The 8 Best Still Life Photographers in Cleveland

Hoping to work with one of the best Cleveland still life photographers? As one of Ohio’s largest cities, Cleveland is famous for its lakefront, winter chill, and great dining! Oh, and the local entrepreneurial scene is a lot bigger than you might think for this Rust Belt city. In fact, there is so much talent here that there is a constant demand for photographers that can showcase the products and services they have to offer.

That’s where the top Cleveland still life photographers come in! Their work celebrates each of their creations, often right alongside the creators. You get to virtually experience an item made with care long before you ever engage with it in person!

1. Taxel Creative

Barney Taxel has a long history in the still life food scene of Cleveland. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1972 with a bachelor’s in fine arts, concentrating in photography. Barney’s work is client-focused yet he does not forget to use artistic principles that cause you to linger in appreciation of each composition.

Arrangements vary as much as his subject matter; Barney’s portfolio will transport you from a family barbecue to fine dining in an instant! If you’re a reader of publications like Cleveland magazine then you may already be familiar with his work.

2. Sharon Hughes

Even before Sharon Hughes started her own professional photography brand, she was deeply interested in the art form. Family wedding images, vacation snapshots, and posing sessions with her sister all helped Sharon hone her vision over the years. Sharon and her husband moved to Cleveland in 2018, escaping from Chicago to a smaller city.

Sharon branched out from weddings to include still life product photography as a part of her business. Her work aims to convey as much about a brand as possible using solely the visual medium! As she explains in her own words: “It requires capturing an honest story about people doing what they find important. It’s a consideration of space, thoughtful composition, attention to light, and finding the balance between creative portraits and raw documentation.”

3. Dixon Digital Media

Hanford and Kelly are the founders of Dixon Digital Media, a brand that sprung to life when they decided to follow their passions. Dixon Digital Media now aids other local entrepreneurs in animating dreams by providing product, food, and branding media that illustrates what they have to offer.

Dixon’s still-life style is natural in character, with just enough saturation and contrast to help subjects pop. They are also great at including background elements that create a documentary style for the scene. We feel as if we’ve strolled into the lives of their target audiences, rather than seen a planned photoshoot. It’s an approach that is intimate and a delightful departure from other Cleveland still life photographers.

4. Melanie Costanzo

Melanie Costanzo discovered photography at a young age. She found herself enchanted by the device, which could record moments in time using just light. It was the foundation for her journey to becoming a top Cleveland still life photographer. Melanie shoots several subjects, including fashion, editorial, portraiture, music, and more. But her food and product-oriented still life photography is what caught our attention today!

Melanie’s style is vibrant and contemporary in character. Exposure is bold and contrast is strong, which makes food with bright colors even more captivating. Melanie also has an eye for food styling; even busy tabletops are arranged in ways that present complementary shapes and colors. Little details like how tomatoes, shrimp, and other meal arrangements are presented in the most engaging manner.

5. Amy Lyn

Amy Lyn is a commercial photographer and educator who helps new photographers better understand their equipment. Her images help brands find their target audiences while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of their creations. Her work also humanizes each brand by placing faces on the company.

We get to see the smiling, enthusiastic souls whose dream it is to create delicious cupcakes for local family events. Amy then captures the cupcakes, clothes, and other items using still life techniques which flatter them from hero angles and bring intimate details to our attention!

6. Kayla Photography

Kayla is a wedding and Cleveland still life photographer that works with products made by local brands. Cleaning supplies, cosmetics, fine liquor, and other subjects are brought to life using ideal studio lighting and artistic compositions.

Kayla’s images have a lively quality to them thanks to the many intriguing yet complementary items presented therein. Props like herbs, tablecloths, or dinnerware help us better understand the situation and the person who might enjoy each item. These lifestyle elements deepen our appreciation for each item. And Kayla is careful not to distract us from the main subject while doing so!

7. Michaelangelo’s Photography

As an executive portrait, event, branding, and product still life company, Michaelangelo’s Photography is well worth getting to know better.

They have been a part of the Cleveland scene for over 20 years, operating out of their 2,600-square-foot studio. Brands like United Way and Santmyer Oil Company rely on them as commercial partners. Their still life subjects range from wooden crafts to luscious food.

8. Cuff Link Media

As a top Cleveland still life photography studio, Cuff Link Media provides product images. They count The American Heart Association, Re/Max, and Skylight Financial Groups as partners of theirs; all brands that rely on evocative still life photography to transmit their core values and promised services.

Food photography is a major part of their portfolio as well. Their approach is rich in color, with savory elements like melted cheese and dripping sauces deepening sensory memories. Cuff Link Media is also talented at including background elements and props to create a narrative. That can range from fine dining to contemporary stories that are perfect for editorial publications and cookbooks.

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