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2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in Washington DC

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

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

213Reviewed

135Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Washington, DC 23059

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Washington DC area, Zaid Hamid is a professional portrait photographer that captures portraits for a wide range of clients in the fields of technology, business, science, sports, and entertainment. In his 30+ years of experience, Zaid has photographed world leaders, celebrities, corporate titans, and innovators, and is recognized in creative portrait photography by the American Society of Media Photographers. His approach to photography is fresh and stylish and aims to promote and enhance the brand of each client.

  • Military
  • Celebrities
  • Leaders
  • Athletes
  • Business

Washingto, DC

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Portrait Photographer in Washingto? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Washington, DC 20190

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.5 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Laurentina Photography is a full-service studio in Washington DC that specializes in artistic, candid imagery for all romantics, free-spirits and adventurers. Lead photographer, Laura, provides services in event, corporate, portrait, yoga, and branding photography for clients in the DMV and around the world. Rooted in personal client relationships, Laurentina Photography seeks to celebrate the diversity found in every story she tells with her cameras. Contact Laura for a complimentary consultation.

Washington, DC 20003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (12)
Yelp
4.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Sharpfocus Photography is a Washington studio offering actor, corporate, and model headshots, body shots, and personal portraits. Studio shoots require a $25 deposit at least three days prior to the shoot date. Actor and model headshots and studio portraits are $200 each and take approximately one hour of studio time. Corporate headshots are $250 and include one hour of studio time, a choice of black, white, or grey background, optional makeup and styling, an online gallery, and a CD with six high resolution images with beauty retouching.

Washington, DC 20009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (63)

Why choose this provider?

Moshe Zusman Photography Studio in Washington offers a variety of professional photography services, Moshe works with small businesses and large corporates and deliver the highest quality of photography. He is currently the only fully owner-operated photography studio in DC with 17 years of experience. He currently offers a unique "Unlimited Headshots" and "Unlimited Portrait" sessions which have a smaller sitting fee of $175 for headshots and $500 for portraits. Images available a-la-carte right after. The benefit is the limitless options of poses, backdrops, "looks" and wardrobes.

Arlington, DC 22205

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MacklerMedia Photography is the Arlington studio of a “husband and wife wedding and portrait photography duo.” Services include wedding, engagement, newborn, and family photography. On location engagement sessions are also available. Wedding packages start at $1500, and portrait sessions start at $250.

Washington, DC 20016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (30)
Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Mike Morgan Photography is the Washington studio of Mike Morgan, a photographer who loves “creating memorable portraits and images that embody the heroism, vulnerability or humor” of his subjects. A select client list includes Citigroup, Navy SEALS, HGTV, Fruit of the Loom, and Allstate. Services include corporate photography, portraits, editorials, and documentary photography.

Silver Spring, DC 20901

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Z. Miller Photography is the Silver Spring studio of photographer Zach Miller, who provides “beautiful photography to suit all styles and budgets.” Past clients include AMC Theaters, P&G, and the Family Online Safety Institute. The studio offers a range of services, including automotive, event, family, fashion, music, modeling, portrait, and real estate photography.

Silver Spring, DC 20902

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Studio Pri is a is a provider of portrait photography in Washington that crafts “authentic and fresh” visual narratives. The company captures the natural sparkle and brilliance of people, and it uses only proven techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver treasures that can last a lifetime. The creative squad consists of talented and skilled people with decades of combined professional experience creating one-of-a-kind, high-end tangible products with a bit of their heart in every work produced. Studio Pri also covers commitment ceremonies, weddings, and other special occasions, and it engages in filmmaking and commercial shoots as well. Clients can view the team’s recent works on the shop’s website and social media pages, and they can call to ask about the use of copyrighted material in the production.

Washington, DC

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (72)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Magdalena is an experienced commercial photographer in Washington, D.C. Magdalena is known in the industry as a natural light photographer with a feminine eye and unique perspective. Not only a portrait photographer, Magdalena is also a lifestyle and product photographer who has worked for commercial brands such as Calvin Klein, Jack Daniels, L'Oréal, and Playtex, and more.

Fairfax, VA 22032

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Why choose this provider?

Whether it's on location across Northern Virginia or in its Fairfax studio, Marian Lozano Photography produces authentic and evocative images of families and individuals. Ms. Lozano's style strikes a balance between lifestyle and posed, creating stylish documents of families at a specific point in their lives and individuals who want to project a certain image on their social media profiles and websites. The studio works in various sectors, including weddings, maternity, and newborns.

Washington, DC 20007

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Eleven Hearts Studios in Washington offers wedding, portrait, family, boudoir, and pet photography. The studio’s founder and lead photographer specializes in “fine art wedding photojournalism” and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Perfect Wedding, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan. The studio also offers high-quality photo albums, fine art prints, and canvas prints of wedding photographs. Potential clients are encouraged to email the company directly for pricing and availability.

Washington, DC

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Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (36)
Google
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Rae Marshall Photography helps individuals, families, and couples in and around the Washington DC area capture memorable life moments. The owner, Rae Marshall, is a portrait photographer who provides newborn, wedding, family, and engagement photography services. She consults clients before each shoot to discuss wardrobe and poses. Rae has more than 10 years of industry experience, and her photos have been featured by Cosmopolitan, The Knot, and BuzzFeed. She also conducts coaching sessions for aspiring photographers.

  • Traditional

Fairfax, DC 22031

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (161)

Why choose this provider?

Tim Coburn Photography is the Washington studio of award winning photographer Tim Coburn, who is “blessed with extraordinary senses of style, design, color, and lighting.” The company was founded in 2003 and offers headshots, portraits, and model photography services. A professional headshot session without studio makeup or styling is $350 and includes three wardrobe changes, two background choices, an online gallery of 100+ images, free retouching on one image, and a digital file of all images. A headshot session with in-studio makeup and styling is $500.

Washington, DC 20016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

At Rebecca Emily Photography, portraits tell a story. The studio’s owner Rebecca is a Washington photographer who specializes in “natural light, modern, custom portrait photography.” She has received a “Best of American Society of Media Photographers” award, FotoWeek DC’s Silver Prize, and Photo District News’ “30 Emerging Photographers to Watch.” Services include baby and newborn sessions, as well as family, corporate, and wedding photography. A 45-minute headshot session is $900 and includes a pre-session consultation, an online image gallery, two retouched digital portraits, and a full digital collection.

Washington, DC

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Aaron Clamage Photography is a studio and on-location portrait photographer in Washington, DC. Aaron, the lead photographer, provides services for corporate portraits, PR events, editorial work, annual reports, lifestyle shoots, and advertising. This provider produces dynamic imagery for individuals, businesses, magazines, and advertising agencies. His approach to photography is personalized, as he learns about the identity of each of his clients so that he can visually tell a unique story about them or highlight a specific brand, document a particular event, or capture an intimate portrait. Aaron Clamage Photography's work has gained national and international recognition.

Silver Spring, DC 20902

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Why choose this provider?

MadiouArt is a Silver Spring studio specializing in “modern portrait photography.” Services include corporate on-location portraits for $200, studio portraits for $150, and creative portraits for chefs, authors, dancers, and other professionals starting at $500. Corporate event, wedding, and pet photography services are also available. Extra services include complimentary basic retouching, major retouching for $10-25 per image, and professional makeup and hair services for an additional fee.

Washington DC, DC

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

LRG Portraits specializes in outdoor and in-home lifestyle portraiture that captures special moments of individuals and families in Washington DC. As a mother of three, Lauren – the woman behind LRG Portraits, is passionate about creating beautiful images and heirlooms to remind her clients of their treasured moments. From maternity shoots, newborn and baby photography, to complete family shoots. Lauren also offers custom-designed albums and framings to give each of her clients the perfect timeless artwork.

  • Maternity Portraits
  • Newborn Portraits DC
  • Family Photography

25216 Lotus Pond Pl, Aldie, VA 20105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Jenny Sessoms has been serving residents in Washington, D.C. Based in Northern Virginia, the photographer offers portraiture services to help capture candid family moments and preserve memories. She also has packages for maternity and newborn photography. Other services include custom printing and filmmaking. Her prints come in different formats and sizes. Sessoms has a background in graphic design, which she uses to create unique photos for her clients. Her work has been featured by Disney, Priceline, Verizon, and Westin Hotels.

Washington, DC 20002

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (46)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Capitol Hill Portraits is operated by Timothy Devine, a local photographer taking portraits of individuals, families, and government officials throughout the Washington, D.C., metro area. Mr. Devine has over two decades of experience with portraiture, and he uses an assortment of advanced lighting techniques to help clients convey the looks they desire to. Clients are able to review proofs within 24 hours and make decision about the retouching process. This studio also photographs headshots, most often for professional purposes.

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Zaid Hamid
Washington, DC 23059Call for quote
Laurentina Photography
Washington, DC 20190
Sharpfocus Photography
Washington, DC 20003
Moshe Zusman Photography Studio
Washington, DC 20009
MacklerMedia Photography
Arlington, DC 22205
Mike Morgan Photography
Washington, DC 20016
Z. Miller Photography
Silver Spring, DC 20901
Studio Pri
Silver Spring, DC 20902
Magdalena Photography
Washington, DC
Marian Lozano Photography
Fairfax, VA 22032
Eleven Hearts Studios
Washington, DC 20007
Rae Marshall Photography
Washington, DC
Tim Coburn Photography
Fairfax, DC 22031
Rebecca Emily Photography
Washington, DC 20016
Aaron Clamage, Photographer
Washington, DC
MadiouArt
Silver Spring, DC 20902
LRG Portraits
Washington DC, DC
Jenny Sessoms Photography
25216 Lotus Pond Pl, Aldie, VA 20105
Capitol Hill Portraits
Washington, DC 20002

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.