Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Portrait Photographers in Honolulu, HI

Our Recommended Top 18

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

140Reviewed

91Curated

18Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

92-602 Malahuna Loop, Kapolei, HI 96707

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (209)
Facebook
4.7 (94)
Yelp
4.2 (26)

Why choose this provider?

Anthony Calleja is a Kapolei-based photographer serving clients on the island of Oahu, including Honolulu, Ko Olina, Pearl City, Waikiki, Kahala, and Hawaii Kai. He specializes in beach weddings on the picturesque spots of Waikiki, the North Shore, and the Windward Coast. Passionate about creating images to cherish for a lifetime, the photographer covers family reunions or any fun day out with loved ones, focusing on capturing the authentic moments that reflect a family's personality and dynamic.

  • couple photography
  • Proposal Photography
  • Engagement Photography

Honolulu, HI 96823

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (16)
Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Jolene Kaneshige Photography provides wedding, engagement, events, and portrait photography in Honolulu. The studio offers an island photography package starting at $200, which includes photography only, beach permit, one hour of coverage with extra hours at $100 per hour, up to 20 guests, and 40 of the best images. The studio also offers a variety of wedding packages starting at $500 for the budget package and rises up to $1,800 for the platinum wedding package.

Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Meloney Thill Photography is a wedding and portrait photography studio. It specializes in family photography, maternity, and engagement sessions with children, couples, and seniors. The firm's photography services cover all the major islands including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. Photographer, Mel, offers prints, wall art, canvasses, as well as albums that are all of very high quality and that are ordered from a professional printing lab.

54-267 Kaipapau Loop, Hauula, HI 96717

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (90)
Google
4.9 (72)
Yelp
5.0 (37)

Why choose this provider?

Adam A. Palmer Photography specializes in portrait photography. For more than two decades, Adam A. Palmer has photographed hundreds of family portraits near Honolulu. He has a degree in photography and is skilled in providing classic style portraits. With a goal to produce timeless photos, he applies photojournalistic techniques, which emphasize candid and natural poses instead of photography trends. The subjects of his portraits include families, couples in honeymoons, high school seniors, and expectant mothers.

Mililani, HI 96789

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.5 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Karen DB Photography is an award-winning photography service in Honolulu. Her work has appeared in the Honolulu Magazine, Honolulu Family Magazine, Walmart, Hawaii Business, and Marie Claire. The photography business is the recipient of the Best of Honolulu Family Award for the Best Child Photographer in 2013-2020. Portrait packages range from $500 for the most basic package to $900 for the most comprehensive. A non-refundable portrait session fee is required to reserve an available date and time.

Honolulu, HI 96734

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (19)
Yelp
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Kristen Hook Photography provides professional services in Honolulu and was founded in 2010. The studio’s photography services include weddings, maternity, engagements, lifestyle, commercial, fashion, corporate events, and family portraits. Customers can contact the studio online to request for a quote and additional information. A client speaking about the studio’s work says, “Kristen did a great job on our family pictures. She was very nice and patient with my boys. Thank you for the memories we had a great time. Best vacation ever!”

1236 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Studio 3 Photographics is a studio that has been providing portrait photography to families, businesses, and schools in Honolulu for over 35 years. Its services include taking professional snapshots of families, senior portraits, and weddings. It also performs photographic art and undertakes commercial projects such as architectural interiors and interiors and product illustrations. Lead photographer Dwight Okumoto is a Certified Professional Photographer by the PPA. He completed various photography degrees, including Master of Photography, Master of Electronic Imaging and Photographic Craftsman, and Master Artist.

Aiea, HI 96813

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Karsten Photography is a photography business in Pearl City, Hawaii that serves throughout Aiea, Hawaii, and the Island of Oahu. Karsten Photography offers a variety of photography services for families, pets, sports, babies, models, military, landscape, events, websites, headshots, and weddings. In addition, Karsten also offers freelance work and some videography services as well. Karsten’s website provides a portfolio of their past jobs to view, in addition to a store which sells various prints and a testimonial guest book with previous client notes. Their website also provides links to their Instagram and Facebook pages which again provides more sample photographs as well as reviews.

Honolulu, HI 96813

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Michelle Scotti Photography has more than 10 years of experience capturing wedding and portraits in Honolulu. The studio’s portrait sessions are $250 for morning photo sessions and $295 for afternoon and weekend photo sessions. Each session caters for up to seven people with additional people incurring additional fees up to $150 for 20 plus extra people. Customers may choose to buy all the photos taken in a photo shoot for an additional $200.

Honolulu, HI 96825

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (22)
Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Oahu Pro Photography specializes in wedding and outdoor beach and sunset portrait photography for families and couples in Waikiki. The studio’s family, couples, and wedding beach portrait package starts at $499 for the Aloha package and $649 for the Hawaiian package. The studio also offers headshot packages at $349 for the Aloha package and $499 for the Hawaiian package. All packages require a $200 deposit which is applied to the client’s selected package fee.

Honolulu, HI 96814

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (28)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Hawaii Headshot Photos in Honolulu specializes in professional headshots for actors, beauty pageants, commercials, and executives. The studio’s mission is to produce quality headshot that helps its customers succeed in the marketplace. The studio has a variety of headshot packages, “Basic” starting at $275, “Mini” starting at $175, and “Deluxe” starting at $325. The studio also offers a “Corporate” package on-location photo session for offices and groups with the rates dependent on the number of people and company needs.

Haleiwa, HI 96712

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Joanne Barratt Photography offers lifestyle and commercial photography in Haleiwa. The studio’s lead photographer has more than 15 years of professional photography experience. The studio has a team of highly-skilled professionals including assistants, stylists, makeup artists, graphic designers, and wordsmiths that can be incorporated into the photo shoot to offer clients full production and turnkey shoot if that is what is required. The lead photographer sits with clients to decide the direction of the photo shoot.

Honolulu, HI 96816

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (47)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Mapuana Reed Photography in Honolulu specializes in capturing women’s beauty through all stages of life including three to four generation shoots, mother and daughter shoots, maternity, glamor, boudoir, and family sessions. The studio’s Luxury portrait session starts at $300 and includes pre-consultation, professional hair and makeup, several wardrobe changes, photo shoot, and an ordering session. The studio offers an album of 10 photographs at $1,800 and 20 photographs at $2,500.

Honolulu, HI 96816

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (54)
Facebook
5.0 (29)

Why choose this provider?

Tracy Wright Corvo Photography in Honolulu specializes in headshots and portraits for business professionals, actors industry leaders, and corporate teams. All booking and session info is on the website. Clients have the option of making a 50% deposit or pay in full for business or actor head shots, all branding sessions are custom quoted. Full payments are also accepted on the online platform.

4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Kim Ebert is a photographer that serves individuals and families in Honolulu and the surrounding areas. Kim specializes in family and portrait photography. She also offers photography sessions for maternities, couples, and kids. She was born and raised in the Big Island and spent parts of her adult life in Minnesota, Seattle, New York City, and Los Angeles. Kim is committed to collaborating with her clients and creating artistic photos that make use of natural light and the magical scenery of Hawaii.

1111 Lunalilo Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Papica Photography serves Honolulu and nearby areas. Antonia Papica specializes in portrait photography for families, children, and newborns. She also offers maternity and lifestyle photoshoots and provides archival-quality prints that can last for a century. She conducts photography sessions in her client’s homes and brings backdrops in various colors as well as nature-inspired props. As a mother herself, Antonia understands that newborn photo sessions can usually take longer than usual, and clients have lauded her for her patience and ability to make children feel comfortable.

1110 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96826

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Perfect Portraits is a portrait photography company that provides services to individuals, families, and schools in Honolulu. It specializes in school photography which includes class, group, and sibling photos, as well as on location or in-studio high school senior portraits. It has a 900-square foot studio that handles passport photos, professional headshots, and seasonal family portraits. In addition, it has its own laboratory that allows the customization of photos. The company's owner, Nikki Doo, has been a photographer since 1989.

Honolulu, HI 96822

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Bret Thompsett Photography specializes in professional wedding, maternity, underwater, and portrait photography in Honolulu. Wedding packages start at $650, engagements at $350, and portraits at $100 for a one-hour session. All packages include a selection of edited images on a flash drive. Bret is available for last minute wedding and engagement shoots. Bret’s specialty is fashion and underwater photo shoot. The studio also offers a Japanese translator Japanese visitors to the Honolulu area.

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Anthony Calleja Photography
92-602 Malahuna Loop, Kapolei, HI 96707
Jolene Kaneshige Photography
Honolulu, HI 96823
Meloney Thill Photography
Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Adam A. Palmer Photography
54-267 Kaipapau Loop, Hauula, HI 96717
Karen DB Photography
Mililani, HI 96789
Kristen Hook Photography
Honolulu, HI 96734
Studio 3 Photographics
1236 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
Karsten Photography
Aiea, HI 96813
Michelle Scotti Photography
Honolulu, HI 96813
Oahu Pro Photography
Honolulu, HI 96825
Hawaii Headshot Photos
Honolulu, HI 96814
Joanne Barratt Photography
Haleiwa, HI 96712
Mapuana Reed Photography
Honolulu, HI 96816
Tracy Wright Corvo Photography
Honolulu, HI 96816
Kim Ebert
4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Papica Photography
1111 Lunalilo Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
Perfect Portraits
1110 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96826
Bret Thompsett Photography
Honolulu, HI 96822

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.

Other top picks in your area