The 10 Best Portrait Photographers in Baltimore

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”

Edward Steichen

Where some photographic media are primed for telling stories, portraiture is in another league. Portraits capture a person in the moment the photographer focuses the lens and snaps the picture. This is neither the same person the subject was a second before nor will be a second after. Many of the most popular portraits are of celebrities, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a medium for all of us. In fact, everybody should have their picture taken professionally at least once. These Baltimore portrait photographers have a wealth of experience and talent, meaning they’re a good place to start if you’re in the market for a portrait.

1. Danielle King of Amber Iris Photo

Danielle King is the artist behind the lens at Amber Iris Photo. As well as being a brand, lifestyle, and portrait photographer, King is a NICU nurse, a wife, and a mother of two. When it comes to portraiture, Danielle prefers working in natural light, whether outdoors or indoors nearby a window. To her, the lovely light that comes from the sun is unparalleled. Organized, creative, and talented, she’s a natural with subjects of all ages, making them feel comfortable in front of her camera.

2. Myron Fields

Myron L. Fields has been photographing clients in the DMV area for the past few years. He specializes in portraiture, headshots, engagements, and lifestyle photography. His portraits are unstated works of art and, while he works with models inside and out of the studio, Myron knows that every pose doesn’t work for every body type. However, he also understands that every body type is beautiful and expertly captures this truth in his stunningly artistic portraits.

3. Jeffrey Perkins of J.Perk Productions

J.Perk Productions belongs to Baltimore portrait photographer and videographer Jeffrey Perkins. He’s also a director and filmmaker, specializing in portraits and music videos. Capturing the spirit of his local area’s residents and beyond, Jeffrey and the team go above and beyond for their clients, whether it’s a portrait sesh to impress or a monumental occasion. Jeffrey’s work speaks for itself, and his professionalism and personality are just the icing on the cake. Look to him for stylish work imbued with a hip, modern vibe.

4. Sarah James Middleton

Baltimore-based Sarah James Middleton is a lifestyle photographer with a vision. She’s a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art and has spent the years since graduation working as a freelance photographer in NY and DC. Sarah has experience directing models, which is great when it comes to shooting her lifestyle and couples’ portraits. The style of each session fits the subjects and intended mood. She has a mastery of flattering angles and poses, as well as comprehends how to make her models feel a million bucks, both before and after the shutter clicks.

5. Barbara Oliveira

One of the most well-traveled Baltimore portrait photographers, Barbara Oliveira was raised across the world. Born in Brazil, she later moved and grew up in Portugal, lived in Germany, and now calls Maryland home. Barbara’s photographs are bright and colorful, making the most out of the vibrant shades that surround us every day. Somewhat journalistic, her portraits encapsulate her subjects in their truest light. There’s a poignancy to her work that’s hard to pin down, but it’s sure to stick with you long after you’ve put her photos down.

6. Mariah Chenowith

The two things that drive Mariah Chenowith: art and design. As a visual artist, she spends her days experimenting with all artistic media, from painting to digital art and photography to graphic design. Every part of her life is dedicated to bringing projects to life through these methods. It’s also her relationship with art that gives her a unique window into taking photos. You can see it as soon as you peruse her portfolio — each is obviously taken with an artist’s intentionality and a clear vision in mind. With experience in myriad realms of photography from real estate to couples, Mariah is one to watch.

7. Ditza Blackman

Ditza Blackman is a thoughtful shutterbug inspired by movies and human beings. Her portrait shots are nothing short of worth a spot in editorials on the pages of high-fashion magazines. She offers images ideal for portfolios of creatives, dancers, artists, and musicians. Also dabbling in event and commercial photography, Ditza has shot for The Lotus Bloom Co. and Subtle. Who knows what’s next? She’s a perfect match for anyone who wants creative, evocative portraiture with a stylish flair. It’s no wonder she’s one of the most talented Baltimore portrait photographers.

8. Candice Michelle

We love Candice Michelle’s portrait work. She set out to make all of her subjects feel as beautiful as they are, and she’s an artist at doing so. Her portfolio is an expansive collection of portraits that praise the human body in all its forms. No matter a person’s shape, they deserve to feel beautiful, and Candice understands this, executing her craft gorgeously. A people person, she goes out of her way to make her subjects feel comfortable, powerful, and glamorous. That’s the power of portraiture. Furthermore, a photoshoot with her is guaranteed to be fun and luxurious. What Beyoncé is to music, Candice Michelle undoubtedly is to portraiture.

9. Kate Sage

Kate Sage is a freelance photographer, artist, and teacher based in Baltimore. Her portrait, movement, and street photography capture her city’s residents as they are. Although she considers herself a so-called control freak, Kate is constantly changing things up when it comes to her art. That way, it’s a case of photographer and camera existing solely in the moment. Shooting in digital and film, Kate is drawn to dancers, as well as water, and her photographs are a testament to movement in stillness.

10. Emilie Shepard

Growing up in North Carolina, Baltimore portrait photography Emilie Shepard loved playing with light. Shooting in all settings from the red couch in her living room to the golden hour and Charm City’s stunning morning light, she takes pictures of graduates, musicians, and couples. In fact, it was her friends who were responsible for getting her back into photography by asking if she’d capture their engagement. The answer was yes, and she hasn’t stopped since.

Whether you want portraits taken for personal reasons or so that your family can have keepsakes, these are important snippets of our lives. When you work with one of the top Baltimore portrait photographers, those snippets will be something to treasure.

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