Expertise.com

2024

Last updated:

Best Portrait Photographers in Columbus

Our Recommended Top 19

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 Columbus Portrait Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

266Reviewed

167Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
616 Wetmore Rd, Columbus, OH 43214

Why choose this provider?

Emily Dowell Photography, founded in 2016, serves families in the Central Ohio, area. She specializes in creating artistic, authentic photographs using simple props and natural sunlight to create heirloom portraits that commemorate maternity, newborn, milestone, and family moments. Her guided sessions involve unposed settings that capture a family's unique connection. Emily Dowell Photography offers boutique customer service that includes scouting locations and consultation on style, print design, and edits. Reviewers mention that Emily is professional, helpful, and prompt.

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 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (14)

Website
Hilliard, OH 43026

Why choose this provider?

The Sleepy Bunny Photography offers portraiture services in Columbus. Russet Boranovsky is a portrait photographer providing maternity, family, and newborn photography to clients. She seeks to capture the best possible images that families can cherish for years. Newborn sessions include three hours of in-studio shoots and outfit and prop collection access. Other sessions require one hour of in-studio or outdoor custom-styled photography. Russet strives to master her skills in newborn safety, editing, posing, and lighting through further studies.

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 (4)

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
New Albany, OH 43054

Why choose this provider?

Gwendolyn Z. Photography is a fine art portraiture studio in New Albany that creates masterpieces out of family and child imageries during first Holy Communion, bar or bat mitzvah, high school graduation, and other milestones. The owner is a Certified Professional Photographer, and this means that he is part of the élite eight percent of the nation's rigorously trained and tested photographers. The Gwendolyn Z. studio also handles corporate headshots that are perfect for directories and business cards.

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 (37)

Website
Hilliard, OH 43026

Why choose this provider?

Ryan Troy Photography is a portrait and event photographer that conducts photo sessions for individuals and families in Columbus. His photography packages cover studio sessions, on-site photo shoots, weddings, and special occasions. He also works with skin retouchers from different parts of the globe to produce fully retouched portraits for modeling professionals. Ryan also has his own Youtube channel where he shows samples of his work that ranges from collaborative challenges to fashion photography.

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
Isabel & Allen Portrait Photography logo

Isabel & Allen Portrait Photography

Website
4199 Arbutus Avenue, Grove City, OH 43123

Why choose this provider?

Isabel & Allen Portrait Photography is a portrait photography business based in Grove City. It also serves clients in Columbus and surrounding areas. The photography studio specializes in delivering creative portraits, which include headshots, children, and family portraits. It also conducts photoshoots with couples, pregnant mothers, and babies. Isabel & Allen Portrait Photography offers a one-hour portrait photography session that produces 30-40 images and a 30-minute-petite session that usually yields 15 images.

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 (29)

Website
Columbus, OH 43236

Why choose this provider?

James DeCamp is a photographer in Columbus, who specializes in lifestyle and editorial imagery. Some of Mr. DeCamp's works involve bridals, modeling portfolios, corporate headshots, advertising products, scenic shots, and photojournalism materials, and he has captured real-life episodes like a Kenny G concert and the somber homecoming of a fallen American hero. Mr. DeCamp runs the Ohio Photojournal blog, and he accepts requests for out-of-state and international destination shoots.

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 (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
8984 Marchbank Ln, Lewis Center, OH 43035

Why choose this provider?

Harry Acosta Photography offers professional portrait photography sessions at its studio in Columbus or on location. The studio handles everything from headshots and graduation pictures to couple and family portraits and modeling photo shoots. Photographer Harry Acosta has over two decades of art and photography experience. He works directly with clients to create images that capture the true essence of the moment and provide a lifetime of memories. Harry Acosta Photography also provides wedding, boudoir, events, and sports photography options.

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 (62)

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
6349 Rossmore Ln, Canal Winchester, OH 43110

Why choose this provider?

Second Season Photography is a portrait photography studio located in Columbus. After getting a camera in 2011, Emily Sweeney learned about photography and practiced shooting on her family and friends. Her passion for photography had prompted her to establish her own studio and capture the important milestones in the lives of her clients. Emily handles sessions in different locations. She offers portrait sessions for high school seniors. expectant mothers, and newborn babies.

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 (2)

Website
Columbus, OH 43221

Why choose this provider?

Rebekah Flory Photography and Design offers photography services in Columbus that specializes in wedding, newborn, and family portraiture. The standard portrait shoot that lasts about one hour costs $165, while a newborn session that runs for up to three hours costs $265. Ms. Flory also offers graphic design and web development services for personal and commercial purposes, and she accepts orders through RF Creative.

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 (7)

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
Columbus, OH 43206

Why choose this provider?

Rouxby is a studio in Columbus that specializes in bridal photography. The photographer is available for engagement shoots and destination weddings, and she does not discriminate against LGBT couples. Some of the photographer's works are set in the woods, in a desert, and on a peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rouxby also handles the portraiture of expecting mothers, families, and animals, and its packages start at $450. The wedding collections start at $3,700.

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 (2)

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.
1.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
8211 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065

Why choose this provider?

Nannette Leigh Photography is a portrait photography studio in Powell that also offers its services to clients in Columbus and surrounding areas. The photography studio's owner and photographer is passionate about capturing the unique personalities of her clients. Offering both studio and on-location photography sessions, Nanette has experience working with fashion models as well as private individuals, creating portraits for bikers, artists, and socialites. Nannette Leigh uses a quick and spontaneous approach in shooting creative portraits.

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
Pickerington, OH 43147

Why choose this provider?

Central Ohio Photography is a company in Pickerington that handles wedding and senior portraiture. The studio has thousands of backgrounds to choose from, and it also shoots in outdoor settings. The senior packages start at $500, and these include 64 wallet-sized prints. The wedding collection costs $2,995, and this includes all-day coverage and bridal fashion portraiture. Central Ohio Photography runs the “Senior Ambassador” referral program, which offers generous commissions and free stuff.

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
4.8 / 5 (76)

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
Columbus, OH 43085

Why choose this provider?

Rebekah Flory Photography is a service from Columbus that specializes in newborn and family portraiture. The standard portrait shoot that lasts about one hour costs $175, while a newborn session that runs for up to three hours costs $275.

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 (22)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

Website
Columbus, OH 43212

Why choose this provider?

Colin McGuire Photographs is a company in Columbus that engages in portraiture, lifestyle photography, and print advertising shoots. The owner is originally from Ireland, and he works throughout Ohio, Illinois, and New York. A client from a reputable graphic design studio says of Mr. McGuire, “Colin has been in business for a long time now... He is excellent at visually defining brand strategy. He is also a rare photographer, whose business acumen is as strong as his creative ability.”

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 (4)

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.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Westerville, OH 43081

Why choose this provider?

Broc and Alexa Photography provides portrait photography services to clients in the Columbus metro area. This studio does portraiture for a variety of occasions. It shoots photos of high school seniors, does portraits of brides and married couples, and takes both solo and group portraits of families. Clients receive edited photos and can make aesthetic suggestions beforehand. Broc and Alexa Photography also offers live photography services for comprehensive coverage of wedding and related events.

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 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)

Website
Westerville, OH 43021

Why choose this provider?

In-Vision Studio is a company in Westerville that engages in portraiture and wedding photography. The photographers document senior moments, as well as family milestones. The wedding collections start at $2,200, and the family packages carry a satisfaction guarantee. Clients can call or complete the online contact form to request the full pricing schedule.

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 (6)

Website
Columbus, OH 43123

Why choose this provider?

Kari Me Photography is a company in Columbus that documents stunning couple and family moments. A client says of the photographer, “Our entire wedding party commented on how nice and personable she was, which made our photos fun and relaxed.” The wedding collections start at $3,850, and these include an engagement session and the digital files, while the portrait collections start at $450. Kari Me Photography also offers videography and mentoring services.

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 (102)

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
Gahanna, OH 43230

Why choose this provider?

Studio 187 Photography is a business in Gahanna that engages in the creation of milestone portraits. The company's photographers accommodate high school seniors, families, and pets, and it handles events like bat or bar mitzvahs. Studio 187 also welcomes fashion models seeking an impressive portfolio and business executives for their professional headshots.

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.
4.3
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (6)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (2)

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
298 East Center Street, Marion, OH 43302

Why choose this provider?

Sarah Hogan's Photography offers portraiture services to individuals, groups, and families in the Columbus area. The skilled portrait photographer captures the memorable moments, emotions, reactions, and personalities in newborn, engagement, kid, and senior indoor and outdoor photo sessions. Sarah Hogan takes photos of unforgettable events, such as weddings, to capture all the loving connections, expressions, and hilarious moments. Sarah Hogan's Photography also provides outfits for photo sessions and personalized wedding albums.

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
4.8 / 5 (338)

FAQs

  • 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.