Testimonials

MARIAN PATERSON // PICTURE DIRECTOR // NME MAGAZINE

"Layla is definitely a new talent to watch"

MARIAN PATERSON // PICTURE DIRECTOR // NME MAGAZINE - SPEECH AT THE NME PHOTO AWARDS EXHIBITION

"Very rarely, a single image can be so powerful, so compelling that it stands out like no other. As I mentioned we looked at thousands of images and this one photo jumped out at us, it’s the winner of the Portrait Category and all the judges were unanimous in making it the Grand Prix Winner & that’s Layla Smethurst’s incredible portrait of Matthew Whitehouse from The Heartbreaks"

NIALL DOHERTY // ASSOCIATE EDITOR OF REVIEWS // Q MAGAZINE

"Layla is a photographic genius"

JAKE // HEALTH

"Taking things to the next level..."

KATIE AUST // MARKETING PLANNER // HMV

"Layla has photographed HMV events and has been great to work with. She's always on time, gets the brief and delivers the photos ready to use in record time!"

JULIA SAVAGE // PR DIRECTOR // BE COMMUNICATIONS

"Layla always delivers the goods with strong creative images and is a pleasure to work with"

NIAN BRINDLE // TAMBOURINE MANAGEMENT // THE HEARTBREAKS

"These shots are without doubt some of the best we've had taken of The Heartbreaks. The band really enjoyed working with you Layla and are looking forward to next time. Thanks!"

CAMILLA PIA // LIVE EDITOR // THE FLY MAGAZINE

"Layla Smethurst is one of my most reliable, hard working and talented contributors. She delivers her shots on time, keeps me across any last minute changes and has a knack for capturing the essence of the artists and bands she photographs. Her use of light is impressive and makes for genuinely striking shots that stand head and shoulders above her peers"

ANNETTE BARLOW // FOUNDER & EDITOR // THE GIRLS ARE

"Having initially joined the team as a contributor, Layla has fast become an integral member of the girls are staff: she is motivated, pro-active, direct and endlessly creative. She always delivers 100% and her brilliant work ethic can only be surpassed by her beautiful photography. Deep saturation and a playful approach to lighting mean Layla's shots are rich, evocative and timeless. She is an asset to any project, and it's a consummate pleasure working with her"

KELLY MAXWELL // STOKED PR // HOLE

"You’re amazing!!! These are unbelievable! Seriously, haven’t seen live shots this good in a lifetime. Thanks so much for sending them"

ADRIAN READ // POLYDOR // LA ROUX

"Thanks for these Layla, they’re fantastic"

CLAIRE KILCOURSE // BIG LIFE MANAGEMENT // LA ROUX

"Thanks so much for these wonderful photos, I will send them on to the band"

ANNA MEACHAM // MEDIA JUNCTION // HARRYS GYM

"These are beautiful Layla"

ANNE LISE FROKEDAL // HARRYS GYM

"Wow, lovely pics! I especially like the one with the whole band - because it is so hard to get a picture where everyone looks close to sane... Well done. Thanks so much"

JUJU // LITTLE FISH

"Just saw your pictures! They're GREAT! Thanks"

TOM HUDSON // PULLED APART BY HORSES

“Thanks for the photo's! They're well epic!!”