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2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in Seattle, WA

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

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

215Reviewed

136Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Seattle, WA

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (97)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Dream Catcher’s Pictures caters to clients in Seattle and the surrounding communities. Owner Keala Li is a family, newborn, maternity, and senior photographer who focuses on capturing raw emotions and human connections in a unique and vibrant way. Prior to starting Dream Catcher’s Pictures, she worked as a research statistician. Li helps customers decide what to wear and provides them with advice on how to prepare for their sessions. She delivers clients' photos in two weeks through a private online gallery.

625 1st Ave Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98104

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (41)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Post Productions is a portrait photographer in Seattle that specializes in relationship portraiture. Natalie has years of experience working with families, professional teams, and collaborative groups to capture engagements, weddings, headshots, and special events. Post Productions provides pet photography, helping cat and dog owners capture high-quality portraits that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally captivating. Natalie also takes photos of musicians and actors performing in live music venues and theatres.

Seattle, WA 98101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (38)
Yelp
5.0 (20)

Why choose this provider?

Erin Schedler has been a professional photographer for more than 15 years and has photographed more than 150 weddings. She specializes in maternity, newborn, family, and wedding photography. Erin describes her style as natural and candid, and her clients say that she takes beautiful and personal shots. She serves Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, and the greater Pacific Northwest, and she is available for travel worldwide.

Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Jean Kercheval of Kercheval Photography has been taking portraits for over two decades. She specializes in both personal branding, and in women's contemporary portraiture- which includes everything from business executive portraits to beautiful custom creative photo shoots.. She makes it her job to painlessly guide her clients to feel comfortable in front of the camera. A pre-session consultation will help Jean and her client design the photo shoot, with discussions about the client’s expectations, wardrobe, and other details that go into the shoot. If doing personal branding, Jean also helps you with how to best brand your business for your photo shoot, and how to radiant your business message via photos. . A hair and makeup specialist is on hand for personal makeovers. Jean's clients speak very highly of her ability to show connection and creativity in her photos, as well as her down to earth and fun approach to the photo shoots.

1301 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Wendi Chen Photography is a photography company in the Seattle, Washington, area. Services include professional portraits, modern engagement sessions, family portraits, newborn/maternity photos, senior pictures, and event photography. Most sessions are completed on location with natural light, and pets are always welcome to be included.

Seattle, WA 98118

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (40)
Yelp
5.0 (19)

Why choose this provider?

Dani Weiss has more than 25 years of experience as a professional Seattle photographer. She shoots weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, portraits, In the course of her career, she has covered more than 700 weddings and events. Dani is active in the Greater Seattle Business Association and the Seattle Professional Photographers Association.

116 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Since 2014, Patrick Tak LLC photography in Seattle, Washington's Belltown region offers expert promotional imaging and lifestyle, fashion, portrait, and commercial photo shoots. Internationally published, Patrick's customers describe him as a very talented artist who puts them at ease and produces beautiful photos. Sessions are provided either on location or in the 3,600 square foot, professionally equipped studio space, which includes lighting modifiers and a cyclorama wall for a flawless background.

Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Ian Grant is a photojournalistic wedding photographer based in Seattle. He and his wife, Tanya, specialize in destination weddings, with which they have more than ten years of experience. Couples and families speak highly of the beauty and originality of the photographs that Ian takes. His images have been featured in numerous well-known publications, including The Atlantic, L'Officiel Paris, and The Canberra Times.

Seattle, WA 98134

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Kirk Mastin is a Seattle photographer with more than ten years of experience in classic fine art wedding photography. He uses analog film to shoot his photos, then presents couples with hand-crafted, custom albums of their images. Kirk gets glowing reviews from his clients, who praise his attention to detail and his eye for beauty.

Seattle, WA 98103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Jenn Repp is a Seattle photographer who specializes in wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photography. She has more than ten years of professional photography experience, and her clients say that she takes stunning and personal shots. Jenn is available for sessions all across the world.

Seattle, WA 98103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (29)

Why choose this provider?

Barbie Hull graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle in 2001, and since then she has earned a reputation for taking classic, beautiful photographs. She specializes in weddings, portraits, baby photography, and travel photography; she takes an easygoing, fun, and laid-back approach.

1221 1ST AVE, SEATTLE, WA 98101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Frank Diaz Web & Photography is a Seattle-based studio that provides a wide range of portrait photography services. Certified professional photographer Frank Diaz's portrait sessions involve formal and casual portraits. He offers family portraits, headshots, pet photography, and studio and underwater portraits. A member of the Professional Photographers of America, Diaz also photographs events, weddings, and engagements. He also does commercial photography for real estate, products, lifestyle, and fashion. Aside from being a photographer, Diaz is a web designer and developer.

Seattle, WA 98101

Why choose this provider?

Julia Kinnunen a wedding and lifestyle photographer, based in Seattle, whose work has been featured in Junebug and Offbeat Bride. She has a reputation for taking beautiful photographs, and her clients say that she is a delight to work with. Julia won a "Best of Thumbtack" award in 2015.

Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Ian Grant has more than ten years of experience in his field -- photographing headshots for actors and professionals. His clients speak highly of his professionalism, and they are quick to express their delight with the images that he and his colleagues deliver.

1113A 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (40)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Smallish Photo Studio specializes in fine-art portrait photography, as well as baby, child, pets, and family. Founded in 2016 in Seattle, Washington, the studio serves clients throughout the Greater Seattle area. Sessions can be booked via a form on the company's website or by calling directly. An initial consultation will then take place to discuss the shoot and design a session that satisfies the client's expectations. A reservation fee is required at the time of booking.

Seattle, WA 98199

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Scott and Ashley are a husband and wife team of photographers who specialize in wedding, lifestyle, and portrait photography. They work with clients in Seattle and all over the world. Scott and Ashley describe their style as a mixture of fine art and documentary, and they say that their aim is to create beautiful and timeless photographs. Their clients speak very highly of the quality of their work, some of which has been featured in well-known publications such as Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides magazine.

Seattle, WA 98103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Carly Chaney provides wedding, portrait, studio, and commercial photography for clients in Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, and around the world. She has more than ten years of professional photography experience, and she is a member of Professional Photographers of America.

Everett, WA 98201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Julie Voss is a French photographer who offers portrait, headshot, engagement, maternity, senior, and graduation photography to clients in Seattle and the surrounding area. Julie has traveled the world taking photographs, and she now schedules sessions on-location, at her client's home or at local outdoor locations. People are impressed by her obvious talent and experience, and they praise her creativity and attention to detail.

Tacoma, WA 98403

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Jaquilyn Shumate and her husband Travis provide professional photography services for clients in Seattle, Tacoma, and other locations. They offer wedding and engagement photography, portrait sessions, senior photos, and newborn & family sessions. Jaquilyn and Travis have a classic photojournalistic style, and they create timeless images that last a lifetime. Their clients cherish the experience of working with Jaquilyn and Travis, who they describe variously as "sweet", "extraordinary", and "awesome". Together they have photographed hundreds of weddings, engagements, and portrait sessions, and though they have refined their technique, they are always looking to be creative.

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Dream Catcher’s Pictures
Seattle, WA
Post Productions
625 1st Ave Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98104
Erin Schedler Photography
Seattle, WA 98101
Kercheval Photography
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Wendi Chen Photography
1301 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Dani Weiss Photography
Seattle, WA 98118
Patrick Tak Photography
116 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
Ian Grant Photography
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Mastin Studio
Seattle, WA 98134
Jenn Repp Photography
Seattle, WA 98103
Barbie Hull Photography
Seattle, WA 98103
Frank Diaz Web & Photography
1221 1ST AVE, SEATTLE, WA 98101
Julia Kinnunen Photography
Seattle, WA 98101
Seattle Headshots
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Smallish Photo Studio
1113A 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
O'Malley Photographers
Seattle, WA 98199
Carly Bish Photography
Seattle, WA 98103
Julie Voss Photography
Everett, WA 98201
Jaquilyn Shumate Photography
Tacoma, WA 98403

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.