The 9 Best Editorial Photographers in Detroit

Looking for the top Detroit editorial photographers? We get it! From portraiture to photojournalism, editorial photography is the art of storytelling with the visual medium. It’s often an addition to the written word, as in newspapers. But it can also stand alone as a narrative told in silence, making it a fascinating world to explore. The work of the following top Detroit editorial photographers includes a lot of great work that we at Peerspace are proud to share with you today.

1. Emily Berger

Emily Berger specializes in editorial narratives with food and lifestyle subjects. Given the compelling stories she tells, Emily is a favorite of publications and major brands like Pure Michigan, Bon Appetit, and Midwest Living.

When capturing editorial portraits of her subjects, she masterfully includes background elements that give us an idea of what it’s like to be her subjects. In fact, this is true lifestyle fashion at its best. Emily also coaxes out poses that feel natural and authentic in their spontaneity. Lastly, her eye for color is a delight; rich yellows, reds, and other tones are as much a part of her editorial images as they are her food photography.

2. Chelise Renee

Editorial photography isn’t just portraits and documentary images. It includes just about anything where stories about people are the main event, and wedding stories are some of our favorites to see! The work of Chelise Renee is some of the finest editorial wedding photography we’ve come across. In fact, she finds that fine line between her own artistic vision and the unique qualities of her couples.

As she shares, “I embrace my own style while more importantly showing others personalities through their photos.” Chelise’s photography also has a mature, distinctive style that gives her portfolio strong consistency!

3. Steve Koss

As an editorial, documentary, and portrait photographer, Steve Koss regularly explores how art and stories intermix in his work. You may have come across his work previously in publications like Black+White Photography magazine or The New York Times.

We love the documentary perspective he often presents in his editorial work, using environmental details that transport us into the lives of his subjects. And true to the reportage style, Steve is usually gentle with his color grading to present a more true-to-life perspective of his subjects!

4. Charles Aydlett

Local artists, business professionals, and other folks looking to put a face to their brand call on Charles Aydlett! As a top commercial and Detroit editorial photographer, his environmental portraits capture both the mood and message behind his subjects. He is especially talented at capturing portraits and headshots that people resonate with.

Many of his subjects fall in love with the final image and the experience of working with Charles! He cultivates this appreciation through his way of keeping people at ease during the shoot.

5. Robert Hall

The editorial photography of Robert Hall is visually impactful, thanks to its strong fashion and lifestyle influences! Each image is a self-contained narrative in itself, telling stories about fitness possibilities, grace, beauty, fashion, and what it’s like to be his subjects.

Robert’s use of studio lighting and flash are also second to none. In fact, few Detroit editorial photographers can capture subtle skin tones in quite the same way he does! These fine details are captivating enough to be their own subject in many cases.

6. Scott Millington

Where many editorial photographers go indoors to capture their stories, Scott Millington instead takes to the streets! His perspective is one of Detroit outside of the studio, showcasing vignettes of his subjects and the environment through intimate, storytelling portraiture and urban images.

Even during planned photoshoots, Scott has a talent for using the natural, in-between moments. These convey a fresh and authentic experience that’s also unique to the genre.

7. Ryan Charles

Portraiture in all its forms is what Ryan Charles does best. Our focus here is on his editorial and environmentally oriented portraits that add context to the lives, brands, and stories of his subjects. However, his portfolio includes portraits celebrating major life milestones, self-expression, glamor, and more.

We especially love how close Ryan works with his subjects, using just enough of the background to add to a story without distracting from his subjects. Meanwhile, we see little anxiety or artifice in his subjects. This also speaks to his ability to help people feel at ease in what’s often a nerve-wracking experience.

8. Ryan Garza

As a two-time Emmy award-winning photojournalist, Ryan Garza is one of the most innovative Detroit editorial photographers. His work regularly finds its way into publications like The Flint Journal and the Detroit Free Press. Authentic and immersive, his images take us closer to the people, communities, and events of the metro region.

We especially love the vignettes he shares on social media of very ordinary Detroit residents. Ryan is willing to spend many hours with them building rapport and highlighting some especially intimate quotes and moments of their lives. It’s a reminder that everyone on the street you pass has a deeply engaging story that you may never get to know.

9. Jessica Nosal

Every artist tries to be creative but portraits can sometimes feel rote and staged in how formulaic the process becomes. Fortunately, Jessica Nosal is here to breathe some life into the process of capturing people, beauty, and creativity!

Many photographers have a distinct style that uses a set range of colors, lighting styles, and compositions. But we are impressed by how expertly Jessica navigates through many styles in her work. From direct flash to natural light, street fashion to editorial portraiture, Jessica continually engages us with beauty and narratives that invite us to look deeper at her subjects and intentions.

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