Expertise.com
2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in Elgin

Our Recommended Top 6

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

42

Reviewed

27

Curated

6

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Saint Charles, IL 60174

Why choose this provider?

Specializing in photojournalistic wedding photography in and around Chicago, Illinois, Mark Black’s previous 20 years’ experience as a photojournalist for the Daily Herald, a suburban Chicago newspaper, translated well to wedding photography. Black also enjoys portraiture, working with high school seniors and families to make lasting memories. An online gallery is set up for clients to view proofs and place orders. He has received recognition for his talent from the Wedding Photojournalist Association, National Press Photographers Association, Illinois Press Photographers Association, Chicago Headline Club, and the Associated Press. Clients praise his professionalism and several mentioned that his photography exceeded their expectations.

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 (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
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Why choose this provider?

nFocus Photos is a photography studio located in Crystal Lake, IL. nFocus specializes in high school senior photography, but also provides professional headshots as well as portfolio and fitness shoots. nFocus offers a wide range of senior session options starting at just $75. nFocus guides their seniors through every step of the process and uses posing, lighting, location, outfit choices and more to guaranty an exceptional senior photos experience and photos that will make your friends jealous! They only photograph 90 seniors a year, so you'll want to book early. To find out more, contact nFocus Photos to schedule a free senior photo consultation.

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
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (73)
Google
5.0 / 5 (37)

Website
South Barrington, IL 60010

Why choose this provider?

George Papadakis is a nationally and internationally renowned photographer and the owner of Papadakis Photography. For over 25 years, George has served the Chicago market and fulfilled photographic assignments from Los Angeles to New York City. George prides himself on his approachability, relaxed style, and sense of humor, and his images reflect these qualities. Papadakis Photography's studio features state-of-the-art cameras and lighting equipment to facilitate and ensure images are of the highest quality. The staff at Papadakis adapts to any project, and that staff includes a set stylist/designer, hair stylist, makeup artist, location scout, lighting assistant, baby and child wranglers, wardrobe stylist, and talent casting 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.
4.0
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (3)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (2)

Website
Algonquin, IL 60102

Why choose this provider?

Tristen Crow is a professional photographer who graduated from Tribeca Flashpoint College and works at Willow Creek Community Church. He has experience as a filmmaker and photographer and strives to use the latest, state of the art equipment to help his customers receive high-quality pictures. He possesses several years of the experience and works with commercial and private clients, with some of his previous customers including Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan, Broadway in Chicago, Monster Energy, and the Daily Herald. Mr. Crow serves residents of Schaumburg and the nearby region. People interested in his services can check through his portfolios to determine if they like his quality and style.

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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
North Aurora, IL 60510

Why choose this provider?

Kevin Kuster Photography is a professional photography and videography business located in Chicago, Illinois that serves clients in the wider local Chicagoland metropolitan area. The company is headed by Kevin Kuster, who previously served as the Senior Photography Editor for Playboy Magazine and the Managing Content Director of Playboy Digital. Kevin Kuster Photography offers clients a wide range of services, including editorial work, celebrity and fashion photography, portraiture work, food and drink photography, child portraits, product photography, weddings, and more. The company has worked with such illustrious clients as Ray-Ban, AOL, Time Warner, Harley Davidson, Trump Luxury Real Estate, and many others.

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 (17)

Website
105 S Roselle Rd Ste 103, Schaumburg, IL 60193

Why choose this provider?

GP Looks is a portrait photography studio serving Elgin Township and the surrounding communities. Photographer Jacob Ginda specializes in taking headshots of business people that are empowering and promotes their personal brand. Sessions can be conducted in Mr. Ginda's Schaumburg studio or on location. They can be booked online and involve unlimited wardrobe changes with multiple backdrops. After each session, the client and photographer choose the best images, with the client only required to purchase the selected 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

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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