Los Angeles Music Photographer & Westlake Village Portrait Studio

Produced in collaboration with Jay Gilbert Photography

Album covers, artist portraits and press photography for musicians, bands and performers.

I’m Chris Schmitt, a music and editorial portrait photographer based at 805 Studios in Westlake Village. I work with independent artists, bands, record labels and publicists across Greater Los Angeles to create album artwork, press images and promotional photography. Whether you need a single cover image or a set of portraits for a full release campaign, we’ll shape the lighting, wardrobe and setting around the music and how you want the project to feel.

Selected work created in collaboration with music photographer Jay Gilbert includes projects for Rick Springfield, Ace Frehley and The Temptations.

Book an Artist Portrait Session

Album Cover Photography & Artist Press Photos

A cover image has to hold its own on a record sleeve and as a thumbnail on a phone. We plan the shoot around where the images will appear, from album and single artwork to electronic press kits, tour announcements, streaming profiles and social campaigns. A session can include a lead image for the release and a set of supporting portraits for press and promotion.

Editorial Portrait Studio in Westlake Village

At 805 Studios, we create studio portraits for musicians, actors, performers and other creative professionals. The look can be quiet and intimate, bold and theatrical, or clean and understated. Tell us where the images will be used and bring a few references you’re drawn to. We’ll build the lighting and backdrop around the look you want.