The 8 Best Portrait Photographers in Richmond, VA

Looking for the best Richmond portrait photographers? At Peerspace, we get it! One of America’s oldest big cities, Richmond abounds with history and exudes a lot of personality, too. And when you’re searching for talented Richmond portrait photographers to capture yours — or that of your loved ones — on camera, our list of local shutterbugs is sure to help.

Each of these Richmond portrait photographers has their own brilliant style and driving force. However, they are united by their immense desire to document people and create art.

1. Amy Robinson Photography

Amy Robinson’s classically inspired portraits are timeless. Her editing suits the mood of the portrait — soft and dreamy for maternity shoots, monochrome for just the right dose of nostalgia — but it is always done with a light hand to maintain the classic feel.

In addition, she’s adept at capturing candid shots that embrace authenticity and presence. When you work with her, you can rest assured your photos will still look stunning long into the future. Whether you want head shots or a family shoot for your yearly holiday card, Amy is a top-tier photographer. She’s dually based in New York City, so if you need portraits taken there, she has your back.

2. Melissa Brugh Photography

Melissa is a talented Richmond portrait photographer with a decade of experience producing all kinds of portraits. From weddings to stage performances to natural light close-ups, her work is a celebration of what makes each individual special.

Plus, she’s in love with music and performance. So if you are a musician looking for expertly framed shots, she’s the creative for you. Her portfolio of high school seniors is also outstanding — perfectly capturing such a fleeting time in life and creating mementos to treasure for a lifetime. If you’re a bit nervous in front of the camera, let Melissa’s own words soothe you: “I absolutely love being able to meet new people and capture moments of their lives for them. My photos tend to be fun, colorful and full of joy because that is how I choose to live my life as well! I try to make sure that my sessions are run that way as well! “

3. Julie Adams Portrait

Driven by her mission to make everyone feel beautiful in front of her lens, Julie Adams offers a full-service portrait experience. She also works with a makeup artist, making her the master photographer to work with if you want something glamorous and polished for your headshots. Julie aims to empower all of her clients, especially women, to be their sexy, confident selves, so she fittingly also offers boudoir portraits.

Whatever image you want to project, be it ultra-glam, daringly provocative, or sleek and professional, Julie will bring your true beauty out in each shot.

4. Aniko Levai Photography

Aniko defines herself as simple and relaxed, and so, naturally, her photography is as well. Yet, her work has an elegance that showcases her mastery of the craft. Using her artistic sensibilities, she knows precisely when a low-key approach is best and when to emphasize the glamour. This balance results in timeless portraits of people in all stages of life.

We love her editorial style that effortlessly communicates an impactful, emotional story behind the subject. Without a doubt, Aniko is the real deal.

5. Marilia of Munhoz Photography

Marilia boasts a photojournalist’s style, documenting the session, rather than directing it, so all of her shots have an organic and thoroughly authentic feel. She is inspired by the ability to freeze time and live to catch those “decisive moments” with her camera. The moment a bride looks at her groom with tears welling up in her eyes; the instant a baby grins into the camera; the face you make when you are truly happy with your family.

If you are looking for a portrait photographer to sincerely capture you, without fuss or unnatural styling, reach out to her today.

6. Hannah of H Marie Photography

Hannah is more than a Richmond portrait photographer, she is a passionate storyteller who uses the visual medium to share her tales. Her goal is to empower women in front of her lens, so if that fits your needs, let us tell you more about her!

Depending on her client’s needs and the genre of the shoot, she employs slightly different styles. For weddings, she uses a documentary-style approach to capture the progression of the day from getting-ready shots to the end of the reception. For her individual portraits, she often gets close and focuses on the most beautiful thing in front of her lens — you! When you need someone to tell your story in photographs, Hannah is one of our top picks.

7. Ashley of Aurelia Photo Studio

Ashley named her business Aurelia, meaning “golden light”. And with such a thoughtful name, it comes as no surprise that she is a light chaser extraordinaire. She skillfully finds those perfect moments where you express your loving, silly, and amazing personality, all while being gorgeously lit.

In addition, she creates gorgeous bridal portraits, as well as tender family photos to treasure long after your kids have left home. Whatever the occasion and whatever her subject, Ashley is a true wizard with the camera. In fact, just check out her portfolio and you’ll see what we mean.

8. Madisyn Stansky Photography

Oftentimes, portrait photographers tend to showcase only the most polished versions of their subjects for the public’s gaze, but Madisyn Stansky operates a bit differently. A lover of authenticity, she is driven by her desire to document the raw, genuine moments in life — such as the way your nose scrunches up when you are belly laughing, or the way a child stares with wonder at its parents.

Ever the creative type, she’s perpetually playing with angles and composition to produce the most impactful portraits, sometimes even without a visible face. If you desire soulful photographs, check her out today!

Bonus: EmmiClaire Photography

We had a blast looking through EmmiClaire’s portfolio. Her portraiture work is one graced with natural light and heaping abundance of charm. She is a lifestyle photographer whose portraits involve families, entrepreneurs, moms-to-be, grads, and everyone in between.

EmmiClaire is also based in another beautiful city, though one across the country — San Diego. So if you need portrait work there, be sure to check her out.

Richmond portrait photographers: conclusion

We hope you were as impressed with this list of Richmond portrait photographers as we were. They are truly a talented and eclectic set, serving the lifestyle genre and beyond with their myriad skill sets.

Next, all you have to do is book the perfect Richmond portrait shoot location to prepare for your photos. Luckily, that’s what we at Peerspace excel at providing. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, you can find the perfect venue to suit your personal style.

Find unique production venues in Richmond on Peerspace