The 10 Best Portrait Photographers in Honolulu

Hawaii is one of those almost unbelievably photogenic states, with its lush rainforests and postcard-perfect beaches. Whether you live in Honolulu or are simply visiting, you’ll probably want photographic proof that you were living your best life in paradise. Fortunately, we scouted out the top Honolulu portrait photographers, so you can put your photo needs in the hands of a professional rather than rely on your selfie stick — the results just don’t compare! 

1. Rae Marshall Photography

Rae Marshall is an expert when it comes to making people look their best. With her years of experience working with models, Rae understands the most advantageous angles for highlighting her clients’ features. She has a polished, editorial style with an airy touch, using bright, clear lighting and employing the colors found in nature. We particularly love her beach shoots involving a pair of giant wings — so fun and unique! It’s no wonder Rae is among the most talented portrait photographers in Honolulu.

2. Colin F Cross Photography

With his photography experience spanning across multiple disciplines — including commercial, wedding, and sports — Colin F Cross boasts a high-gloss, editorial-style portfolio. He’s a creative photographer, using flash and wide angles in his portrait work to add flair and create the exact photo he wants. Work with Colin when you have a vision for your portrait beyond capturing snaps in available light — his breadth of experience allows him to make your wildest dreams come to life! 

3. Fernanda Kenfield Photography

Employing warm tones and her keen, editorial eye, Fernanda Kenfield produces polished portraits, blurring the line between totally candid portraits and headshots — perfect for when you want to be portrayed in your very best light. Speaking of light, Fernanda knows how to use it — her golden-hour beach photos are seriously gorgeous! Her toning is greatly suited for capturing both Hawaiian beachy vibes and smoothing skin tones — ideal for any kind of portraiture, from family to maternity. Collaborate with Fernanda when you want to be sure you will look centerfold gorgeous. 

4. Caroline Wilhite Photography

Caroline Wilhite combines her airy, bright editing with intimate angles, and the resulting pictures are oh-so-fresh. If you want your photos to have an angelic touch, she is the Honolulu portrait photographer for you — her refreshing style is great for newborns and children as well, highlighting the fleeting nature of youth. Her work is elegant and simple, focusing on the connections between her subjects. In addition, she masterfully omits extraneous details, allowing the viewer to see what is truly important — love.  

5. Marcia Campbell Photography

Her emphasis on beauty is what landed Marcia Campbell on our list of the best Honolulu portrait photographers — everyone wants to feel gorgeous in their photos! From capturing unforgettable moments of a family vacation on the famed Hawaiian shores to empowering women to fully be their glorious selves, Marcia encourages her subjects to shine. Combined with a travel photographer’s sense of dramatic background to frame her subject, her work is magazine-worthy — check out her work today! 

6. Julie Ryan Shiroma Photography

Julie Ryan Shiroma is queen of the relaxed photo session, which is especially convenient for times you want your authentic self captured. Her portfolio is full of real smiles, tender moments, and playful little ones — all captured in her photojournalist style. She’s the Honolulu portrait photographer of choice for when you are laid-back and want that vibe in print. Whether you live in Hawaii or just want mementos of your chill vacation, work with Julie for breezy, natural portraits. 

7. Daphne Hargrove Photography

With a simple cursory glance at Daphne Hargrove’s work, you can easily tell that she’s a thoughtful Honolulu portrait photographer with some serious talent. Her images are alternately playful and genuine, befitting the subject, and when done in her vibrant style, the end result is irresistible. She has the know-how to shoot photos of all kinds of subjects, from infants to families, and even has a specialty in boudoir photos. Daphne boasts years of experience, and her incredible work speaks for itself.

8. Tracy Wright Corvo Photography

Boasting more than two decades of photography experience, Tracy Wright Corvo excels with her in-studio work — her mastery of lighting and angles is top-notch. She deftly manipulates light to find the most flattering setups, allowing her clients to shine and appear like models from a commercial or glossy magazine. When you need slick, professional headshots or effective branding photos, put your trust in Tracy — her portraits are divine. 

9. Karen DB Photography

Voted Honolulu’s best child photographer for seven years running by Honolulu Family Magazine, Karen De Borja is one talented creative. Her style is real yet polished, as well as packed with bright and happy moments. Her editing is light and allows the natural you to glow through. Capturing moments between couples in love, sweet moments between siblings, high school senior photos, and even sultry boudoir shots for those that want a treat for their significant other or themselves, Karen is sure to delight. 

10. Marian Butler Diop of Butler & Badou Portraits

Marian Butler Diop is a gifted portrait artist who’s creating fine-art-style studio portraits. Her work puts a fun twist on the traditional — perfect when you want a refined sensibility in your photos. Expertly lit, her studio portraits demonstrate her ability to capture her subjects’ true essence. Choose Marian when you want professional headshots or playful studio work — her style is pure elegance.

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