Top 10 Portrait Photographers in New York, NY

New York City has been called the cultural capital of the world and has long served as an inspiration and muse for filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, and photographers all around the globe.

In the vibrant streets of New York City, a captivating blend of gritty street portraits and intimate studio shoots intertwines to form a collective narrative of life in one of the most culturally diverse cities on our planet.

From fashion icon Bruce Weber's iconic black and white headshots to Annie Leibovitz's dramatic celebrity portraits, New York City has provided some of the greatest examples of portraiture throughout history. To honor these incredible artists and the stunning works they have created over time, we have compiled a list of our top 10 portrait photographers currently working in NYC.

Owen Benfield Photography

With a background in Fine Arts and Photography from Pace University in Manhattan, Owen Benfield has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Barney's New York, Vogue Italia, Refinery29, Nylon, and W Magazine.

Owen's photography style is characterized by its vibrancy and clarity, capturing the nuances of each subject in a dynamic fashion. Every photo he takes is an opportunity to empower people by offering them a chance to express themselves and to be seen for who they truly are.

Zeruviah Photography

With an eye for the whimsical and an appreciation for nature, Zeruviah Adams creates images that capture the personality of her clients while also incorporating the magic of her forest surroundings. By partnering with individuals to create special sessions in various atmospheres, she strives to merge natural elements with emotion-filled portraits so that clients feel truly represented.

Zeruviah’s passion lies in producing enchanting images that are both beautiful and unique to each client. She finds the perfect balance between showcasing her subject's personality and highlighting the dark side of nature.

Kalibri Photography

Kalibri Photography, led by esteemed fashion photographer Anastasiia Muzyka, is a company dedicated to capturing the beauty of women in all their forms.

Anastasiia's style of photography is based on self-identification, and her talent for fashion and style was inspired by her family's creative legacy. As a former creative director, she has crafted her unique company with a focus on providing women with exquisite photos that celebrate their individuality and beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Anastasiia is renowned for her exquisite portraiture, which is focused on showcasing the versatility, aesthetics, tenderness, sexuality, and inner freedom of her subjects.

Rakiya Lynette Photography

Rakiya Lynette is a talented New York-based portrait and lifestyle photographer with a passion for empowering women to discover the beauty within themselves.

Feeling disconnected and stuck while working from home for a major insurance company, Rakiya started taking self-portraits. Through her creative exploration, she began to see her body in a new light, free from judgment or self-doubt. This inspired her mission to create the same space for other women, helping them uncover their inner magic. Seamlessly weaving her clients' unique stories into her work with a sophisticated use of light, color, and creative composition, Rakiya creates captivating portraits that tell compelling stories.

Felipe Espinal

Felipe Espinal is a renowned Colombian portrait and fashion photographer based in New York City. Over the past 8 years, he has captured the fashion world through his lens with meticulous attention to detail.

Known for his creative and unique approach to portraiture, Felipe constantly seeks new ways to showcase his artistic vision. He is celebrated for his imaginative visual style and ability to capture celebrities, models, and everyday people in a captivating way. His passion for his craft shines through every shot, highlighting his profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the human form.

Mariento Photography

Mariento Potsi, a professional portrait photographer based in New York, has dedicated his life to capturing exquisite and unforgettable memories. With a subtle and natural approach, he specializes in preserving intimate and candid moments.

Mariento's photography combines a modern and sophisticated style with a focus on the traditional art of portraiture. His work is known for its emphasis on light and texture, and he skillfully crafts the perfect balance between mood and emotion. He is an artist who successfully captures the essence of his subjects.

Matted Pictures

Matt Garoffolo's passion for connecting with people and helping them bring their vision to life shines through in his work.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Matt has an eye for capturing stunning photos that highlight the beauty of his subjects. With years of experience as a lifestyle and portrait photographer, he has worked with clients from all walks of life. Matt creates a comfortable atmosphere where clients can be themselves and bring out their true personalities in front of the camera. His style focuses on using natural light, architecture, and creative editing to give his portraits a modern touch.

Leeanna Hariprashad

As a young Indo-Caribbean woman, Leeanna Hariprashad uses her photography as a powerful platform to express her personal cultural identity and support South Asian women. Leeanna graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in Visual Arts and has developed her photography skills through self-taught methods.

Leeanna's photography style is playful and unique, blending the whimsical with the everyday. Her works are full of vivid colors, textures, and emotions that capture the essence of each story she tells. She encourages her clients to explore the depths of their imagination and transform their ideas into vivid and evocative visuals.

Alex Joseph Photography

Alex Joseph Photography is the creative venture of internationally and nationally published photographer, graphic designer, and videographer Alex Joseph. With a style focused on portraiture, Alex prides himself on his ability to capture the authentic truth of a moment, no matter the context.

Drawing on his unique aesthetic, Alex creates beautiful, captivating images that explore the realms of the real and surreal. He crafts works of art that require vulnerability and openness between the subject and photographer, and each shoot is a collaborative effort between the two.

Mili Behind Lens

With her unique style of modern, yet timeless portraiture, and her emphasis on natural light and connection, Mili Cardona is dedicated to creating beautiful and meaningful memories with her camera.

Mili's journey began in her home country of Serbia, where her mother's love for capturing moments of her childhood sparked her own interest in photography. Her background as a non-native English speaker has made her particularly adept at communicating without words, enabling her to create stunning images that evoke emotion and bring out the best in her subjects.