6 Portrait Photography Artists We Love

Portrait photography stands as an enduring and captivating genre, capturing the essence of individuals in a single frame. Beyond merely freezing a moment, it delves into the intricate dance between subject and lens, revealing narratives etched in the lines of a face or the sparkle in one’s eyes. Whether you’re looking for a portrait in classic black and white or exploding in contemporary color, at Artsper we have a large selection of photographs. Check out 6 of our favorite portrait photography artists at the moment!

1. Ebuka Michael

The young Nigerian artist, Ebuka Michael, is making himself known in the art world for his colorful, expressive portraits. His work highlights Nigerian youth in an artistic manner that is unique to Michael. Born in 2000, the artist is inspired by his environment in Lagos, documentary photography, music, and nature. With the Ogun River as one of his favorite settings, this photographer transforms the natural scene with his innovative use of color. His energetic photographs are gaining attention in the art world and are already widely admired. 

2. Clara Delaporte

A young French photographer, Clara Delaporte’s portrait artwork is youthful and full of movement. Hailing from the south of France, Clara has always been intrigued by dance, theater, and literature, and turned to portrait photography to express herself. The artist captures her peers in portraits that feel raw and candid. She is always inspired by her subjects, whether she is using digital or film cameras. The ethereal and captivating portraits by Clara Delaporte have quickly become some of our favorites. 

3. Andy Sweet

In Andy Sweet’s tragically short life, the photographer captured endearing, lively representations of an elderly crowd in Miami Beach. Sweet was fascinated by the elderly Jewish community in South Beach and captured their active and spirited lives. These moments through Sweet’s eyes are full of color, character, and courage–as many of them were Holocaust survivors. We can’t get enough of these cheerful photographs of dinner parties, pool days, and festive events. 

4. Arnaud Ele

Born in Cameroon, Arnaud Ele developed his studies and career in film photography largely in Berlin. Known for his endlessly cool fashion shots, videos and documentaries, he refuses to settle in one given place, having spent much of his life traveling. His identity is rooted in this itinerancy. He deeply values escapism and experimentation, which are essential to his brilliantly intimate pictures. 

5. Olha Stepanian

Ukrainian artist Olha Stepanian is making her mark on the scene with dramatic and cinematic black-and-white photographs. In ambiguous settings, Stepanian’s subjects pose artistically with props such as giant eyeballs. Bordering abstract, these portraits are extremely unique, making the Ukrainian photographer one to follow. 

6. Thandiwe Muriu

With the influence of Vogue magazine shining through, Thandiwe Muriu’s portrait photographs are immediately eye-catching and recognizable. The artist uses colorful, almost hypnotic prints to blur the line between her models and their settings. The intricate motifs adorn the outfits and backgrounds of her subjects, broken up only by an equally impressive hair style. This Kenyan photographer has quickly become one of our favorites. 

Different techniques and different stories…

From the lively and expressive portraits of Nigerian artist Ebuka Michael to the raw and candid captures by French photographer Clara Delaporte, each artist paints a distinct narrative through the lens. This diverse lineup underscores the richness and versatility inherent in the world of portrait photography, where each artist leaves an indelible mark with their unique visual storytelling. Be sure to check out more of our favorite photographers on Artsper!