The 7 Best Event Photographers in Detroit

As the name “America’s Comeback City” suggests, Detroit is in the process of reinventing itself. And as it does so, it once again finds itself a home for new events, businesses, and out-of-towners looking to explore what the Motor City has to offer. If your next Detroit event needs coverage, you’re in luck because there’s no shortage of talented photographers ready to assist you! That’s why we’ve sorted through many a talented portfolio to find the top event photographers in Detroit for your consideration.

1. Mark Hearndon of Distinctive Portraits

Specializing in events, portraits, and weddings, Mark Hearndon is the master photographer behind Distinctive Portraits in Detroit. Covering local events since 2002, Mark provides on-site portrait prints, as well as total event documentation, including corporate headshots, senior graduations, lifestyle portraits, and much more.

After obtaining advanced 35mm film photography instruction at WCCC, Mark gained further instruction at the GLIP (Great Lakes Institute of Photography), before moving on to being an assistant to local wedding and portrait photographers. We’re really stuck by how distinctive his portraits and images really are — Mark has a tendency to fill the frame and create an intimate feeling without the telephoto compression of longer lenses. We’re absorbed into the view along with our subject. He creates images that stand out in a world of distance event shooters.

2. Ron Warren Photography

With over 170 weddings and countless corporate events under his belt, Ron Warren has been covering the Detroit photography events scene since 2006. Some of his most distinguished local and national clients include the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Uber, George Washington University, and Henry Ford Health Systems.​

Ron’s work has a great balance of documentary and portraiture angles, both casual and posed, that helps us get a feel for the pace and subject of a given event. His lens choices always have him in the thick of an event. We particularly love his wedding and party coverage because Ron not only covers the posed angles but seems to also find awesome spontaneous moments that make us smile. Ron’s a top choice as one of the best event photographers in Detroit right now!

3. Cherry Kerr-Volz

Portrait and corporate event shooter Cherry Kerr-Volz brings 19 years of art and design experience into her style as a photographer. This influence is a major reason why we’ve tapped Cherry as one of the best event photographers in Detroit. We love that she always finds room for artistic expression during seemingly routine event shoots.

Instead of banal takes of “getting the shot” for documentary purposes, we’re treated to shutter speed choices that blur subject motion, as well as shallow depth of field compositions that emphasize signage, hands, and other storytelling elements. And, of course, she can always manage to “get the shot” in a more traditional style, too! If you’re looking for images that stand out from the rest due to creative compositions and an eye for storytelling, Cherry is well worth looking at!

4. David Taylor of Stop and Stare by Taylor

David Taylor runs the very aptly named “Stop and Stare” photography business, covering weddings, events, families, boudoir, and senior portraits throughout Detroit. What really catches our attention is the remarkable level of attention David gives to not just his compositions but his color choices, lighting, and backgrounds. His colors range from monochrome to subdued to bright and bold, all of which somehow fits into a coherent style.

His front-and-center portraiture style lends emphasis to his subjects as well, serving as a departure from more traditional compositions. And given how he tends to use backgrounds either entirely blown out or incredibly detail-rich, the centered portrait style works really well versus the usual bokeh take most photographers employ.

5. Jorge Flores of Flores Photo Design

Jorge Flores of Flores Photo Design shoots weddings, corporate headshots, events, commercial work, and fashion images with stunning detail and tonality. His deep yet slightly subdued color palette truly grabs our attention as it has a more documentary flavor we really enjoy! Coupled with his flair for dramatic lighting and environmental portraiture, Jorge tells incredible stories through his photography. And as a destination wedding shooter, Jorge is ready to travel as needed, covering weddings and events worldwide.

6. Mikalia “Jay” Dennis of EYEZYOU Photography

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mowP0AfPI/

Self-taught photographer Mikalia Dennis is powerful proof that art degrees and internships aren’t required to become a talented photographer. She’s great at showing people in their individuality and quirkiness, and she’s especially adept at using wider focal lengths for eye-catching compositions. Mikalia also has a knack for telling stories as much as capturing moments. In her own words, “With my photo-journalistic, candid style for photography, I have set out to tell stories… through my lens. Perspective is everything.”

7. Chris Ahern Photography

https://www.instagram.com/p/By8tJd1ByUf/

If you’re looking for coverage for your next wedding, promo shoot, performance, or other event, one of the best event photographers in Detroit is undoubtedly Chris Ahern. Chris’s images have been recognized and awarded honors by the Madison Heights City Council, Canvas Pontiac, the Photographer’s Forum, as well as an internationally published coffee table book, and other prestigious institutions.

He also works as co-founder of The Stratford in Ferndale, a new community event and art space to help local artists come together to network, practice, and perform! With his penchant for wide-angle coverage and intimate photos that bring the viewer right into the action, its clear Chris has a sociable nature that’s an asset to him as an event shooter.

Find unique production venues in Detroit on Peerspace

Get together somewhere better

Book thousands of unique spaces directly from local hosts.

Explore Spaces

Share your space and start earning

Join thousands of hosts renting their space for meetings, events, and photo shoots.

List Your Space