The 9 Best Portrait Photographers in Los Angeles

Looking for the most talented portrait photographers in Los Angeles? While Hollywood is known for its film industry, there’s an incredible photography scene as well. Los Angeles attracts the bold and creative, and it seems each new generation brings even more talent to the table than the last. These photographers are incredibly skilled at capturing an individual’s personality, from portfolios filled with corporate headshots to work that includes artsy profiles.

Ahead, we share the top portrait photographers in Los Angeles that you should consider pairing up with for your portrait. Despite being a famous creative hub, we think you’ll be impressed by the diverse talent and passion these Hollywood photogs bring to each project.

And if you’re a photographer in Los Angeles looking for new shooting environs, check out Peerspace. We have hundreds of stylish, pristine, and professional studios that you can rent by the hour. It’s a great way to hone your craft while experimenting in a fun, fresh setting. But now, let’s get to our list!

1. Molly Pan

Molly Pan’s energetic portraits rely on her ability to capture genuine emotion, even through rigid poses. With her intense use of vibrant colors and soft, filtered light, Pan creates stunning portraits that bring out the gentle inner glow of every skin tone. In fact, her expert lighting techniques have made her one of the most sought-after portrait photographers in L.A.

With a strong emphasis on catchlight and smooth highlights, Pan draws out the soulfulness of her subject’s eyes. What’s great about her style is that she never settles for flat, emotionless headshots. Her preference for shallow depths of field places the viewer’s attention solely on her subject, while her post-production work adds sharpness. In her own words, Pan “loves to make those peepers pop.” This is evident by her creative collaborations with top makeup artists who are able to transform her clients into their most photo-ready selves.

2. April Staso

With a passion for visual problem-solving, April Staso brings her client’s brands to life through clean, straightforward portraiture. She does it all, from quirky conceptual advertisements to sun-soaked lifestyle editorials.

However, Staso’s knack for creating compelling and clear-cut images gives her vastly diverse portfolio a sense of cohesiveness and purpose. Her unique style shines through whether she’s shooting for Genexa Pharmaceuticals or Orovo Jewelry. In fact, we think she’s a perfect fit for anyone seeking creative headshots or companies looking for exciting editorial shoots.

We also love how April describes her work ethic. “I value every single one of my clients and go above and beyond to make sure they are happy. I also love being part of the creative process and working in a team with many other creatives to collectively create beautiful imagery to help make your business shine!”

3. Stacey Lamb

Stacey Lamb’s portraits are simple and chic. Using a handful of sophisticated color palettes, she can capture natural-looking skin textures. Her choice of matte earth tones and creamy pastels draw attention to her subject’s softly lit faces.

She is an illustrator with a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Florida State University. Lamb then went on to study studio lighting at Speos Photographic Institute in Paris, France. In fact, her firm grasp on lighting and artistic background gives her an edge among self-taught image-makers. This style allows her to jump straight into actualizing her creative vision.

Stacey also offers a photography program about working with models and the modeling industry, paying forward her invaluable insights and experiences.

4. Anna Kharchenko

Anna Kay finds fulfillment in documenting the world around her. Her love for taking pictures of strangers led her to pursue a career as a portrait photographer. In fact, her focus on creating stories that showcase the unique personalities of those she shoots is one of her most vital traits.

She does this through careful collaboration with her clients, creating mood boards that represent a thorough discussion of ideas and concepts. Kay’s goal is to make those in front of the camera feel celebrated — something quickly achieved only by those who have an inherent love for people. Her personality helps her to ease fears and self-consciousness, resulting in relaxed body language and facial expressions.

5. Christopher Brown

Christopher Brown brings New York street style to his portrayal of life in the City of Angels. Both gritty and glamorous, Brown’s portraits capture what it’s like to flow through the city like a local. He makes use of natural lighting, often shooting during “golden hour,” the period of daytime just before sunset and after sunrise.

In fact, we think his strong voice is ideal for fashion and commercial photography. His photos show an appreciation for female strength and beauty without resorting to overly sexualized content.

6. Ken Weingart

Ken Weingart centers his cinematic portraits around quiet sensuality and rebellious statements. His politically charged images use satire to encapsulate the Hollywood experience. His work even highlights the ups and downs of life in the country’s second-largest city. And with a mix of dingy monochromes and glowing beauty shots, Weingart’s portfolio shows the diverse set of skills he brings to the table, each proving to be invaluable to his craft.

From carefully constructed headshots to relaxed fashion editorials, Weingart masterfully balances the needs of the shoot with his own eye for compelling imagery. He also puts his decades of experience to good use by hosting a portrait photography workshop for all aspiring shutterbugs.

7. Barry Soorenko

Barry Soorenko is a photographer’s photographer. As an artist agent and owner of Photogroup Inc., Barry regularly uses his formal education from the Maryland Institute College and years of experience. His company gives fellow photographers the opportunity to develop their craft while continuing to develop his own.

We also love how Soorenko’s work is distinct, with the notable insertion of whimsical, graphic patterns and immaculate lighting. His portraits are both fun and sophisticated, with inspiration possibly stemming from his divided time between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

8. Sheri Angeles

Sheri Angeles may not have been named after her hometown of Los Angeles, but she embodies the creative spirit of L.A. like no one else. As a former red carpet photographer, Sheri developed a sense of what she wanted from her portraits and went after it. She has a long list of celebrity clients – including Kim Kardashian, John Mayer, John Travolta, and Miley Cyrus. However, Angeles has come a long way from her days on the paparazzi battle lines.

Her travels have taken her to the ends of the earth, inspiring her to create images that feel exotic and nostalgic. Dim highlights and faded sepia overtones combine to make her prints feel like rediscovered vacation photos from long ago. We love how her work is expressive and emotional and often filled with a sense of reflective solitude.

9. Tony Bowen

One of LA’s best up-and-coming portrait photographers is Tony Bowen – a talented entrepreneur with a knack for creating crisp and authentic photographs. Bowen’s choice of clean backdrops and diffused light are what give his portraits their refined, flawless appearance. In fact, his use of negative space adds visual interest to his on-location portraits of people in motion. All while golden tones and saturated blues highlight his subject’s shape and form.

Bowen also literally wrote the book (or at least a book) on digital lighting setups. Check it out on his website!

Bonus: Laura Pardo

https://www.instagram.com/_laurapardo_/

Laura Pardo is a Los Angeles-based photographer whose website tagline tells you everything you need to know about her portrait aptitude: “portraits for everyone.” While we’re here to discuss her incredible portraits, it’s also worth noting that she has also worked in the commercial and editorial genres.

What we appreciate most about Pardo is that her work is a refreshing take on the classic headshot portrait. She seems to capture all of her subjects’ personalities, to the point that we can see and sense their feelings in each shot. She works both indoors and out, with families, business people, and individuals. Pardo really is all about creating portraits for all people, but not just any portrait, the types you’ll be proud to post and share with everyone you know.

Portrait photographers in Los Angeles rely on Peerspace

We hoped you’ve enjoyed this insider’s look at the work of the top portrait photographers in Los Angeles. And remember, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to shoot original portraits in Los Angeles, then book a Peerspace and let your creativity run wild! With Peerspace, you can book a mansion, a loft, a museum, an industrial warehouse, a rooftop venue; you name it.

You can rent a professional portrait studio with all the bells and whistles or contact your venue’s local host to double-check what pro gear they have on hand. Many hosts are in the business themselves and can recommend where to nab amazing gear if they themselves don’t already offer it. Using Peerspace is the easiest way to hone your craft without the distractions!

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