Top 10 Lifestyle Photographers in Austin

Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the reality of a situation in a creative and artistic way. It’s a means of telling someone’s story without needing any written words and conveying their thoughts, emotions, and situation in a single frame. While today’s lifestyle photographers work in a variety of genres, ranging from maternity to family and travel, the essence of their work is the art of the everyday.

Austin is home to an abundance of talented lifestyle photographers who work in the city and abroad, with clients that include individuals, families, and globally-recognized brands. In this article, we’ll introduce 10 of the top lifestyle photographers in Austin and touch on their unique styles.

Amy Mikler

Born in Florida, Amy Mikler has spent much of her adult life living in Texas and now calls Austin “home.” She describes herself as a “pursuer of pretty pictures…that capture laughter, color, sunlight, and the good life.” Her client list is extensive and includes publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Florida Travel + Life, and Woman’s Day, as well as brands such as Microsoft, Marriott, and the Ritz-Carlton.

Kenny Braun

Renowned for his portrait, landscape, and fine-art photography, Kenny Braun is an Austin-based lifestyle photographer who explores a sense of place and memory in his work. He’s passionate about music and surfing, with his series on the Gulf Coast scene titled “Surf Texas” published by the University of Texas Press in 2014. His editorial photography has been published in Southern Living and Texas Monthly, and regularly appears at the Stephen L. Clark Gallery in Austin.

Jen Dillender

Focusing on wedding and lifestyle photography, Jen Dillender is a Texan native who spent five years in Oklahoma before deciding to call Austin “home.” Her work has been featured in the Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, and The Lovely Find blogs and she regularly captures family portrait sessions in natural settings. She loves working with couples who are more excited about the commitment they’re about to make than the wedding day itself, with many brides and grooms becoming her friends for life.

Jessica Rockowitz

Jessica describes herself as the “most extroverted of extroverts” who is all about capturing connection and emotion in her lifestyle portraits. In addition to family shoots, she also does maternity and newborn portrait sessions and has a knack for capturing beautiful photos of kids who are adamant they don’t want to smile. She loves helping her clients style their portrait session wardrobe, with the photographer having a carefully curated closet that caters to both kids and moms.

FIND AUSTIN'S FINEST PHOTO STUDIOS                                                               Reserve the finest Austin photo studio with just a few clicks.

Madeline Harper

While Madeline Harper is based in Austin, she travels throughout the world doing photographic work for individuals and companies. Her focus is on fashion, branding, and travel photography, with past clients that have included the Four Seasons Austin, Bright Creative, and Atelier of the Wild. She regularly partners with bloggers and artisans to showcase curated fashions and has shot as far away as the streets of London and Marrakech.

Patrick Lane

Since 1995, Patrick Lane has been photographing people and places, drawing on his masterful techniques and ability to create stunning imagery. His clients include names such as The Home Depot, AT&T, and Devon Energy, as well as Texas Health Resources, Marriott, and The University of Texas. He loves the connection and conversation that photography enables with his clients and the ability to build in-depth relationships.

Taylor Prinsen

Inspired by natural light, beauty, and the unique story of each person, Taylor Prinsen is a lifestyle, editorial, and wedding photographer based in her hometown of Austin. She travels around the world partnering with brands and individuals, capturing everything from engagement sessions to fitness photos and boudoir. Her photojournalistic approach to shooting enables her to capture all those in-between moments and genuine interactions between people, rather than focusing on posed portraits.

John Pesina

With past clients that include Austin Energy, Tribeza Magazine, and the Discovery Channel, John Pesina is a self-taught photographer who specializes in editorial and commercial work. He strives to tell a story with every frame he captures, with dramatic lighting a feature of his photography. Based in Austin, he has years of experience under his belt and an outstanding portfolio of both still and motion works.

Jeff Wilson

Jeff began his photography career at his high school newspaper in Temple, Texas before graduating from St. Edward's University. He later worked various jobs that included being a Forensic Photographer for the Texas Department of Public Safety. He developed his photographic skills under the tutelage of Dan Winters and was nominated for a National Magazine Award for his photo essay about Texas high school football stadiums. Jeff’s impressive list of clients includes Architect Magazine, Disney Adventures, and ESPN The Magazine.

David Brendan Hall

With his work published in Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter, David Brandan Hall is one of the most talented music photographers in Austin. He’s won multiple awards and regularly photographs at major music and arts festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. When he’s not capturing the high-energy performances of global superstars, you’ll find him shooting fashion, food, and wedding sessions.

Find a location in Austin for your next film/photo shoot, meeting, or event.