Business Details
31 Years
experience
Professional Model & Talent Photography in Tempe, AZ
Empire West Studios has been a premier Model & Talent Photography studio in Tempe, AZ since 1995. Founded by Clayton Hall, a photographer with over 30 years of experience in the Fashion, Music, TV & Film Industries, the studio specializes in Performance Photography that captures movement and expression to showcase talent. Our team includes Barbara Elaine Muller, a 26-year veteran in hair & makeup artistry, ensuring clients receive comprehensive in-house services.Recognized with Best Photographers in Phoenix Awards (2020, 2023) and an A+ BBB rating, we guarantee 100% client satisfaction. Our unique products like EWS Montages and Twin Sets help clients stand out, with an 80% success rate in securing agency representation. We serve clients nationwide, offering free consultations and reasonably priced sessions.
Services
Fashion Photography
Lifestyle Photography
Headshots
Performance Photography
Montage Creation
Twin Set Photography
Film Strip Photography
Portfolio Design
Wardrobe Styling
Hair & Makeup Services
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in Fashion, Music, TV & Film photography industries
- Specialize in Performance Photography capturing dynamic movement and expression
- In-house hair & makeup artists and wardrobe stylists for comprehensive services
- 80% success rate in securing agency representation for clients
- Award-winning work recognized by Phoenix Best Photographers Awards (2020, 2023)
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Incredible photos
Best I've ever had
Professional and artistic
Excellent coaching
Outstanding results
Services
Fashion Photography
Our fashion photography captures high-impact images for magazine covers, designer lookbooks, and advertising campaigns. Using industry-leading techniques, we create visually striking content that highlights clothing and accessories while maintaining focus on the talent. Clients receive professionally edited images that meet commercial standards for fashion publications and brand marketing materials.
Headshots
Specialized headshot sessions cater to models, actors, and performers seeking industry-standard portraits. We create multiple looks tailored to different market segments including commercial, theatrical, and fashion applications. Our expertise ensures each client receives images that authentically represent their professional persona while meeting agency submission requirements.
Performance Photography
This unique service captures dynamic movement and emotional expression through continuous shooting sequences. Designed for talent portfolios, these images demonstrate versatility and camera presence that impress casting directors. The sessions include professional direction to help subjects showcase their range and personality naturally.
EWS Montages
Montages combine multiple action shots into a single narrative composition that demonstrates range and creativity. This three-page spread creates visual impact during portfolio presentations, showing progression of movement and character development. Ideal for talent seeking to demonstrate versatility to agents and casting professionals.
Twin Set Photography
Twin Sets feature the same subject in contrasting roles or expressions, creating visual interest through juxtaposition. These paired images highlight versatility for acting and modeling portfolios, demonstrating ability to portray different characters or moods within a single shoot session.
People
Clayton Hall
Photographer and Owner
With over 30 years in Fashion & Beauty photography, Clayton founded Empire West Studios in 1995 after working in New York City. His work appears in major publications including Rolling Stone and Vogue. He specializes in capturing movement and expression for talent portfolios.
Barbara Elaine Muller
Hair & Makeup Artist
Barbara brings 26 years of experience in hair & makeup artistry, having worked with SAG actresses and in major fashion markets. As Creative Director, she develops looks that enhance natural beauty while meeting industry standards for both print and digital media.
Questions
What types of photography services do you offer?
We specialize in Model & Talent Photography including headshots, performance photography, fashion shoots, and our unique EWS Montages and Twin Sets for talent portfolios.
Do you work with both experienced professionals and newcomers?
Yes, we serve everyone from established models and actors to beginners starting their careers, providing tailored sessions that meet industry standards and personal goals.
How do your photography sessions work?
Sessions include wardrobe consultation, professional hair & makeup, and directed photography focusing on movement and expression. Clients review images on a digital monitor before final selections are made.
What makes Empire West Studios different from other photography studios?
Our Performance Photography technique captures dynamic movement, and our 30+ years of industry experience combined with in-house styling services create portfolio-ready results that secure representation.
Do you offer any guarantees for your services?
We guarantee 100% client satisfaction with all prints, maintaining an A+ rating with the Arizona Better Business Bureau since our 1995 establishment.
How can I book a session?
Call us at 480-303-9359 to schedule a free consultation where we'll discuss your goals and prepare for your photography session with wardrobe and styling guidance.
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