As a professional photographer at Leon Britton Photography, I’m often asked, “Who is the best portrait photographer?” It’s an intriguing question, but also a subjective one. The world of portrait photography is rich with diverse styles and unique perspectives, each resonating differently with individuals.
Let’s embark on a journey exploring the work of some renowned portrait photographers. Hopefully, this discussion will hilight the importance of aligning your personal aesthetic with a photographer’s style when considering a portrait session.
Steve McCurry
Renowned for his stunning photojournalism, Steve McCurry is an iconic figure in the photography world. His portraits often showcase vivid colours and intense depth of emotion. Think of his famous ‘Afghan Girl’ portrait – a testament to his ability to capture the soul through the lens. If you’re drawn towards evocative, storytelling imagery, McCurry’s style might resonate with you.
Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz is synonymous with celebrity portraiture. Her work, characterized by its grandeur and cinematic quality, often makes a powerful statement. Leibovitz’s mastery lies in her ability to envision and create scenes that reveal something profound about her subjects. If your preference leans towards dramatic, meticulously crafted portraits, her style could be the perfect fit.
Martin Schoeller
Martin Schoeller’s style stands out due to its simplicity and intimacy. His close-up portraits, often against a minimalist background, offer an unfiltered gaze into the subject’s identity. With every pore and wrinkle captured in striking detail, Schoeller’s photography invites viewers to acknowledge and appreciate human individuality and vulnerability. If you value authenticity and detail, you might connect with Schoeller’s work.
Platon
Platon, known for his profound black-and-white portraits, achieves a rare balance between power and sensitivity. His portraits, often of influential figures, captivate with their raw emotion and stark contrast. His signature wide-angle shots draw viewers in, making the encounter with his subjects a personal experience. If you gravitate towards bold, emotive black-and-white imagery, Platon’s style might be your choice.
Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman’s photography delves deep into the realms of identity, gender, and role-playing. In her self-portraits, she adopts numerous personas, exploring societal expectations and stereotypes. Sherman’s work is ideal for those intrigued by the thought-provoking and unconventional, providing a different perspective on what portrait photography can be.
This list, while far from exhaustive, offers a glimpse into the wide-ranging styles of portrait photography. The ‘best’ portrait photographer, thus, is quite subjective—it depends on who is looking at the work. As an individual considering a portrait session, it’s paramount to review a photographer’s portfolio and see if their vision aligns with your own. You should feel a connection to their work, a spark that says, “Yes, this is how I want to be captured.”
After all, a portrait is more than just a picture. It’s a piece of art that reflects who you are, captured through the unique lens of a photographer. Therefore, the ‘best’ photographer for your portrait is the one whose style speaks to you and can tell your story in a manner that feels authentically you.
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Leon Britton Photography is an award-winning Liverpool photographer who specialises in capturing all those special moments in people’s lives. Leon has a long-established reputation for photographing weddings, parties, families and individual portraits with highly personal and unique style.
Looking for professional photography in Liverpool or the North West? At Leon Britton Photography, we specialise in studio headshots, wedding photography, and commercial branding sessions — all delivered with a relaxed, storytelling approach. Based in Liverpool and covering Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire, and beyond, we’re here to help you capture your story with style. Get in touch to book your session or view our portfolio.
