Paul Smith Photography LA

Paul Smith is an Australian photographer who has been specializing in actor headshots for nearly 15 years, operating from his studio at 2020 North Main Street in the Brewery Arts Complex in downtown Los Angeles — one of the largest live-work artist communities in the world. Smith studied at the Queensland College of Art in Australia before building his career across multiple international markets, and he now shoots regularly in Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Gold Coast, and London, giving him a genuinely international perspective on headshot standards and casting expectations across the English-speaking entertainment industry. His work has earned him multiple Backstage Readers' Favorite awards in the session-over-$400 category, placing him among the most recognized headshot photographers in Los Angeles. Smith's aesthetic is described as 'clean, fresh, and a little bit edgy' — he aims for real, honest reactions rather than polished perfection, and his Australian easygoing personality creates a session atmosphere where actors naturally let their guard down and reveal authentic expressions. His association with Featureflash Photo Agency extends his images into editorial and commercial contexts beyond standard headshot usage.

In 2025, Paul Smith Photography continues to serve actors across the LA entertainment industry with a style that balances modern professionalism with genuine authenticity. Smith's approach is rooted in his belief that the best headshots capture who an actor truly is rather than a manufactured version of who they think casting directors want to see — this philosophy produces images with a quality of truthfulness that agents and managers consistently describe as 'classy but also very fun and authentic.' The Brewery Arts Complex studio provides a creative, inspiring environment that feels distinctly different from clinical photography studios, contributing to the relaxed, artistic atmosphere that characterizes Smith's sessions. His international shooting schedule means he brings perspectives from multiple markets — understanding what works in Los Angeles versus London versus Sydney gives him a broader view of headshot trends and conventions than photographers who work exclusively in one market. The clean, well-lit quality of his images ensures they perform effectively across all platforms where headshots are displayed, from the thumbnail views on casting platforms to full-screen display on agency websites to print reproduction for theatrical programs.

Booking a session with Paul Smith involves contacting the studio at (323) 463-8864 or through paulsmithphotography.com. Smith offers tiered packages: one look for $495, two looks for $795, and three looks for $995, with additional looks available at $200 each. These packages include the session, direction and coaching, and retouched digital images. Pre-session consultations cover the actor's casting type, career goals, and wardrobe selection, with Smith providing guidance on colors and styles that photograph best and support the actor's branding. Sessions are conducted at the Brewery Arts Complex studio, where Smith's professional lighting setup and creative environment combine to produce images with his signature clean, contemporary aesthetic. The session atmosphere reflects Smith's Australian easygoing personality — clients consistently describe the experience as fun, relaxed, and enjoyable rather than stressful, which translates directly into headshots that look natural and unforced.

The Paul Smith session experience is characterized by his skill at getting actors to relax and reveal their authentic selves through the camera. Smith's Australian cultural background brings a natural warmth, humor, and casualness to his directing style that differs from the more intense, coaching-heavy approaches used by some LA photographers — rather than giving precise physical instructions about jaw position or eye narrowing, Smith uses conversation, humor, and genuine connection to elicit the unguarded moments that produce the most compelling headshots. His goal in every session is to capture the actor looking their most confident, present, and authentically themselves — he describes his approach as focused on getting clients relaxed enough that they let their guard down and show who they really are rather than performing for the camera. The lighting in his studio is designed to be clean and flattering without being overly dramatic or moody, producing images with natural skin tones, sharp focus, and a fresh contemporary quality that ages well and remains effective for years. Multiple wardrobe changes within each package allow actors to create looks for different submission categories (theatrical, commercial, character) within a single session.

Paul Smith's client base spans commercial, theatrical, and voiceover actors across the LA market, with a particular strength in working with actors who have representation at mid-tier and upper-tier agencies. His Backstage Readers' Favorite awards in the session-over-$400 category provide peer-validated evidence that his clients are consistently satisfied with the investment and results. The international client base — shooting in LA, New York, Sydney, Gold Coast, and London — means Smith understands the different headshot conventions and expectations across multiple English-speaking markets, which is particularly valuable for actors who work or audition internationally. Client testimonials describe Smith as a 'joy to shoot with' and his photographs as 'nothing short of dazzling,' and the consistent theme across reviews is the combination of a genuinely enjoyable session experience with professional, casting-ready results. Managers and agents praise his work for capturing both the professional quality they need for submissions and the authentic personality that helps their clients stand out.

Paul Smith Photography offers clearly structured tiered pricing: one look at $495, two looks at $795, and three looks at $995, with additional looks available at $200 each. This transparent pricing structure allows actors to budget precisely and choose the package that matches their needs and financial situation. The one-look package provides a solid, professional headshot for actors on a tighter budget, while the three-look package delivers the variety needed for actors who submit across multiple casting categories. Compared to premium photographers like Peter Hurley ($1,500-plus) or Michael Roud ($695-plus for two looks), Smith's pricing is competitive for an award-winning photographer with international credentials and Backstage recognition. Compared to budget-tier photographers ($250 to $400), Smith's pricing reflects the premium of his experience, Backstage awards, and the Brewery Arts Complex studio environment. The clear, upfront pricing — published on the website without requiring a phone call or consultation — is appreciated by actors who want to compare options before committing.

Paul Smith is an excellent choice for actors who want clean, professional, versatile headshots from an award-winning photographer in a relaxed, enjoyable session environment. His transparent pricing makes it easy to budget and compare, and his Backstage recognition provides confidence that the investment will produce industry-approved results. The two-look and three-look packages offer strong value for actors who need variety across different submission categories. If you are seeking a highly dramatic, cinematic, or edgy headshot style, photographers like Michael Roud may better serve those creative visions. If you are on a strict budget under $400, other photographers on this list offer quality results at lower price points. For actors who work or audition internationally and want headshots that are effective across multiple markets, Smith's international perspective is a genuine advantage that most LA-only photographers cannot offer.

Book the two-look package ($795) rather than the one-look package if your budget allows — the variety of having both a theatrical and commercial option from a single session provides significantly more submission flexibility. Check Paul's LA schedule in advance through his website, as his international shooting commitments mean he is not always available in Los Angeles — booking several weeks ahead ensures you can secure your preferred date. Bring wardrobe options that represent your primary casting types — ask your agent or manager for specific guidance on what types they want to see, and share this information with Paul during the pre-session consultation. Lean into the relaxed session atmosphere rather than trying to 'perform' your headshot — Paul's approach works best when you match his energy and allow the casual, conversational dynamic to produce natural expressions. Study his portfolio on paulsmithphotography.com before the session and identify specific images that appeal to you — bringing visual references helps communicate your preferences and creates a shared creative vocabulary for the session.