Michael makes sure you are comfortable and what makes the experience worthwhile is you sit knowing that he captures the best looks for you. He also does light fixes if you want to make the photos to look amazing. I've worked with several headshot photogs and Michael is hands down the best in Hollywood. As a matter of fact, my agent (who is very picky about photographers and told her clients she would only accept from two photographers on her approval list but when I told her I was getting photos from Michael, she went, oh, that's great! You really can't go wrong! read more

I shot with Michael Helms 7 years ago and LOVED my photos. I recently returned for another round of photos (yea - I'm one of those who still had B&W photos!) and got new color head shots taken. Michael was easy to work with, gave me exactly what I needed, and burned a CD of all my photos that day. I don't think I'll wait another 7 years to shoot again. Michael makes the experience a real pleasure. I send all of my clients and students to him. His rates are reasonable. HIGHLY recommend! read more

No one knows lighting and faces like the lovely Michael Helms. He's passionate about his art and it shows. He's the best. He's easy to work with, endlessly entertaining, and a total pro. I had the good fortune to work with him as a makeup artist for many years. Never a dull moment in the very best way. read more

Really looking forward to my new Headshots ! I got so much work with my current shots that he took! He is a great, amazing photographer! Very easy going and makes you feel expressive and confident which is very important and rare to find in other photographers! Thank you Michael! read more

I loved shooting with Michael! He is super laid back and took some amazing headshots, I highly recommend him. I've never been happier with my photos :) read more

Michael Helms Photography - Session Photography Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I was disappointed with my photographs from Michael Helms. Michael himself was really nice. The experience was very pleasant and when I didn't like some of the photos we were reviewing he'd shoot more. He wasn't money grubbing or trying to upsell me. I appreciate that. However the photos I walked away with weren't anything special. I felt like I was just part of his "system." Serious face to smile... ok we got it, next look. There was no time to work, to bring out personality, to try anything interesting. He has a very set way of shooting and that's what he does. If it weren't for me asking for reshoots the whole session would have been over in 45 minutes. Bing bang boom. Let's get this done. The work is aesthetically pleasing but lacks any punch that will make you stand out in the crowded world of acting. read more

Do you want headshots that will perfectly represent you? Do you want images that exude total professionalism and help you to put your best face forward? Do you want a shoot experience that is professional yet fun? If you answered "yes" (or even just "maybe") to any of these questions, you owe it to yourself (and your career!) to book a session with Michael. Let me tell you about my experience, and hopefully you too will see why Michael is deserving of every star. After months of dragging my heels due to extreme nervousness, I finally decided that I couldn't put off my headshots any longer and I reached out to Michael through his website. He got back to me right away through e-mail with his availability, and together we set a date in the not-too-distant future. Michael made the recommendation of booking a makeup artist and offered to contact her on my behalf (more on her in a moment). He made the entire process of booking the shoot very easy and low-stress. On the day of the shoot, I arrived at Michael's studio, which is located in the back half of his home in Shadow Hills. It's a really peaceful place, with options for shooting indoors and outdoors. Right away, Michael sized me up and helped me to select my best two commercial looks, and then he sent me to the makeup chair. The artist he recommended, Meghan Blaylock, has years of experience working with him, and they have a wonderful rapport that makes you feel comfortable and erases any nervousness you might have (because you can tell that you're in good hands). When my makeup was done, Michael set up the shot and got the perfect look in less than 20 clicks. I'm not kidding: he's a genius with lighting. Same with looks 2 and 3, and then even a little "fun" one at the end when the wind lifted my hair and gave me a sort of untamed look. All told, I walked away at the end of the shoot with 100 snaps divided among 3 looks on a CD, and 3 beautifully retouched final images. You simply have to watch him work in Photoshop -- it's unreal how fast he is at retouching. Best of all, he keeps it natural! No weirdly smooth Barbie faces here. Your images are YOU. I wholeheartedly recommend shooting with Michael and I know I'll be back again for a zed card shoot when I decide to dip my toes into the commercial print sector. Just let him do his thing from start to finish and you will be rewarded with some of the best images of yourself that you've ever seen. read more

Perfection!! I am a photo phobic playwright. My producers had asked me for a headshot. I heard of Michael Helms, and had the pleasure of meeting him. He seemed like a nice enough guy. So I called to schedule an appointment. I told Michael I would like a headshot that represented me as a warm and approachable person. Michael listened! I am giddy with the results. The photos are beautiful, I look warm approachable and there is no mistaking that the photo is me. Beyond what I had hoped to have. Having shown a handful of industry people (because I am not an authority in this area and wanted input) I was told by a casting agent friend, that Michael is a Master of Light, a Artist Manager said that there was not one bad photo all were usable, and my Producers are over the moon. I wish I had gone to Michael years ago. If I had I would have saved years of being photophobic. Thank you very much Michael. I absolutely recommend Michael to anyone, everyone who is looking for a professional photographer. Actors and professionals alike, he is the right choice.. read more

Have worked with Michael several times now and his photos are always excellent. He is a total professional, works quickly once the shots are set up, and always listens. Highly recommended. read more

I just shot my new head-shots with Michael Helms Photography. It was a great experience. His studio is top notch. I've always known that Michael has a passion for photography. I'm so glad I got to work with him at the beginning of meteoric come back! Cant wait to shoot some more!!! -Dustin Brown read more

Michael is simply awesome! I have shot my acting headshots with him three times over the past seven years and shooting with him is always a pleasure. Michael Is truly committed to capturing shots that work for the subject. He lights each person in the unique way that flatters them most (rather than lighting everyone the same); he lights so beautifully, in fact, even his unretouched images look amazing. He also takes the time to really understand what his clients are seeking to accomplish with the session. Michael is my go-to photographer where headshots are concerned, as I always walk out of his studio feeling as though we nailed exactly what my agent and I were going for. I have received only positive comments from the photos we did together (from my agent, casting directors, directors, others in the industry, friends, family...). I just shot with him again today and could not be happier with the results. In addition, I would like to mention that the makeup artist I had lined up had to cancel last minute, but Michael came through with a wonderful makeup artist/hair stylist, Meghan Blaycock. She, too, is outstanding. (Note: This review was written by Sherri, Erik's wife.) read more

Michael is the ultimate pro. He will immediately make you feel at ease. Michael listens to what you need/want and executes it to perfection!!!!!!!! Michael is creative, fun and FAST!!!!!! He loves what he does and it shows in the final product!!!! read more

Went to him because a friend recommended him. Nothing special, static shots from a single angle. Cool guy, but went back on his promise to reshoot when my reps didn't like the shots, instead trying to badmouth them by saying they likely wanted kickbacks. They don't. He instead promised a refund, but went back on that promise too after he saw I had posted one of the unfinished pics to my FB (with him tagged, while still waiting for him to respond to my last email). Conclusion: I didn't get the shots I need, he refused to reshoot and then refused to refund. I'm left with useless shots and $300 bucks down the drain. NOT good enough for a market like LA, where great photographers are everywhere. Don't waste your time and money here. read more

Hands down, the worst experience of my headshot career. I brought all my wardrobe for the looks we were after, we went through them before I got into makeup and we were on the 2nd wardrobe look when all of a sudden he got from behind the camera, turned off all the lights and said the shoot was over and abruptly went into another room. I was dumbfounded. After I had collected all of my things, I respectfully asked what happened, had I done something wrong and he said, and I quote, "I don't owe you an explanation." Then I said, and I quote, "Wow." I left and the makeup artist walked me to my car and I asked her opinion and she, too, had no idea what had happened to make him behave so despicably. How horrific to treat another person in such a way. I tried to think of everything that would inspire him do this. The only thing I could come up with was that it was personal. I had shot with him a year or so prior and a couple of weeks after that shoot he asked me to go hang gliding with him but I kindly declined. Who knows what his reason for his hideous behavior, only him, I suppose. This was many years ago, before yelp was around and so now I get my chance to say my peace. read more

I had the best experience this past weekend shooting (head shots) with Michael Helms. Not only am I thrilled with the photos, but it was very very COMFORTABLE. Michael is extremely relaxed in his approach, so that energy transferred to me, the new, nervous client. Also, I loved Meghan Blaylock, make up artist extraordinaire - She did an amazing job. I went into this situation extremely nervous because about eight months ago, I had a bad photo shoot and an even worse make up artist. The photos were so lousy that I became depressed, convinced that I am ugly. It was traumatic. That caused me to be hesitant about ever shooting again, except I wrote a book and need a current picture for the back jacket. I HAD to do it. Fortunately, a neighbor (a working actress) said "You have to go to Michael Helms! Don't go to anyone else. All my friends shoot with him." Since she is around my age and her pictures are terrific, I contacted him. UPSHOT: If you are looking for head shots or business shots, look no further. Michael Helms is the bomb. And....nobody, including Michael, asked me to write this. I left his studio on Saturday rejuvenated, confident and even healed as a result of our session. P.S. I brought my playlist and blasted it - made it more fun. read more

I have had my headshots taken by Michael for about 18 yrs! I have gone to some other photogs to get quick, cheap shots and that is exactly what they were. I always return to Michael for pix that casting directors love and that get me in the door! I love you Michael! Oh, yeah... he is a really great, laid back guy and a wonderful studio. read more

I had a great experience working with Michael Helms for some business headshots. He has a spacious studio to provide any kind of lighting that's required (including glamorous "old Hollywood" style shots). But he's apparently really well known for his natural light shots (no strobes), and his studio is in a residential area in the foothills so you can have beautiful light filtered through trees in your background. Bring a couple of changes of clothes for different looks (solid colors are great, but don't bring anything that's all white or all black). Even though he's the photographer of choice for many famous actors, musicians, etc., he's really down to earth (and I was surprised that his prices are really reasonable, too). He is easy going, fun to talk to, and made me feel at ease immediately. And, you know that ten pounds the camera adds? You don't get that with Michael Helms. His artistry in retouching is amazing (and you'll get to watch him retouch as well, that alone is worth the price of admission). He does just enough to make you a better you. He's an artist in other areas as well. If you get to see his house (attached to his studio), you will see huge paintings he's painted, and gorgeous stone sculptures he's created. He's got an artist's eye and brings that talent to your headshot. He'll make you glow! Nowadays anyone can buy a camera and say they are a photographer, and it's not until you work with someone like Michael that you realize what a difference a true professional photographer brings to the experience and to the end result. I cannot recommend him enough! read more