The 13 Best Chicago Portrait Photographers

There are few Midwestern cities as artsy and vibrant as Chicago. As such, it only makes sense that Chicago portrait photographers offer a wealth of unique perspectives and styles. From edgy street photography to sentimental family portraits, these talented photographers know how to craft incredible portraits. It’s no surprise these shutterbugs’ respective skill sets are as diverse as the city itself.

1. Kiki Khan

Kiki Khan’s use of wide apertures and fuzzy vignettes gives her portraits a dreamy and nostalgic feel. Warm, glowing overlays, as well as deep shadows and high contrast add extra emphasis to her use of highly saturated tones. However, as a photo-obsessed mother, Khan strives to create organic and emotional photos that bring back memories for the viewer.

We also love how Khan describes her wizened photography outlook: “I used to take pictures in an attempt to stop time—to hold on to past memories. Years later I eventually realized that I want to take pictures not for the purpose of looking back onto “what was” but to celebrate the present and all the love, light and energy it encompasses.”

2. Rachel Andrade

Rachel Andrade’s lively and intimate portraits reflect her appreciation of honest and real moments. Her lighthearted and joyful portraits are tightly cropped and also use a low aperture to draw attention to the subject. Her specialties include wedding, family, engagement, and senior portraits.

Through inventive location scouting, Andrade is also able to showcase her subjects in eye-catching natural light and backdrops. This self-taught photographer prides herself on her dedication and passion for the craft.

3. Alicia Wehby Photography

Alicia Wehby achieves her goal of creating stunning images using soft lighting and neutral colors. In fact, her work captures the natural moments and connections among family members. Her choice of subdued color schemes and unobtrusive props draws the focus toward her subjects and gives her work an elegant style that translates beautifully to print. As a mom of four, she is especially passionate about newborn photography. After all, a mom knows best how quickly those precious moments fly by!

When she’s not photographing newborns and families, Wehby keeps her creative juices flowing by drawing, crafting, and sewing. All this along with daily time spent learning to perfect her photography makes her a busy professional.

4. Matthew Odom of Pixel Perfect Pros

As a family man and the owner of Pixel Perfect Pros, Matthew Odom uses his experience to create photos that capture the personality of his subjects. With a background in motion graphics and visual effects, Odom manages to create cinematic portraits that feel genuine and relaxed.

In fact, his use of golden natural light and foreground accents add dreamy visual interest to his images. When he’s not shooting, Odom can be found exploring the outdoors and traveling with his family.

5. Bekah Wriedt

Bekah Wriedt’s desire “to see people thrive in their purpose” is reflected in her bold editorial portraits. With creamy highlights, unique compositions, and steely subject direction, Wriedt creates images that highlight her subject’s strength and confidence.

As an avid traveler and one of the youngest Chicago portrait photographers, Wriedt has only just begun. We love how she also uses her fresh perspective to craft edgy and meaningful photos that showcase her passion and talent.

6. David Joel

David Joel specializes in high-end portraits, with a focus on headshots that bring out the individual in each subject. He also has one of the most diverse headshots portfolios we’ve ever seen. He categorizes his work into traditional, general, advertising, informal, testimonial, and candid portraits. If you’re a professional in Chicago looking for the most well-rounded photographer to snap a portrait for your website, contact David Joel.

7. Jason Adrian

As one of the most well-rounded Chicago portrait photographers, Jason Adrian brings his signature gritty and modern style to everything he shoots. In fact, his specialties include couples, fashion, senior, and lifestyle portraits.

His portraits combine high contrast with soft skin tones to achieve a dramatic look that also flatters his subjects. However, it is Adrian’s interest in urban exploration photography that shines throughout his work. With it, you will see uncommon locations and an emphasis on highly defined textures.

8. Alexa Viscius

Alexa Viscius’ background as a musician and designer allows her to bring a rare perspective to her exceptional portraiture. With retro-inspired color schemes and film effects, Viscius creates images that are both grungy and romantic. Her bold vision and style have appeared in work for the Milk Group Company, Paper magazine, and Circus magazine.

Her collaborations with fellow artists and stylists have helped her become one of the top Chicago portrait photographers. Be sure to also check out her design work and her films on her website for a better understanding of her style.

9. Jessica Lynn Capron

Jessica Lynn Capron’s passion for the energy, excitement, and problem-solving that goes into fashion photography shines through in her portrait work. Her crisp and clean images showcase her dedication and also her willingness to roll with the punches. Plus, she technology to challenge herself by creating photos that stand out in a world overloaded with images. And it works.

However, we’re far from the only ones enamored with her rich, vibrant work. Her stunning images have also appeared in in Vogue India, Fashionista, Where magazine, and Time Out Chicago.

10. Pablo Roberto

You’d never know that this Chicago portrait photographer’s photos were taken on a mobile device. Pablo Roberto uses a Galaxy Note Edge and a Galaxy Note 8 to capture high-quality, eye-catching portraits that exude depth and highlight his male subject’s masculinity.

With rich blues, cool earth tones, and deep shadows, Roberto is able to push the limits of his creativity while maintaining a distinct aesthetic.

11. Kiah Lynn

After earning a degree in neuroscience, Kiah Lynn decided to take a break from school and focus on her passion for photography. Her work boasts intense colors, high contrast, and a strong sense of visual balance. In fact, Lynn’s striking portraits could almost be confused with still frames from an independent film.

However, it’s her vibrant, fashion-forward style that we find most interesting. When she’s not shooting, you can find Lynn baking in the kitchen, out for a run, or watching The Office.

12. Nik Latkins

Nik Latkin’s unique approach to portrait photography allows him to capture beautiful, hip, and moody images. This also helps bring out his subject’s emotions and personality, something that isn’t easy to do. We love how Latkin creates portraits that feel modern yet timeless. Smooth shadows and creamy tones dominate in his work.

His goal is to create retro film-like images and street photography, and we think he succeeds. Browse through his Instagram to see the variety of his work and also his globe-trotting style.

13. Waybon McConnell Jr. of CoachWay Photography

Born and raised in one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods, Waybon is a father, educator, coach and self-taught photographer. After initially digging into photography as a hobby, he now goes by the name, “CoachWay” (which came from his basketball coaching days during which he also took amazing photographs). Waybon’s passionate about driving the culture and capturing vivid stories through the black lens, focusing on street photography and portraits.

Bonus: Bauwerks Photography Studio

For classic headshots and portrait work, count on Bauwerks. These are the Chicago portrait photographers who professionals across Chicagoland turn to dress up their websites and editorials. On their website, you’ll encounter celebrity headshots, corporate photos, and even family portraits. Check them out and enjoy natural, captivating portrait work.

Chicago portrait photographers: conclusion

As one of the most exciting cities in the United States, if not the world, it’s no surprise there are so many talented Chicago portrait photographers. The only problem you may have is choosing just one for your project!

If you’re a photographer looking for studio space or other photogenic rentals, check out Peerspace today. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, our locations will inspire you.

Find production spaces in Chicago on Peerspace