wishing for more structured coaching or guidance on how to use their face on camera. The mid-range pricing, while fair, does not include the intensive coaching experience that premium photographers like Peter Hurley provide, so actors who need significant direction will get less hand-holding. The limited online presence compared to some competitors means actors may not discover Patrick without a personal recommendation.
Our Recommendation
Patrick Patton is an ideal choice for actors who value authenticity over flash and want headshots that genuinely represent who they are without excessive retouching or stylistic embellishment. If you are a naturally expressive actor who comes alive in relaxed, conversational environments, Patrick's approach will produce your best images. His straightforward pricing and honest results make him particularly well-suited for working actors who need reliable headshots without breaking the bank. If you are looking for highly stylized, editorial, or cinematic headshots that push creative boundaries, you will be better served by photographers with more artistic approaches like Jonathan Volk or Storm Santos. Actors who need intensive coaching and direction during their session should consider photographers who specialize in that experience, such as Peter Hurley or Brad Buckman.
Pro Tips
Come to your session with Patrick having already warmed up — do some vocal exercises, listen to music that puts you in a good mood, or have a lively phone conversation right before walking in, because Patrick's style works best when you arrive already energized rather than cold. Bring at least three wardrobe options in solid, muted colors and let Patrick advise on which ones photograph best under his lighting setup. Skip heavy makeup and dramatic styling — Patrick's clean aesthetic works best with natural, minimal grooming that lets your features speak for themselves. Ask friends or your agent which of your current headshots get the best response, then communicate those qualities to Patrick so he can emphasize similar energy in your new shots. If you are between agents or updating your type, book a session with Patrick as a low-risk way to experiment with new looks before committing to a pricier photographer for your final submission shots.