Expertise.com
2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in Berkeley

Our Recommended Top 5

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

38

Reviewed

24

Curated

5

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1607 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707

Why choose this provider?

Shoey Sindel Photography is a professional business that was founded as Shoey grew to adulthood, following in her father's footsteps as a photographer. She takes family, personal, and senior portraits to record important milestones and events in the lives of her subjects. Her aim is to highlight the emotional connections between individuals and their loved ones. The results are collections of art. Business and headshot photographs are ideal for professionals to keep up to date with career bios.

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 (29)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)
Google
4.9 / 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
Sausalito, CA 94965

Why choose this provider?

Michael Loeb Photography has been capturing the uniqueness of his clients' personalities through professional portraits since 1986. Serving the Berkeley and San Francisco areas, Mr. Loeb draws on expressions, lighting, and backgrounds to enhance the creativity of family, child, and engagement portraits. Clients may opt for a studio or outdoor setting to highlight their stories. The photographer also takes corporate headshots and showcases products in addition to wedding, mitzvah, and special event packages.

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

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
Albany, CA 94706

Why choose this provider?

The Portrait Photographer is a Bay Area-based service founded by award-winning photographer Lori A. Cheung. Lori's dynamic and passionate photography captures the spirit of dogs, cats, horses, and people. She is the founder of ThePetPhotographer.com and Pets for World Peace and has a style that illuminates the essence and brilliance of her subjects. She is based in San Francisco and travels internationally for photo shoots. Lori honors and celebrates animals and people's legacies through fine art photography. Her celebrity clients include a number of athletes and celebrities and she has been published by The New York Times, O Magazine and Animal Planet. Lori and her team offer decades of experience and knowledge across the industry.

Website
Berkeley, CA 94702

Why choose this provider?

Smeeta Mahanti is a renowned commercial and editorial photographer who has earned national and international acclaim for her ability to create stunning, engaging images that transform everyday people into magical characters full of life, emotion, and mystery. The photographer's portraits have a unique quality that would look right at home in any high-end fashion or travel magazine, each image telling a story using artfully crafted light, color, angles, and personality. Smeeta Mahanti is also the executive director and founder of KidsRise, an innovative nonprofit that empowers children aged 10-17 to engage in activism, create movements, and become confident, creative, and powerful adults with the skills to change the world.

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 (33)

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
6757 Snake Rd, Oakland, CA 94611
  • Couples
  • Newborn Photographer
  • Lifestyle
  • Photography
  • High School senior portraits
  • Family
  • milestone photography
  • maternity photographer

Why choose this provider?

Leigh Ann Pincus Photography caters to families and individuals in Berkeley and the surrounding areas. Owner and photographer Leigh Ann offers portrait photography services. She is fond of working with kids and capturing their raw emotions with no pretense or judgment. She also takes photos of toddlers and enjoys doing it as she is now a grandmother. The professional conducts pre-session consultation and provides location and wardrobe guidance. Leigh Ann is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.

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 (11)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (11)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

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

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.