The 7 Best Lifestyle Photographers in Columbus

Columbus, OH, is hailed as America’s 15th-largest city, and more than 40% of all Americans live within 600 miles of this diverse metropolis. Brimming with funky festivals and avid university football fans, it’s establishing itself as a great locale to explore and live. Having been recently featured on The New York Times’s “52 Places to Visit in 2019,” Columbus is increasingly popping up on the national radar, and we know why — the city is vibrant and alive with artists. When you are looking for an artistic way to capture your life in this booming city, relax, we have cultivated this list of the best Columbus lifestyle photographers just for you! 

1. Jessy of The Howard Brand

Jessy is the lead photographer at this luxury photography shop, and her work is simply stunning — it defines editorial wedding photography to the highest degree. Elegant detail shots — including a bridal heel styled ever so perfectly, cufflinks and watches framed as if in an advertisement, and lush petals on a bouquet — mixed with swanky locales and sophisticated subjects are expertly and effortlessly blended into a portfolio that is jaw-dropping in its beauty. The Howard Brand makes our list of the top Columbus lifestyle photographers for employing a consistently chic and refined style, perfect for wedding, engagement, and branding shoots.

2. Whitney Brewer Photography

Whitney Brewer is a body-positive photographer, celebrating everyone in front of her lens for the beautiful and unique beings they are! She has a knack for making everyone she works with comfortable, resulting in posing that is flattering, natural, and you. Her style is at once romantic, sultry, and authentic, enhanced by her low-contrast editing and natural toning. Whether she is capturing weddings, portraits, or boudoir, she knows the best angles to make you look your best— that’s what makes her one of our favorite Columbus lifestyle photographers. 

3. Mike and Kate Hogan of Oak and Pine

The husband-and-wife team of Mike and Kate Hogan are the talents behind Oak and Pine — and what talents they are. Covering all aspects of lifestyle photography from weddings to in-home family sessions to newborn and cake-smash portraits in a photojournalistic style, they help you preserve your memories for a lifetime. An adventurous attitude is evident in their angles and use of silhouettes for drama — they are seriously creative while remaining cohesive. All of their shots are unique yet have their style infused into each one — emotional moments made more so with a bit of dramatic light. We love their vibe and know you will, too — check them out today! 

4. Stephanie McNally Photo + Films

With her authentic approach to lifestyle photography, Stephanie McNally is the photographer for you if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love for this random moment (e.g. a look from a child, a touch from a loved one, a casual weekend day with a newborn, etc.) captured so I can remember it forever.” Her work is both real and evocative, preserving details of moments long after they’ve passed. Heavy shadows add moody elements to natural light photography, creating a nostalgic vibe. A masterful use of leading lines draws the viewer into the photo, creating an intimacy with the subject. Her use of warmer hues absolutely warm the heart; Stephanie elevates the documentary approach to art, and the result is a body of work packed with feeling and true beauty. 

5. Erin Burke of Sugar Plum Creative

Erin Burke is the kind of photographer that can tell the story of a subject without the entire subject being visible — giving personality to the tiniest detail. Her background as an abstract artist is evident in her photography — she is playful in her approach and free in her styling — no posed shots here. Her photojournalist style mixed with her fully artsy vibe is what got us hooked — it feels so effortless and real. Slightly saturated colors, joyful moments, and simple, yet eye-catching compositions — what’s not to love? Work with Erin when you want your life to be portrayed as art. 

6. Brian and Maria of 222 Photography

Brian and Maria share a love of simple, graphic lines, evident throughout their work, creating striking portraits and gorgeous compositions. Their edgy style lends itself perfectly to black and white — dark shadows, moody backlighting, and perfect framing for depth — which in turn lends itself perfectly to wedding photography. An equal aptitude for working with natural light and flash is evidence of their professionalism. Choose Brian and Maria when you want expressive and elegant portraits, as their creative eye is a stylish one as well.

7. Jessica Love Photography

Full of artistry and quirk, Jessica Love (yes, that’s her real name) is a standout Columbus lifestyle photographer. If you didn’t think shadows and silhouettes could have a soul, she is the one to prove you wrong because somehow, when she points her lens a certain way, they do. Her photos go beyond documentary and into fine art — often using blur to direct the eye or showcasing the environment in interesting and playful ways. Jessica’s wedding albums are full of true personality; all of the family portraits she creates blend heart-melting sweetness with an unparalleled fun style. In short, her work is creative and inspired by love, and we can’t get enough of it.

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