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2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in Grand Rapids

Our Recommended Top 7

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Grand Rapids Portrait Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

70

Reviewed

44

Curated

7

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Why choose this provider?

Forward Exposure is an onsite wedding and portrait photography company that is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The business was established in 2003 by Mike Banno and has served residents from Grand Rapids and beyond for over a decade. Mike is capable of shooting weddings both indoors and outdoors and is dedicated to immortalizing the small details and memories that make the day special. Portraiture services he provides include high school senior photos, family portraits, and pictures of children. Mike prides himself on his affordable pricing, flexible schedule, and quick turn around time on delivering images after the photo shoot. Customers speak highly of his photographic talent.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Why choose this provider?

The Lark Studio is a professional portrait photography studio working in Grand Rapids, MI. Marita and Pam of The Lark Studio offer senior portraits, sports photography banners, and graduation cards. The Lark Studio offers graduation card templates to their clients, but are also available to create a custom template for an additional fee. The focus of their photography is to build a fun, creative, and passionate session for their clients. They believe in their clients driving their business to success and therefore work to provide the best customer service possible. Their website allows for individual client galleries to be uploaded with a password for them to share with friends and family.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (30)
Google
2.3 / 5 (3)

Website
Grand Rapids, MI 49509

Why choose this provider?

Based in Grand Rapids, Brad Legg Photography specializes in weddings, senior portraits, family photos, and corporate headshots. Legg's style mixes elements of the traditional portrait and photojournalistic techniques. He strives to give customers an excellent experience while creating beautiful images, providing creative, high-quality service at an affordable price point. Wedding coverage starts at $800 for four hours at up to two locations and a disc of all images with print release. Clients can also purchase prints and albums. Brad Legg Photography has earned a five-star overall customer rating on Google. Potential customers can contact Legg using a convenient online form.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Grandville, MI 49418

Why choose this provider?

Located in Grandville, Michigan, J Photography is a professional photography business that serves clients in the wider local metropolitan area. The company specializes in portraiture work and is available for such services as high school senior portraiture, headshots for politicians and businesspersons, headshots for actors and creative workers, school portraits, events coverage and more. J Photography has a social media presence on numerous platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Previous clients praise the company for its ability to make photo shoots a fun endeavor. The company can be contacted for bookings or inquiries by phone or through its website.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (32)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Grandville, MI 49418

Why choose this provider?

Steelman Photography is a professional photography studio that has been serving the Grand Rapids, MI metro area for over 25 years, including Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville and beyond. Steelman specializes in creating fine portraits of babies, children, families, seniors, and weddings and special events. The team also provides school, sports, business photography and commercial product photography. Owner Paul Steelman opened his studio in 1987 to pursue his passion for photography after earning bachelor’s and advanced degrees in the field. He was formerly the president of the Western Michigan Professional Photographers Association and is also a member of the Grandville-Jenison Chamber of Commerce. Past customers praise Paul for his friendly service and high-quality shots and products.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Why choose this provider?

McConomy Photography is a family-owned and operated professional photography studio based in Hudsonville. The studio specializes in family, senior, children, and business portraits. It can also be commissioned to cover weddings and do commercial and sports photography. Owner and photographer David McConomy strives to capture the unique quality and personality of his subjects in photographs. The McConomy Photography website features an online portfolio to give potential clients clear examples of the photographer’s art style and recent works. The portrait studio was opened in 2003 in its original location in Signature Square but was transferred to Hudsonville in 2008 to accommodate growth.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Middleville, MI 49333

Why choose this provider?

Ellie B Photography is a studio that delivers photos for families in the greater Grand Rapids area. The portrait photographer uses a pure and natural style to capture family, baby, and newborn images. Her professional studio features both interior and options to deliver quality images. Ellie also provides outdoor photo sessions and maternity shoots for expecting mothers. Clients can easily access her printed photography products and gallery online.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (22)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (16)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Portrait photography can be the perfect way to capture special moments for adults, children, couples, and families. It's a popular option for occasions, such as graduations, weddings, birthdays, and various milestones reached throughout childhood. However, you don't need a special reason to get a portrait professionally done, as there are many photographers eager to work with new clients at a reasonable rate.

    Professional portrait photography takes years of practice, and the right photographer can achieve results that go far beyond the typical selfie. A magnificent portrait can bring out the subject's inner qualities, allowing their unique personality to shine through for generations to cherish.
  • What is portrait photography?

    Portrait photography is the art of capturing a sitter's likeness with a camera. While this may sound as simple as snapping a quick shot with your mobile phone, the truth is that a truly good portrait photo is difficult to achieve. The goal of a high-quality photo is to capture the personality and emotions behind the subject.

  • What is the history of portrait photography?

    Since the invention of the first camera in 1839, portraits have been one of the most popular kinds of photos. However, way back when, photos needed an exposure time of 20 minutes or more, meaning you would need to sit completely still for that time or else end up with a blurry image.

  • Where can you learn portrait photography?

    Many art schools across the country offer degrees in photography, and some even have specialized classes in portraiture. This can be a good option for young photographers who want a well-rounded skill set. However, many dedicated portrait photographers are self-taught and rely on their portfolios to serve as their credentials.

  • How do you start a portrait photography business?

    Before starting a portrait studio, it's best to gain experience shooting your friends and family so you have a strong portfolio to show clients. Once you're confident in your work, try making a website where you can direct new businesses interested in having their pictures taken.

  • How to eliminate shadows in portrait photography?

    The secret behind many photographers' success is that photography is 50% editing. If you're working digitally, you can open up your pictures in editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, and use its digital tools to manipulate shadows and highlights. If you prefer to work analog, the best way to mitigate shadows is proper lighting.

  • What are the four categories of portrait photography?

    The four categories of portrait photography are constructionist, candid, environmental, and creative.

    1. Constructionist photographs involve working with a photographer who will sit you in different poses and lighting to create the perfect shot from the ground up.
    2. Candid photos are taken with minimal setup, trying to capture their subject in the moment.
    3. Environmental photos try to capture subjects in their natural environment.
    4. Creative photography uses a variety of experimental techniques and elements to create an original image.

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