Paul's Photo Review
Photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock
Though names like B&H Photo Video and Adorama are more widely recognized, for those of us in the L.A. area, Paul's Photo is synonymous with a great selection of photography gear and even better customer service.
What's more, Paul's Photo has a printing lab, sensor cleaning services, classes, private lessons, and much more.
It's truly a one-stop shop for photographers!
If it isn't evident already, I have high praise for Paul's Photo. Learn why in my detailed review below.
Paul's Photo Review
What I like most about Paul's Photo is that it's a small, family-owned, locally-owned store.
This isn't to say that the likes of B&H or Adorama are bad. Quite the contrary.
But those sites simply can't compete with the down-home feel you get when you walk into Paul's Photo, nor can they match the customer service experience you get when you work with experts in person in the store.
Call me old fashioned, but there's something to be said for being able to go into Paul's Photo and see and touch the gear before committing to buying it.
Better yet, it's nice to be able to ask questions and get opinions from Paul's knowledgeable staff.
It's this combination of product knowledge, selection, customer service, and price that has kept Paul's photo going strong and serving the local community for over 50 years.
Believe me, when you walk through the doors to Paul's Photo, you immediately know that you're in good hands!
Paul's Photo Gear
Paul's Photo isn't just a camera store.
In fact, they have a wide selection of must-have photography gear, including camera bodies and lenses, lighting equipment, bags and cases, tripods, and video cameras.
You can get batteries and battery packs, memory cards and card readers, lens filters, tripod heads, camera straps and vests, and a host of other accessories as well.
Heck, Paul's Photo even has a selection of film cameras and film for those of us that enjoy kicking it old school.
Truly, no matter what you need, Paul's Photo has it in the store or online.
Paul's Photo Rentals
If you need a special piece of gear for a short period of time or simply want to give an item a test-drive, you can rent it from Paul's Photo.
They have a solid selection of cameras, lenses, studio lighting, and projection equipment available to rent.
You can check gear availability on the Paul's Photo website, and if you have any questions or concerns about the process, you can contact Paul's directly and speak with a real, live human being that will help you figure out exactly what you need.
Paul's Photos Printing Lab
Have some awesome photos you want to turn into prints? Paul's Photo can help you with that, too.
From canvas and metal to photo books and calendars, you can get just about any kind and type of photo you want.
The printing lab at Paul's Photo can have traditional paper prints done in 30 minutes to three hours depending on workload, and with in-store and online ordering, you can make quick work of getting prints of your favorite photos.
If you're like me and you have tons of old negatives lying around, Paul's can help you transform them into digital prints. They offer retouching and editing services, image restoration, fine art printing, and a whole host of other services as well.
If you're going to entrust anyone with your photos, it's hard to find a more trustworthy operation than these guys!
Paul's Photo Classes and Workshops Review
Something else that sets Paul's Photo apart from other camera stores is that they have a comprehensive slate of photography classes and workshops available year-round.
Through their Creative Photo Academy branch, you can take beginner, intermediate, and advanced photography classes that run the gamut from learning the basics of camera controls to capturing the beauty of landscapes to mastering exposure and composition.
They also offer intensive workshops and excursions as well.
In fact, I attended their Ansel's Sierra Tour adventure last year and had the time of my life.
It was a small group setting, which was great for getting one-on-one time with instructor (and Paul's Photo owner) Mark Comon, who spent every moment of the excursion taking interest in each participant and doing his best to ensure the success of each attendee. The small group arrangement was also nice for meeting other photographers and getting to know people that are as passionate about photography as I am.
A number of the folks on the Sierra trip were repeat customers, too, which says a lot about the quality of these photography adventures!
On top of that, Mark is just simply one of the most genuine, caring people I've ever met.
It's that kind of commitment to the customer and dedication to providing the best possible service that will keep me going back to Paul's Photo over and over again.
If you haven't experienced the Paul's Photo difference, pop in to the store at 23845 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, CA or visit their website to see what they have in store for you.