Best Portrait Photographers 2022
Moshe Zusman Photography Studio
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.
Rebecca Emily Photography
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.
Sharpfocus Photography
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.
Laurentina Photography
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.
Elliott O'Donovan Photography
Elliott O'Donovan is an internationally recognized photographer that caters to the residents of Washington, DC. His work has been featured in various publications, such as Forbes Magazine, the Washington Post, and The New York Times. Elliott’s recent international assignments include documenting NGO work in Malawi, Africa, and photographing former Yakuza members on the inner-city streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Elliott currently works with a range of commercial, corporate, and editorial clients in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and abroad.
Jessica Monte Photography
Jessica Monte Photography is an Ashburn studio offering professional headshots and photography for high school seniors, families, models, and actors. Add on services for sessions include album and book design, brochures, digital files, engagement and graduation announcements, full retouching, holiday cards, professional hair and makeup, and on location photography. Professional headshots and portraits begin at $300, and group rates are also available.
Adam Auel Photography
Adam Auel Photography is the Poolesville studio of Adam Auel, who has been “producing photography for advertising, corporate and editorial clients” for over 20 years. Services include portrait sessions and corporate photography. Prices are not listed on the company’s website, so customers are encouraged to contact the photographer directly.
Anna Muhhina Photography
Anna Muhhina Photography does business with clients in the Washington D.C. metro area, working within several categories to satisfy a range of needs. It takes wedding photos and does bridal shoots both on location and in studio settings, and it can do engagement event photography too. This studio regularly takes portraits of families in various composition as well. Both staged and live photography services are available for corporate events, and headshot services are offered as part of this.
Zaid Hamid
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.
Marian Lozano Photography
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.
Eleven Hearts Studios
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.
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Rae Marshall Photography
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.
Z. Miller Photography
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.
MacklerMedia Photography
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.
Maureen Porto Studios
Maureen Porto Studios is a portrait photography provider that serves clients in Washington DC. It offers business portraits, and the sessions include wardrobe styling consultation and professional makeup artistry. In addition, it also handles personal brand photography, which focuses on how clients want to express themselves and their stories through photos. Photo sessions can be held at the studio or on-location. The business has started the Get One, Give One initiative, which aims to help local women attain their professional growth and stability.
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Capitol Hill Portraits
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.
Mike Morgan Photography
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.
Tim Coburn Photography
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.
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LRG Portraits
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.
Bonnie Sen Photography
Bonnie Sen Photography is a Washington studio offering wedding and portrait photography. Lead photographer and owner Bonnie captures the “events of a wedding day in a combination of fine-art and photojournalistic style,” and offers high-resolution images with her packages. She is available for local and destination weddings. Portrait sessions for individuals, couples, and families begin at $750 and usually last about an hour. Bonnie’s favorite time of day to shoot portraits is a few hours before sunset. The session fee includes all the photographs taken during the shoot.
Cyndy Porter Style and Photography
Cyndy Porter Style & Photography is a photography studio in McLean. Cyndy has over 15 years of business experience and she is described as an “award winning, certified photographer, expert image consultant and inspiring public speaker.” She is certified through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) association, and she is also an Image Consultant helping clients to craft powerful and authentic personal and professional images. Cyndy’s photography services include editorials, women’s and men’s headshots, and group and team photo sessions.
Magdalena Photography
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.
Aaron Clamage, Photographer
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.
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Jenny Sessoms Photography
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.
Studio Pri
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.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What is portrait photography?
- What is the history of portrait photography?
- Where can you learn portrait photography?
- How do you start a portrait photography business?
- How to eliminate shadows in portrait photography?
- What are the four categories of portrait photography?
- How many different types of portrait photography are there and what are they?
- How much is a portrait photographer?
- What makes a photo a portrait?
- How can I learn portrait photography?
- What\'s the best camera for portrait photography?
- Should props be included in a portrait?
- What are some examples of portrait photography techniques?
- Who are the most famous master portrait photographers?
- Q: Introduction
- A: 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.
- Q: What is portrait photography?
- A: 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.
- Q: What is the history of portrait photography?
- A: 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.
- Q: Where can you learn portrait photography?
- A: 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.
- Q: How do you start a portrait photography business?
- A: 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.
- Q: How to eliminate shadows in portrait photography?
- A: 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.
- Q: What are the four categories of portrait photography?
- A: The four categories of portrait photography are constructionist, candid, environmental, and creative.
- 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.
- Candid photos are taken with minimal setup, trying to capture their subject in the moment.
- Environmental photos try to capture subjects in their natural environment.
- Creative photography uses a variety of experimental techniques and elements to create an original image.
- Q: How many different types of portrait photography are there and what are they?
- A: Within the four categories of portrait photography mentioned above, there are countless types of styles and approaches used by photographers today. Some of them include traditional, lifestyle, glamor, fine art, conceptual, surreal, and abstract.
- Q: How much is a portrait photographer?
- A: Usually, portrait photographers charge per session, though the total cost can range widely. On the low end of the spectrum, you can find photographers who will charge $150 for a two-hour session. Other photographers may charge $500 per session or more.
- Q: What makes a photo a portrait?
- A: A photo is a portrait if its intention is to capture the emotion, personality, or essence of a human being or pet. Usually, a portrait focuses on the face, though some portrait photographers include the full body.
- Q: How can I learn portrait photography?
- A: There are many how-to photographer books that can teach you the basics of portrait photography. If you're looking to round out your skill set, getting a degree at an accredited college can be another good option.
- Q: What\'s the best camera for portrait photography?
- A: If your goal is to take professional-quality photos, a DSLR camera is a good bet, as it can achieve a high resolution and allows you to switch lenses for different effects. There are many models available by top brands, such as Nikon and Canon.
- Q: Should props be included in a portrait?
- A: Traditional portrait photography rarely includes props, though many photographers believe the right prop can add personality to the image. If you're going to use a prop, make sure it adds something meaningful to the photo or reveals something about your sitter.
- Q: What are some examples of portrait photography techniques?
- A: One useful trick when taking a portrait with artificial light is to diffuse your light source. Rather than have harsh spotlights on your sitter, reflect it off a nearby wall for a more natural effect. You can also try using gels, which can change the color of the light.
- Q: Who are the most famous master portrait photographers?
- A: In the early 1900s, Man Ray and Ansel Adams were two of the most famous portrait photographers, producing fine art images with famous and non-famous subjects. Today, Annie Leibovitz is one of the most recognized names in portrait photography.