The 8 Best Product Photographers in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh product photographers know that to reach people in today’s saturated digital space, it takes images that stand out from the pack. They create photography that highlights form, beauty, color, and light in ways that are unexpected. Yet, they still use the best commercial techniques to tell stories about a particular brand.

So if you’re looking for the best Pittsburgh product photographers out there, we think you’ll enjoy browsing the work of the following Pennsylvania creatives.

1. Cara Rufenacht Creative

Product photography that conveys a narrative and emotional character are what Cara Rufenacht does best! As a Pittsburgh product photographer, she partners with local brands and businesses to help them reach a wider audience.

While today’s digital media space is crowded with more images than ever, Cara’s vision is one that cuts right through the noise to engage people. She arranges her subjects in ways that heighten our appreciation of the textures, form, shapes, and lighting. And always there is the suggestion of an experience, service, or the values of a particular brand conveyed through her images. Yet, Cara never sacrifices artistry in the process, which speaks to her mastery of the genre.

2. Jasano Brooks of Opya Studios

Jasano Brooks is the founder of Opya Studios, a Pittsburgh space for creatives to gather and craft impactful visual media. This 2600 sq. ft. space is ideal for portrait, lifestyle, and product photography. In fact, it is the creative space where Jasano himself works as a product and commercial photographer.

His product techniques include flat lay compositions, white infinity backgrounds, editorial food photography, and much more. Jasano is fully aware of the styles and techniques required to get people curious to learn more. We especially love his preference for intimate working distances, balanced contrast, and compositions that highlight the beauty of shapes!

3. Julie Kahlbaugh

As a commercial, food, and product photographer, Julie Kahlbaugh is an expert at conveying what brands and businesses have to offer customers. But she is also one of the Pittsburgh product photographers who adds a distinctive flair all her own to the scene. Many other artists prefer bright exposures that feel sunny but end up looking just like everyone else’s images.

Julie instead embraces deep shadow, subdued colors, and vibrant contrast. Taken together, they add a moodier vibe that works especially well with the food and beverage subjects she loves. It suggests a delightful dining or drinking experience and really brings out the textures and colors with each subject.

4. Leeann K.

Brand and product images do more than convey what services and items are on offer. They also help put a face and message behind the work that you are doing, as Leeann K. knows fully. That’s why we love the way Leeann acknowledges the difficulty that entrepreneurs — especially female ones — face in bringing their brands to life.

Part of what makes her one of the top Pittsburgh product photographers is that she helps you face those doubts while taking the next step in business outreach. As she shares in her own words: “Wherever you are in your business, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a savvy side hustler, know this–you are seen, safe, and acknowledged here. In other words, you’re in the right place.”

5. Christine Armbruster

Christine Armbruster is here to demonstrate that art, commercial work, and documentary photography can all coexist. Sometimes even within the same frame! Her photography is passionate, exploring not only how to invite people to explore your brand’s services, but also finding the points where food, people, and history coexist.

Christine has extensive experience working with people, from Arabian nomads to downtown food truck owners. And the shared love of food, connections, and other deeply human topics are conveyed through her rich portfolio of work!

6. Charlie McClanahan of Adapt Creative Co.

Automotive, food, sports, events…There are few commercial genres Charlie McClanahan of Adapt Creative Co. does not already have extensive experience with! This Pittsburgh product photographer and videographer has an eye for creating engaging images that will draw you out of your seat, eager to learn more.

What’s more, his client feedback is absolutely glowing! Here is what one professional had to say about working with Charlie: “Charlie is a joy to work with! He’s open, responsive, skilled, and has a keen intuition of client needs. I am not an easy person to work with on creative projects – Charlie really got me and our flow was awesome. I highly recommend him.”

7. BH Photography PA

His ability to capture the story and legacy of his clients is what makes Brandon of BH Photography PA different from the rest. His photography services extend to products and branding, weddings, families, portraits, events, and many other subjects.

And in all, we see how naturally Brandon conveys the mood, connections, and beauty of his subjects. Often his images even feel celebratory, whether they feature newlyweds or an excited entrepreneur sharing the fruits of their labors with us.

8. Brian Kaldorf

Some Pittsburgh product photographers choose to specialize within this niche. Some choose food, others automotive brands, but Brian Kaldorf has a beverage-focused portfolio. It makes him the top creative to work with if you need to feature a beer, wine, or coffee blend. From artistic composition to emphasizing textures and color, there is no aspect of his subjects that isn’t carefully considered before sharing it with his target audience. Each shot leaves you not only eager to learn more, but curiously thirsty as well!

And if you happen to love commercial portraiture then you’ll find even more to like in Brian’s portfolio. His intimate and dynamic style is just as evident here, where brilliant colors and carefully chosen apparel all tell creative stories about his subjects.

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