Introducing The Best Headshot Photographers In The World

As a headshot photographer in Pittsburgh I'm often asked my opinion on other, especially famous, photographers. Therefore, this is my list introducing the best headshot photographers in the world. At least, according to me.

If this is your first time here then let me introduce myself. My name is Don Orkoskey. I'm a headshots in Pittsburgh with more than 20 years (nearly 25 now) experience. In addition I teach photography. Teaching allows me to be introspective and to focus on what makes photography great.

Criteria for the best headshot photographers

My list of the best headshot photographers is below However, before introducing it let's talk about the criteria I used. After all, this isn't just about vibes or popularity. Rather, I explored who I feel is creating the best headshots according to the following criteria:

1. First, the best photographers tell us who the headshot subject is or something about them organically without it being forced.
2. Second, they get the subject to express genuine emotion, vulnerability, or something unique to them without it being coerced.
3. Third, they demonstrate a clear understanding of light and how best to use it with different people.
4. Additionally, their understanding of people, their bodies, and how to pose individuals to look their absolute individual best is a must.
5. Plus, their style is their own but isn't overly formulaic. They leave room to show off their subject's individuality.
6.  Finally, they create headshots that put the subject first, not them, thereby allowing the audience to connect to the subject.

Find the best headshot photographer near Peter's Township

The Best Headshot Photographers

This list could get very long if I let it. Therefore, I'm this list is capped at 10. So, here are the 10 best headshot photographers around the world:

10. Peter Hurley

Those of you who know headshot photographers might be surprised that Peter Hurley is only number 10 on my list. While Peter is the originator of "squinching" (and has even trademarked it), his style is very formulaic and not individualized. Additionally, he's done an incredible job marketing himself and his style.

In fact, he's done too good of a job. As a result, there are a ton of very confident headshot photographers in every corner of the globe using his style to the point of exhaustion.

This is a real shame.

Peter is a truly wonderful person. He's helpful and kind, and he's a great headshot photographer. However, by pushing his style out to so many others he's diluted it.

Plus, as I said, it doesn't take the individual into account.

All that being said, if you're in NYC and want your headshot done by one of the best then go see Peter Hurley.

9. Platon

Platon is another great portrait photographer with a very distinct style. His extreme close ups of celebrities, politicians, and other famous people established him as an iconic photographer.

However, Platon's style is too individual. In my opinion, it tells us more about him than his subjects. As such, I can't rank him any higher than this. That said, his work is really special so I didn't want to leave him out.

Additionally, he's the founder of The People's Portfolio which is a civil and human rights nonprofit. In other words, he's a really great person. Too, he's a great headshot photographer. Otherwise he wouldn't be on the list. Check it at his website.

8. Dylan Patrick

Dylan Patrick's portrait work is truly amazing. Additionally, his headshots rock. They're far less formulaic. That said, he relies heavily on a small set of poses. Additionally, most of his variety is found in the varied backgrounds. This is a result of Dylan bringing an editorial feel to his corporate headshot portraits. Also, he introduces angles that create a more dynamic looks which I appriciate.

If you're in LA and are looking to book with one of the best headshot photographers in the world then certainly check out Dylan Patrick.

7. Rohan Shrestha

Rohan Shrestha's black and white headshots take the genre back to its roots. Many of his subjects are celebrities. In fact, many actors both in Hollywood and Bollywood have sat for him. As a result, the classic look of his actor's headshots feel like a throwback in all the right ways.

Rohan simplifies these incredible headshots by not shooting in color. The results are stunning. As such you see who the subject is. Plus, you see the light. This informs us about the subject. The focus, poses, and everything else about these tells the story of the person sitting for their headshot. Be sure to check out Rohan's headshot work here.

6. Ram Shergill

Photographers walk a fine line when creating celebrity and acting headshots. Indeed, they are balancing attention grabbing color, contrast, and lighting with showing off the subject. Ram Shergill does this better than most other headshot photographers.

Ram gives us dramatic lighting, styling, and poses. As a result he creates interesting headshots which give us insight into the subject. Or, at least, they tell us a story that is captivates us even if it's false.

Don't miss Ram's portrait work here.

5. Rachel Calvo

Seeing the individual in their headshot is so important. Few photographers do this better than Rachel Calvo. The influence of other great portrait artists is present.

However, for me, Rachel Calvo is the best headshot photographer in France, and potentially continental Europe right now. This is despite claims from others who only seem to copy Peter Hurley's style.

Rachel's ability to keep the focus on her subjects is something I truly appriciate. She's a Sue Bryce's student (see below). Thus, seeing how well she's taken Sue's advice is clear. That said, she creates her own style with it.

Check out Rachel's portraits here.

4. Munetaka Tokuyama

Munetaka Tokuyama's approach to headshots and portraiture is amazing. There is a real playfulness that is often missing in the work of other headshot photographers. Additionally, Munetaka pushes the envelope when it comes to contrast. However, the high contrast never seems out of place. If anything it gives us a strong sense of being included in the work. Plus, it really tells us the story of the subject in the portrait. Check out Munetaka's work here.

3. Jonny Edward

Jonny Edward shows off remarkable creativity and fearlessness. Jonny's work grabs you and you take note. Too, he understands the whole is really a sum of its parts. As such, he takes each part seriously. All of these parts work together - the poses, the props, the clothing, and the styling. Plus, they work in a way that few others seem to bother with.

Finally, Jonny's work, while serious and wonderful, gives you a sense of his playful personality. Much of his work is humorous. Additionally, there is a sense of showmanship but it's not off putting.

Check out Jonny's portraits here.

2. Joel Grimes

Joel Grimes work is stunning. His portraits demand attention and are incredibly creative. In addition Joel understands and uses light in (nearly) unmatched ways.

Actually, Joel's work is second only to my number one choice. He's tough to beat when it comes to focusing on the subject and telling us their story.

Plus, like myself, Joel teaches. He offers Master Classes full of incredibly helpful material. If you're looking to become a portrait photographers check out Joel's classes. Indeed his videos will train you in a variety of commercial photography areas.

What sets Joel's work and teaching apart is that both are less formulaic than Peter Hurley's. Therefore, you can take what Joel tells you and create your own style.

Be sure to check out his classes and his work. Joel maintains a studio in LA.

1. Sue Bryce

My all time favorite headshot photographers is Sue Bryce. Listen to her podcast. I got hooked on her work there. I also connected to her because of her story. Sue didn't finish high school. She was from the wrong side of the tracks. Yet she overcame so much. Today, she's a true standout portrait photographer.

What makes Sue Bryce one of the best headshot photographers in the world is her approach which is highly stylized yet always captures the essence of the individual. As a result, her portraits look classic and timeless.

Additionally, Sue is a master of light and lighting. Others might edge past her (like Joel Grimes) when it comes to what they do with light. However, it's not by much. In fact, her understanding of lighting only seems to fade into the background because of how perfect and well put together everything else about her work is.

I highly recommend listening to her podcast and checking out her work. Sue really is my favorite headshot photographer in the entire world.