Top 10 Portrait Photographers in Chicago

Portrait photography is a way to capture a moment in time. Families love to take photos of their kids as they grow up, while professionals use portraits to convey a desired image and individuals can emulate an aesthetic representing their personality and uniqueness. Portrait photographers use patience, creativity, and experience to direct their subjects to get the best results. Even if you don’t enjoy sitting in front of the camera, they’ll make you feel relaxed and content during your shoot.

Portrait photographers in Chicago bring an artistic eye, years of professional experience, and insightful creativity to capture excellent photos of their subjects. Here's our list of some of the city's best talent.

Mandalyn Rael Photography

Mandalyn Rael Photography offers portrait photography sessions in Chicago. Using an organic and vibrant style, Mandalyn will capture you and your family during a fun and relaxing experience. The goal for each session is for everyone to have a great time, so they can be themselves in front of the camera.

You’ll enjoy a relaxed and positive environment, where you’ll gently be encouraged to interact with the camera to create the best results. Artsy photos are Mandalyn’s specialty, and a little camera magic will create photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

John Gress

John Gress is a Chicago-based photographer and editor who has worked for many of the top brands in the country. He creates portraits and videos for advertising promotions and has previously captured beauty campaigns and professional athletes.

He has a studio in Chicago and also works out in the field when needed. Previous clients of his include Avon, Burger King, ESPN, Hershey, and Sam Adams, to name a few. His work has been published in The New York Times and The Times of London.

SpiderMeka Portraits

Meka of SpiderMeka Portraits creates natural portraits and hopes to empower women in the local community. After spending time working as a photo retoucher for the Oprah Winfrey Network, she learned that authentic beauty is far more attractive than touched-up images.

SpiderMeka Portraits works with a variety of lighting and posing styles to create natural images that you’ll treasure for years to come. Meka is praised for her ability to bring out the best in people and make them feel comfortable during their time together.

Sarah Culver Portraits

Sarah Culver is a wedding, family, and food photographer who loves to travel and will work on projects all over the U.S.  She believes that beauty can be found in anything and that’s why she’s so passionate about photography.

She offers portrait packages to fit your needs and can also work on editorial and commercial projects. You’ll see she captures a natural look in all of her photos, bringing out the best in everyone she photographs.

Kiki Khan Photography

Kiki Khan takes photos to celebrate the present moment and the connection between families and individuals. She wants to celebrate the love and energy during her photo shoots, so you can look back on those moments with joy for years to come.    

Her portraits create a warm and fuzzy feeling and she uses warmth and shadows to capture stunning images. As a mother herself, Kiki is used to working with families and children during her portrait photography sessions.

Portraits by Alicia

Alicia is an artistic and creative Chicago portrait photographer who loves turning her ideas into reality. She particularly enjoys working with families and kids. She loves newborn portrait sessions and is always working to improve her skills and knowledge.

As a mother of four kids herself, she knows how quickly time passes. She hopes that her portrait photography sessions will help to freeze time for just a second and give you memories to enjoy for many years.

Bekah Wriedt

Bekah Wriedt is a young fashion, portrait, and editorial photographer in Chicago. She loves hearing her clients' ideas and working together to create the portrait of your dreams. She creates stylish and fashionable images and is inspired by vintage black and white photos and Vogue.

During your portrait session, Bekah will strive to capture your emotions in a stylized manner. She loves using neutral colors and chic clothing to create the perfect portrait for her customers.

Alexa Viscius

Alexa Viscius is based in Chicago, where she works as a photographer, art director, musician, and designer. She likes to experiment with different styles in her work and creates candid and playful portraits during her sessions.

In her images, she uses film photography, silk screen, graphic design, and moving images to make unique art like no one else. Expect to enjoy a fun and creative session together when you choose Alexa as your Chicago portrait photographer.

Kiah Lynn

Kiah Lynn is a portrait and fashion photographer based in Chicago. She studied neuroscience at Northwestern University but now primarily works in photography. She is passionate about fashion and color, which is evident from the creative work she produces.

Kiah’s work has previously been published in Vogue and she has a unique style suited for high fashion photography. Clients praise her patience and artistic ability and she’ll work with you to create the images you desire for your personal or professional use.

Nik Latkin

Nik is originally from Russia but moved to Chicago in 2014. In the city, he found his passion for photography and now travels around the world shooting clients in beautiful locations. In each portrait he takes, he hopes to capture the natural beauty and uniqueness of his subject.

Nik specializes in portrait photography and aims to capture the vulnerability and playfulness of people in his work. He believes anyone has the ability to be photographed, and he works to give you the confidence to create stunning images you’ll treasure forever.

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