The 9 Best Portrait Photographers in Santa Fe

There is an extraordinary variety of subjects to photograph in the Southwest — from elements of native culture to the breathtaking desert landscapes. And don’t even get us started on the artists of all kinds who have flocked here for inspiration! It’s no secret then that there are quite a few notable Santa Fe portrait photographers who live to capture all of the unique facets of the people here. Check out our favorites below.

1. Counterpart Creative

This team of Santa Fe portrait photographers knows firsthand the impact photography can have on people. In fact, their studio was borne from the joy they felt viewing their own wedding photos. Counterpart Creative’s Matt and Jess have spent years developing their easygoing, modern style, making them a standout for their inclusiveness. If you’re afraid you’ll be uncomfortable in front of the camera, let us assure you — you’ll look like a professional. They have studied posing and lighting to flatter all body types. So much so that their whole ethos is built around being your authentic, beautiful self. 

2. Chrisi K Photography 

Chrisi stands out as a couples portrait photographer and works mainly in the famed natural light of New Mexico. She’s even won a place on The Knot’s best of weddings list, in addition to her status as a preferred vendor on the Perfect Wedding Guide. Her high key photography style is perfect for bridal and baby portraits as well as environmental portrait shoots, especially when set in White Sands National Monument.

She keeps her poses minimal to non-existent to capture the freewheeling feeling of love and is an expert at finding the authentic moments in life. If you are a joyful person who loves splashes of color and who wants some of the happiest times of your life documented, Chrisi is an excellent choice. 

3. Sheena Chakeres

For emotional, authentic and timeless portrait work, check out Sheena Chakeres. She starts with the location, and since landscape photography is her twin passion, she knows some stunning places in northern New Mexico. Her specialty is capturing her subjects being their authentic selves without a trace of artificiality. However, her use of light and shadow also accentuates the mood of the shot, so her work has layer upon layer of meaning. She is a multidimensional talent who goes beyond the superficial to see the truth of the moment in all its complexity. 

4. Brooke Amber Photography

An award-winning portrait artist, Brooke Amber Bailey has worked with hundreds of clients throughout New Mexico who love her fine art style. Santa Fe residents are happy and willing to make the drive to see her since she’s based in Albuquerque. Working with her is a luxury experience. It begins with a consultation, including hair and makeup styling, and ends with professional retouching and thoroughly polished, magazine-style portraits.

Her style is perfectly suited to headshots and branding sessions but will just as easily suit anyone who wants an all-inclusive portrait experience with excellent results. 

5. Tira Howard

Tira Howard blurs the lines between fine art, fashion, and lifestyle portraiture. Her unique eye has made her the cover photographer for many publications, including New Mexico Magazine and the Santa Fe Reporter. She works with clients to preserve portraits of their cultural heritage, models, and everyday people who simply want stunning shots of themselves.

As a professional, she has mastered the art of lighting, using both natural light and strobes to create the mood of the photo. However, she tends to use simple compositions to strike the heart of the viewer. We love her for her striking color use and the pure glossiness of her portraits. 

6. Daniel Quat

Daniel Quat has made a name for himself throughout the decades as one of the most sought of all Santa Fe portrait photographers. In fact, he is a regular contributor and cover photographer for Eldorado Living and the preferred photographer for numerous local corporations and businesses. His almost lifelong passion for photography has led him to explore various avenues and taught him countless tricks and techniques for consistently stunning results.

He is the master of refined studio sessions with perfect light, playful environmental portrait sessions, and corporate headshots. So whatever you have in mind for your session, Daniel will work with you to make the photographs of your dreams. 

7. Lis Christy

Lis Christy has over 15 years of experience as one of the best Santa Fe portrait photographers. She keeps abreast of the latest techniques to expand her horizons and delight her clients constantly. Specializing in creative portraits, she first works to uncover the story of who you are and what you want to say and then meticulously plans out how to say it. There are no run-of-the-mill, ho-hum photos here. In fact, everything about her work says “here’s a photographer who loves their art and is willing to go to great lengths to make it.” If you want your photo series to truly reflect who you are, check out Lis’s work. 

8. Anne Staveley

There are some artists who are just so talented in everything they do, it’s astonishing. And Anne Staveley is one of them! She is a fine art and conceptual photographer and a prominent mural artist. However, she’s also a staff photographer for Santa Fe’s THE magazine and a home builder. Her work has an ethereal feeling to it — equal parts documentary and nostalgia. So much so that you can feel the transitory nature of time in each shot. She’s also a graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. That, along with her desire to capture the width and breadth of the human spirit, creates her complex, compelling portfolio. 

9. Rocio Rodriguez

Rocio Rodriguez has a versatile style that can fit all kinds of portrait shoots. In fact, if you want a moody trendy shoot, she has you covered with contrasted editing. If you want classic portraits during a special event, she’s here to serve you with refined framing techniques and timeless edits. However, it’s her conceptual portraits that are particular favorites. She sometimes brings in elements of her sculpting and painting for her studies of the human form. 

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