Claire ThompsonAs a Fine Arts degree holder, I know plenty of artsy people, and it’s always a blast to work with them. So when my family needed a photographer in Columbus, I immediately and confidently went through my contacts.
But none of them were available at the time, so I had to start from scratch! Many of them seemed unresponsive (and expensive), while the others could only offer me a limited portfolio that didn’t match my vision. It’s a bit disappointing, really.
It took me some time, but I eventually had a reliable roster of photographers on call. So whether you’re a model, family, professional, business owner, or social media manager, you can check out my review of these top-notch picks below.
1. Harry Acosta Photography
Address: 289 W Walnut St #13
Phone: +1 614 571 0142, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Open 24 hours
Should you want to get expressive photos, Harry Acosta is a photographer in Columbus who specializes in emotive imagery.
The way I see it, this photographer has a pretty good range. He offers traditional and experimental options for events, headshots, portraits, weddings, engagements, boudoir (sensual photography), real estate, and commercial purposes.
Other than that, I love that you can select your preferred backdrop in advance. There are colored paper backdrops to complete and staged scenes! Or, you can choose a specific outdoor location, but some would require a separate booking fee.
A camera-shy client also raved to me about how natural he is at making her feel comfortable. For me, this shows the photographer’s soft skills, including empathy and patience.
Just note that some sessions require a deposit. Still, I appreciate that he accepts a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, electronic checks, regular checks, cash, and other online payment apps.
Very Professional and Knowledgeable
“Harry was very professional and clearly knows what he’s doing. I was extremely satisfied with how my headshots turned out. The touch-ups came out perfectly and the price was reasonable! I’ll be suggesting Mr.Acosta’s services to my friends and family going forward.”
-Mr. Dylan Justus, Google Review
Made Everything Flow So Smoothly
“This past Saturday my husband and I had the pleasure of having Harry photograph our wedding! I can not even begin to explain how amazing Harry is to work with. He made everything flow by so smoothly and made sure to get every picture we could possibly even think about. If you need an amazing photographer we could not recommend Harry enough!”
-Ms. Alayna Walker, Google Review
2. Kimberly Potterf Photo LLC
Address: 780 King Ave
Phone: +1 614 578 7388, [email protected]
Kimberly Potterf is a Columbus-based photographer who can cater to all types of clients, including newborns, families, high school seniors, professionals, and couples.
She brings over 2 decades of experience in the visual arts. A past client also told me about her lighthearted sentimentality. I bet this is why she has many repeat clients.
It’s also handy for me that she’s transparent about her starting prices with family portraits and wedding collections. You can also opt for 2 photographers for the latter. But of course, this would be more expensive.
And while I didn’t see any special deals, I’m glad that her bookings are more affordable for weddings held on any day from Monday to Thursday. So if you’re having a courthouse ceremony, park wedding, or romantic elopement, it would be cheaper.
Warm, Kind, and Professional
“Choosing Kimberly as our wedding photographer was one of the very best decisions I made during the wedding planning process! From my first meeting with her to the last moment of our wedding reception, Kimberly was warm, kind, and so professional. She has a beautiful artistic eye for capturing special moments and I could not be more thrilled with how the engagement, bridal, and wedding photos she took turned out. Kimberly captured the perfect images we hope to one day show our grand children of our wedding day. I enthusiastically recommend Kimberly to any bride looking for an outstanding photographer!”
-Ms. Samantha Smith, Google Review
Organized, Yet Very Flexible
“Kim is the perfect fit for capturing family photos! She is organized, yet very flexible. She accommodated our toddler boys and baby girl, went with the flow and allowed for very organic photo opportunities. Kim is fun, energetic and obviously very passionate about her craft! We’d highly recommend her!”
-Ms. Meagan Groom, Google Review
3. Intimates by Elizabeth
Address: 85 E Gay St Suite, #404
Phone: +1 614 312 4760, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Sat-Sun: Closed
If you want an empowering and luxurious photoshoot in Columbus, Intimates by Elizabeth specializes in boudoir or sensual photography just for that. Usually, brides-to-be seek out this special experience, but you can always go for it if you want.
One thing I like the most is its fully furnished commercial studio space. You’ll be guided by a small yet capable team: the photographer (who’s also skilled in posing techniques), studio manager, and hair and makeup artist.
Not only that, but I also love that this studio has an all-female staff! I believe this can make many clients feel more comfortable from start to finish.
It’s also convenient for me that you’ll get to see your photos before you leave—talk about instant gratification!
Nevertheless, this studio has a set number of slots (sometimes barely even 5 a month!), and they book up pretty quickly. I suggest making a reservation weeks to months in advance if you’re interested.
Incredibly Professional and Encouraging
“I had an amazing time with Elizabeth! I did a shoot with her for the new concept art ideas/ mini session and we had a blast! She was incredibly professional and so encouraging through the entire process. I love how all my images have turned out and I cannot wait to go back! I highly recommend Intimates by Elizabeth for any photos!”
-Ms. Megan Richards, Google Review
Makes You Feel Confident and Comfortable
“Shoutout to Intimates by Elizabeth for absolutely nailing my headshots! I love them all so much it took me almost an hour just to pick my profile picture. If you’re looking for a photographer who makes you feel confident, comfortable, and truly captures your personality, I highly recommend her! Thank you, Elizabeth, for making this such a fun and empowering experience! 🥰🫶”
-Ms. Ashley Sylwestrak, Google Review
4. Christopher Keels Photographer
Address: 2476 E Main St
Phone: +1 614 487 8035, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Tue-Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sun-Mon: Closed
Christopher Keels is one of my favorite photographers in the city because of his excellent skill for taking studio headshots. In my opinion, his photos look vibrant and expressive—yet still appropriate for corporate purposes somehow.
And based on his diverse portfolio, I believe he’s great at both black and white and color photography! Besides photos for job applications or business reasons, he has also taken many cinematic pictures that I think are worth taking inspiration from.
He’s had plenty of younger clients, like kids and high school seniors too! For me, this showcases his adaptability to different types of people, though he clearly has a specialization.
In addition, it’s been 2 decades since he started his career, so I reckon this photographer already knows what he’s doing. He also has a background in Fine Arts and graphic design, if you need someone skilled in thinking of artsy concepts.
However, I noticed that his pricing is on the higher end. Still, this depends on the type of photoshoot you’re having. Since he focuses on headshots, I feel these are pretty good investments anyway.
Incredible Photos
“Chris is an amazing person and an artist. His entire approach is so warm and welcoming and puts people at such ease that it allows personalities to shine through and the result is photos that are both incredible looking and incredibly natural and real. We improvised virtually our entire shoot on the spot – watching him eye the landscape, spot locations, immediately see effects from sun, reflection, background, contrast and combine his subject and those natural elements into incredible photos was exhilarating. I can’t imagine a better experience.”
-Mr. Judson Dunham, Google Review
Very Accommodating
“Chris is a fantastic photographer! His pictures are spectacular and he is so easy to work with, very accommodating with extreme customer service. Sandi did a wonderful job of coordinating schedules and communications. An all around wonderful experience. We will be coming back !!!”
-Ms. Stacey Knettler, Google Review
5. Studio 55
Address: 55 E Spring St
Phone: +1 614 585 9055, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Tue-Sat: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Mon: Closed
Studio 55 is for the DIY-ers, money-savers, and camera-shy peeps! While this isn’t your typical hire-a-photographer situation, I think this option works wonders if you want to be your own visual artist and need the perfect space to bring your creative visions to life.
I love that this rental studio has everything you need! This already includes a hair and makeup area, natural light, professional-grade strobes, seamless paper backdrops, quirky props, and versatile sets. Amazing for last-minute photoshoots, in my opinion.
Just remember that you need to bring your own camera before making some magic here. For me, this can totally help newbie photographers practice their craft in a well-equipped space.
But if you need to rent a camera or any specific gear, my advice would be to check out its rental partner, MPEX Rentals.
Alternatively, you can bring your own photographer here too—perhaps a friend or colleague doing pro bono! I think this would be a nifty way to save a lot.
The Easiest Experience for a 1-Year-Old
“The easiest experience ever for my almost 1 year old !! We did smash cake photos. They provided the lighting and back drop and we just brought the cake. Super easy to book and find. Will be back and highly recommend”
-Ms. Hailey Lagarra, Google Review
Puctual and Friendly
“Such an amazing space!!! Options galore! Staff is punctual and friendly! We had an amazing time and amazing experience!”
-Ms. Quianna Simpson, Google Review
