Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Portrait Photographers in Kansas City, MO

Our Recommended Top 15

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

163Reviewed

103Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

701 E 63rd Street, Suite G30, Kansas City, MO 64110

Why choose this provider?

Colleen Christi Photography, based in Kansas City, Missouri, specializes in natural-light portraits and prefers styled or theme-oriented sessions. Christi is a multi-award-winning, published newborn and children’s portrait photographer who photographs babies, children, tweens, families, and high school seniors. Colleen Christi Photography has collaborated with fashion designers and also hosts “MOMtography” workshops for moms who wish to learn how to best capture the personalities of their children.

11272 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (12)
Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Melissa McGee Photography is a Kansas City studio that serves clients throughout the Kansas City metro area and surrounding communities. Founded in 2010, the studio offers several photography services and packages, including senior portraits, pet portraits, sports and dance photography, professional headshots, personal brand photography, and content creation. Photographer Melissa McGee can travel to provide destination and on-location photography. Melissa McGee Photography has won several awards, including the 2020 Hulafrog's Most Loved Award, and was recently featured in Shutter Magazine. She strives to make each session a fun experience while creating technically-excellent portraits.

Lee's Summit, MO 64063

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Freeland Photography is a business in Lee’s Summit that specializes in weddings, photographing newborns, children, and families, and senior portraits. Michael Freeland of Freeland Photography has over 20 years of experience in these areas and has recently expanded services to include headshots, corporate events, and other commercial photography needs. The studio’s work has been featured in advertising campaigns for companies like Comcast and InterContinental Hotels and has created images for clients like Taylor Swift, Barack Obama, and others.

Bokeh Story Photos logo

Bokeh Story Photos

Liberty, MO 64068

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Bokeh Story Photos is a portrait photography studio in Liberty, Missouri. Lai, the photographer, describes her style as classic and timeless. Bokeh Story Photos specializes in couple, family, fashion, headshots, kids, maternity photography, and more. They strive to be masters in telling stories and building memories. Due to the high-quality outcome that they want to achieve, they accept limited clients per month.

1800 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Alison Barnes Martin is a portrait photographer based in Kansas City whose focus is on modern photography. Because of her commercial background, Martin values the research process when handling projects and always plans around her clients' needs. This photographer specializes in corporate and beauty portraits. She also shoots portraits for actors, singers, and dancers' portfolios. Martin and her team of professionals have handled photoshoots for major brands such as Chrysler and John Deere.

Belton, MO 64114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Sunshine and Shadows Photography serves the Kansas City metro area, taking portraits of families, and individuals as fine art subjects. It typically creates photographs that can serve as heirlooms, or be framed for wall decorations in a similar fashion to professional paintings. Sunshine and Shadows Photography offers staged creative photo sessions that incorporate a variety of lighting choices, evocative and bold color schemes, and expressive poses. This studio also does ambient lifestyle photography.

800 E 101st Ter Ste 350, Kansas City, MO 64131

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (138)

Why choose this provider?

Brant Brogan Photography is a portrait photography agency based in Kansas City and serving clients in the greater metro area. Mr. Brogan has almost 20 years of experience as a photographer. He takes headshot photos for business people, actors, and models, and he has experience in capturing portrait photographs of families and children. Wedding photography is one of the specialist services offered by the agency. Studio and location-based photoshoots are available.

8710 W 72nd Ter., Overland Park, KS 66204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (17)
Google
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

JP Shots is an Overland Park, KS-based wedding and portrait photography studio that has been serving clients in the Kansas City area for over fifteen years. The studio uses state-of-the-art equipment and offers fixed pricing for wedding photography packages. The package includes capturing all the important moments at the wedding as well as a free engagement photo session. Photographer JP has studied photography at the University of Central Missouri and has also won multiple awards for his work.

Warrensburg, MO

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Portrait Artist is a local portrait photographer that offers in-studio and on-location photography services in Kansas City. Angelica Page is the studio's portrait artist who specializes in fine art portraiture. She offers stylized maternity, family, children, pinup, and senior photography services. Her sessions include wardrobe consultation, studio closet access, wardrobe changes, and professional photo retouching and editing. Angelica has been featured in various magazines and publications including Behind The Shutter, Rangefinder, and Summeranna magazines.

Kansas City, MO 64105

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Random Photography in Kansas City specializes in commercial and product photography, senior portraits, sports photography, pictures of pets, and creative works, like aerial photography and other styles. The photographer received training in photojournalism but has since focused his talents on these areas. Random Photography is willing to travel outside of Kansas for its clients.

Overland Park, KS 66221

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (35)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Bliss Photography in Overland Park offers posed photography sessions for high school senior pictures, family portraits, professional headshots, modeling portfolios, and more. Owner Carol Bliss has over 10 years of experience in photography and has a working partnership with professional hair and makeup artist Chanda Hutton, who has accumulated over 17 years of experience after attending Sunset Gower Studios Makeup Academy in Hollywood. Bliss Photography has a gallery and current specials posted on its website.

Olathe, MO 66061

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (44)
Facebook
4.6 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Headshot Studio in Kansas City coaches an individual during the photography session to bring out his or her defining traits that will help project the professional’s desired image. Shea of The Headshot Studio points out on the business’s website that “headshots aren’t just for actors [and] models anymore.” She aims to help each person develop his or her “brand identity” with a powerful headshot. The company’s website also contains a section of tips for session preparation regarding hair and makeup, clothing, and accessory choices.

Kansas City, MO 64108

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Bella Boudoir of Kansas City seeks to highlight the beauty of women of all ages, shapes and sizes through sensual angles, lighting, and poses. Petra of Bella Boudoir directs two- to three-hour sessions starting at $425. Albums, wall art, and digital collections start at $600. One happy client said, “I was nervous about being nude in front of someone I didn't know. I'm modest by nature. Petra made me feel so comfortable. It was like hanging out with a close friend or a sister. All my fears quickly went away after we started taking pictures. Petra is a sweetheart....by the time I left, I felt I'd made a new friend.”

Kansas City, MO 64108

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (38)
Google
4.6 (10)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Wirken Photography and Wirken Films in Kansas City started in 2013 as a collaboration of photographers with skills in photojournalism and cinematography that specialize in capturing the beauty of naturally occurring moments that take place in weddings and among family members. In 2013, American Photo Magazine named Tyler Wirken, one of the business’s founding photographers, as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world.

Kansas City, MO 64156

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Cathy Quarles Photography LLC captures images of Kansas City residents, families, or groups in a way that highlights their personalities. It helps high school seniors convey their stories by directing them to pose and coordinating photo sessions at optimal times of the day. The studio also offers family portrait photography services that capture the emotional bonds among all family members. Cathy Quarles, the studio's owner, is a portrait artist with a journalism degree, which she uses to tell stories with photographs.

  • Traditional
  • Family
  • Lifestyle

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Colleen Christi Photography
701 E 63rd Street, Suite G30, Kansas City, MO 64110
Melissa McGee Photography
11272 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061
Freeland Photography
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Bokeh Story Photos
Liberty, MO 64068
Alison Barnes Martin
1800 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Sunshine and Shadows Photography
Belton, MO 64114
Brant Brogan Photography
800 E 101st Ter Ste 350, Kansas City, MO 64131
JPShots
8710 W 72nd Ter., Overland Park, KS 66204
The Portrait Artist
Warrensburg, MO
Random Photography
Kansas City, MO 64105
Bliss Photography
Overland Park, KS 66221
The Headshot Studio
Olathe, MO 66061
Bella Boudoir
Kansas City, MO 64108
Wirken Photography and Wirken Films
Kansas City, MO 64108
Cathy Quarles Photography LLC
Kansas City, MO 64156

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.