I cannot say enough amazing things about this photo restoration studio. I first came here to restore some foundational family photos for my mom's 80th birthday, and the results were beyond anything I could have hoped for. The images that are part of our family's legacy were brought back to life with such care and beauty. I loved the work so much that I came back again to have a childhood photo restored for 11 of my aunts and uncles as a birthday gift. What he does is truly artistry. He takes his time, pours his heart and soul into every image, and you can feel how much he genuinely cares about the stories behind the photos. In a world where so much is done quickly with AI, he is one of the rare artists still doing this work with incredible skill, patience, and heart. There is something almost spiritual about walking into this place and trusting someone with your most precious family memories. This will be the only place I trust with our valuable family photos. Truly exceptional work. read more

I've been using this lab for almost a year now, and even after moving from LA to Chicago, I still mail all of my film rolls here because I genuinely haven't found anyone who does it better. The quality of their work is consistently fantastic. John clearly pays attention to the little details, the scans always come back looking beautiful, and I trust them completely with my film rolls with a process that I can't redo or recreate, precious moments. On top of that, their turnaround time is incredibly fast; they get them over to you the day of (as long as you get it to them before 3pm that day), or the next day. I've tried several other labs over the years, but I always end up coming back to this one. There's a reason they've become my go-to, even from halfway across the country. If you're looking for a film lab that combines exceptional quality, reliability, and fast service, I can't recommend them enough. Thank you John! read more

Photo City - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California

As many recent reviews mention, John was incredibly rude and unprofessional. I specifically told him these passport photos had to meet the requirements of a foreign government and asked him to make sure they complied, since I couldn't see the photos while they were being taken. Unfortunately, the photos did not meet those requirements. When I pointed this out, he said it wasn't his problem and wanted to charge $100 for a retake. He then told me I was wasting his time. There was NO OTHER CUSTOMER there besides me. The reaction felt completely disproportionate to a reasonable request to correct photos that did not meet the stated requirements. I left the interaction feeling that I was treated with prejudice because of my country of origin. Poor service, poor attitude, and no accountability for mistakes. I left with unusable photos and money down the drain. Do not recommend. read more

We went for an estimate for photo restoration and found the man we spoke to be... grumpy? Prickly? He kept increasing the charges and insisting that we use a photo that had people we didn't want in it from the same occasion because the color was better in it. (We only brought that version as an example of what the true color should be.) After the price crept higher and higher and he became more insistent, we left. I'll probably try the subreddit for photoshopping that has experts who accept small tips. Pretty disappointing experience at a small neighborhood shop. read more

Their passport photo service was quick and easy. They do Canadian passports too! Reasonable prices.

First time using Photo City, and now I won't go anywhere else. The owner, John, is simply the best. The shop is dripping with famous headshots. It's clear this place has a long history serving the cream of Hollywood. Great advice, expert knowledge, decades of experience. Thank you, John. read more

Great experience! Got terrific passport photos fast and easy. Will definitely use again. read more

Photo City - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California

Great service and amazing printing quality. Fast turnaround. Would highly recommend and plan to return often!

I went in for a passport photo. Service was quick and efficient. I was in and out of there within 10 minutes with physical and digital copies of a great photo. Excellent service from John and his employee. read more

Photo City is the ONLY shop I would trust with my film! I discovered this place by word of mouth and there's definitely a reason for that. The owner is super sweet and is clearly very knowledgeable about photography and cameras. In fact, he has given me some photography advice as I am new to the film hobby and majorly elevated my photography game. When it comes to getting my film developed/scanned, the owner is super fast! I usually get the photos emailed within 1-2 hours after dropping off the film which is amazing! They also do let you pick up your negatives if you'd like. Trust me, just take your film here - you're in good hands and won't regret it. read more

What can I say? The BEST photo stop for all needs. John is an awesome guy, his customer service makes you feel like a longtime friend, his work is A1, and they way in runs shop is like no other. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

I also used Photo City for my Canadian passport photos. I frankly didn't expect much ... but it was bar none the best passport photo I have ever had. They actually made me look good ... being a woman "of a certain age". They do a ton of headshots for actors and have all the best equipment - so that is literally what they do!! The location is very close to Universal Studios, nestled in a tiny Ventura strip mall. I would 100% use them for any future passport photos - especially IF you care how they look. I really didn't care how good or not my picture was ... BUT they also know how to produce accurate sizing for non-US passports - which AAA and Walgreens doesn't do. They are FANtastic. read more

I continue to go to Photo City because of the great customer service. John is always so helpful! I brought in an old camera I was gifted and although I didn't think John offered camera fixing services I thought I'd ask and he was willing to take it in and take a look at it himself. read more

I come here every time i get my film developed. Once developed i receive them the same day digitally and then the next day for my 4x6 prints. Just came in for new passport photos and left with the new photos in 15 minutes. Owner is very quick and nice. Another plus is if you come in regularly to get film developed, he offers a stamp card where after four visits, your film we be developed for free. Highly recommend for any of your photography needs. read more

Amazing service, same-day return of my film development! I will return & highly recommend!

I was very pleased with the service. I had to get a British passport photo taken which differs in size and requirements than my American passport photo. I highly recommend them. He is a professional photographer. read more

I dropped off my disposable camera around 1pm and had my digital prints before 5pm. Very safe and professional service. I look forward to returning for service. read more

did some research before coming here and let me tell you the reviews did NOT let me down! this place is so cute and has pictures all over the walls, i came in around 4 and got my pictures emailed to me same day around 7pm which is so awesome. all of my pictures look GREAT none of them are ugly and grainy. i'm so so so so happy with the results and because of that , it encouraged me to keep buying disposables (this is the first time i do this) and keep coming here to get them developed! thank you so much read more

My partner and I LOATHE getting our passport pictures taken. Our past photos made us look like hostage victims, perps or deer-in-headlights. The experience with the "photographers" were usually subpar to terrible. This changed after we went to Photo City last week, using my husband as my test dummy. His passport pic looked like a professional headshot (because it was) thanks to the photographer John who also happens to be the owner. The experience was chockfull of interesting conversations about the entertainment industry, the celebrities who have walked through his doors and other interesting life bits. I will be back next week to get my own photos taken. Thanks, John! read more

Excellent service, easy to make an appointment and great passport photos. Parking is easy

I went here to get a Canadian passport photo which has a lot of unique requirements. He was extremely knowledgeable about the entire process and knew exactly what needed to be done. Highly recommend. read more

Love coming here to get my film developed. My girl recently restarted my love for shooting by surprising me with some rolls of film that I've immediately ran through. Looked through most of the shops around and found a ton of rave reviews here. Overall prices are pretty good given it's only like 10 for developing and 20 for a scan and the quality kicks ass. They're wetransferred for all the nervous Google drive people so it's maximum quality. I've only been here twice so far and everyone I've talked to have been great. Sticking with this place as long as I'm in the area and you should too! read more

Came in to buy film for a camera I was gifted. I'm familiar only with disposable cameras, so I never knew how to load a film in. (Presumably) Shop owner took the time to teach me how to work my new camera, how to load in the film, and how to take out the film, and even taught me some tips when traveling thru TSA. Really appreciate this shop and will definitely be recommending to others! read more

Needed UK passport photos - super happy with the results. Excellent work, done super quickly. read more

I'm a returning customer- John, the owner is wonderful to work with. Visit if you want excellent customer service, fast turn around and high quality photos! read more

Incredibly fast and great quality of digital prints. Walked right in and had them done immediately. Also, if you were looking for film developing, they specialize in this. The man that runs it has a love for film photography and will talk to you about everything that you need to know. An absolute gem. read more

The proprietor knew exactly what the Canadian Government needed with a passport photo and was more than helpful!

For integrity, customer service, and above all, unsurpassed artistry, this is THE choice! Any person who wouldn't understand the years required to earn the skills of owner/artist John Payaslyan, is simply unqualified to judge photographic perfectionism. Some of his "Before" pictures look irreparable. Then you see the "After" version, and it's difficult to accept that it was even possible!! Simply stated, it only seems pricey to those who belong at the photo counter at CVS. This man is an ethical artist. read more

Photo City is one of the best labs in the country. I've trusted them with my professional work for years & couldn't be happier with their scans. They are quick and communicative with my projects. John is a true artist! read more

Been going here for years to get my 35mm film developed and John is the BEST! He is super reliable, very kind, and my film is always developed so quickly (same day or early next day). Have been recommending this place to everyone - definitely worth every penny :) read more

My mom went to CVS to get passport photos so I went thinking it would be good photos, did not like them at all! So I decide to look for a professional. I called first to see if I need appointment for passport photos. He said come in between certain time. I got there, was greeted by John. He was very friendly and professional. He took my picture and let me choose between 3 shots. Waited not that long, while I was waiting, spoke with another gentleman that is one of his frequent customers and he said he does very good passport photos! John came out with my photos, showed me and I was amazed how perfect and exactly how I wanted to look in my photo. I paid a little more than CVS but worth it for 10 years on my passport! Amazing!!! Thank you John! read more

Photo City - Passport Photo, top by CVS...bottom by John (Photo city) - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California

Absolute best place in the Los Angeles area to get film developed and more. They are so fast with developing, I can't believe how quickly I get the scans after I've dropped it off. A couple times it was within an hour!! They also did passport photos for me in minutes. Great spot for anyone who wants quality developing and to not wait long for photos! read more

I highly recommend this business! Great location, wonderful communication, perfect free parking located in the lot, amazing customer services and more. I came here to get a 4-copy passport printed photo taken, and loved the quality of the photo. It was perfectly well lit, non-blurred, and sharp contrasted photos. I couldn't be anymore satisfied with the outcome of my photos taken. I recommend coming prepared so that your overall look is presentable, because the photos are just that detailed! It's an amazing camera quality and I felt taken care of here. The owner is indeed a professional and loves what he does. Great attitude and friendly environment. If you need headshots, photo shoot sessions, passport photos taken, then this is the place to go! read more

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Lightning fast developing and great turnaround time for larger prints. I went to develop some black-and-white film and wanted to give them a try, the owner has been there for close to 30 years if I'm not mistaken and is great at what he does. Printed out three 16 x 20 pieces that needed some customization and he was able to handle it quickly as efficiently. read more

John dissolved my anxiety towards having my passport picture taken the moment I sat down. I look like a whole before and after in the pic above but it's obvious which one was taken by a seasoned photographer (and its not the mugshot-esque one.) He's quick without rushing, took multiples then processed my favourite one, and provided a pic I can proudly glimpse at when traveling over the next 10 years. Thanks man! read more

Photo City - So happy with the results - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California

Came here for a new passport photo and after 15 min, left with one I actually don't hate for once! Owner was patient and kind and very knowledgeable. 10/10 experience, great job making a task I was dreading a little less scary:) read more

Look at the above photo-- absolute garbage. Then I raced to Photo City and the gentleman snapped the bottom photo right before closing. Gorgeous! Well lit, beautiful photo. A good passport pic is essential for vain jet-setters. read more

Photo City - Above photo: very bad. I got it up the street and NO. Below photo: stunning, exactly what I want. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California

I initially called on a Saturday morning and John told me I did not need an appointment to come in if I just wanted a headshot with no change of clothes. I came in and he completely rushed me through the entire thing after telling me that with an appointment it would cost $175 and without would be $75 for a few quick snapshots. I said I just needed a headshot for work and the $75 was fine. He was rushing me through the entire photo session which took about 45 seconds of his time, huffing and puffing the entire way with me, telling me how busy he was. I felt so uncomfortable, and it clearly came across in my final image of the photo. He then proceeded to add $25 to resize the photo and then another $50 to touch it up a little bit. I may as well have purchased the $175 appointment time after already paying $150 for a three minute session that he rushed me through. The photoshopped images came out looking like AI and didn't even look like me. After everything, I asked for him to just send me the original image without photoshop and I ended up using a free app and doing it myself which looked so much better and more natural. John was so unprofessional and horrible way to treat customers. read more

This man saved my last minute Christmas gift! He made sure I got the best quality pictures and was willing to do this task super last minute. Super appreciative and grateful for him. He is knowledgeable, kind and truly experienced in his craft. read more

Recently returned from a trip to Brazil with a roll of film that was severely water damaged after I accidentally dropped my disposable camera in the ocean like an idiot. Went to my usual place to see if they could save it, and they referred me here. Admittedly, I wasn't sure whether there was anything that could been done for my roll of film, so you can imagine my surprise when they told me they would send me the digital scan later that day, and the prints would be ready for pick up the following day! Despite some technical issues with the WeTransfer, I ended up receiving everything (the prints and digital files) the very next day and although some shots were severely damaged as expected, many managed to be salvaged and were looking amazing for a cheap disposable camera that was submerged in sand and water--like the image below. While I did pay more for the development, digital scans, and prints than I usually do at my regular place, I am assuming this was due to the water damage and given the image quality/quick turn around rate, I was highly satisfied with the service I received. read more

Photo City - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Studio City, California