Witzel Studios was founded in Los Angeles by photographer Albert Walter Witzel (1879–1929) in 1909 and within a few years had become one of the city’s foremost portrait studios.
The rise of the business paralleled the emergence of the film industry following its relocation from the east coast, and Witzel was soon in demand from Hollywood studios seeking to create interest in movies by circulating promo shots of their stars. Distinguished by moody lighting and dramatic poses and settings, Witzel’s photos soon set the tone for Hollywood studio photography and from the mid-1910s they featured frequently in fan magazines like Photoplay, becoming an important promotional and publicity tool.
Witzel occasionally worked on assignment for the big picture studios, photographing many silent film luminaries including Theda Bara and Charlie Chaplin (source).
Portrait of American actress Clara Bow by American photographer Albert Witzel (1879-1929) via
Portrait of American actress & showgirl Blanche Mehaffey Witzel, 1920s by Albert Witzel (1879-1929) via
Portrait of Bebe Daniels by photographer Albert Witzel (1879-1929), 1920 via
Portrait of American actress Natalie Kingston by Albert Witzel (1879-1929) via
Portrait of American actress Melva Cornell by Albert Witzel (1879-1929), 1920s via
Portrait of American actress Bessie Love by Albert Witzel (1879-1929), 1920 via
Portrait of American actress Doris May by Albert Witzel (1879-1929) , 1920 via
FROM THE BYGONE 
Nice historical Los Angeles photography. I own signed print of his set in the original frame, Circa 1920’s. Any value in his original prints?
dongpi@gmail.com
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