The 10 Best Editorial Photographers in Baltimore

Editorial stories take more than basic documentary images to reach a wider audience through the crowded internet space. Instead, we need images that have the power to instantly convey narratives, emotion, and other key elements at first glance. And captivate viewers enough to then take a second or third look! That talent for engagement is what makes the work of the top 10 Baltimore editorial photographers so powerful.

1. Jay Fleming

Prepare yourself for the stunning work of Jay Fleming, undoubtedly one of the most outdoorsy Baltimore editorial photographers! Jay works alongside fishermen on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay as they pursue the day’s catch. We get an insider’s perspective on the lives of boatmen, oyster shuckers, and other people who help seafood find its way to our tables.

Jay also brings the camera beneath the waves in order to find unique angles on aquatic life, furthering our understanding of how we interact with nature. Considering he is a fisherman and outdoorsman himself, we are amazed that Jay could find a photographic niche so well-suited to his talents!

2. Matt Roth

The editorial photography of Matt Roth is some of our favorites to browse because there is clearly so much passion in what he does! His projects involve documentary work for events, artistic collaborations, and personal passion projects.

Matt has a signature style, one with vibrant colors and a people-centric aim. As a self-described lover of people, we see this manifest in all of his images. And the playfulness apparent in some of his projects, especially his “Jumping on Beds!!!” photo-series will have you instantly smiling!

3. Joanna Tillman

If you are looking for a photographer that knows just how to convey what can’t be said using images, Joanna Tillman is right for you! Her editorial portraits go beyond simply posing subjects in classic fashion. Instead, she chooses settings and lighting that highlight what makes her subjects unique.

For example, soft light often pairs nicely with a subdued sense of personality. What’s more, Joanna’s eye for color, dramatic lighting conditions, and filmic color grading can all further the narrative being shared about each of her subjects.

4. Shawn Hubbard

Few Baltimore editorial photographers are as cognizant of what it means to craft an image with vision and purpose as much as Shawn Hubbard is. Just browse through his powerful shots on Instagram to see for yourself! Because while timing in the unfolding of an event is one thing, crafting editorial narratives that have the same results takes an entirely different skill set.

As he writes in his own words, “Impactful images are made in the moment, or meticulously planned to look like they were. From the split seconds that define outcomes, to the fleeting expressions that can tell a whole story, I am committed to capturing and creating photographs that make a statement.” This is especially relevant to the world of sports and fitness, where timing is everything, both on and off the court. Each one of Shawn’s editorial portraits conveys power, grace, skill, perseverance, and other timeless themes from within the world of sports.

5. Yassine El Mansouri of Elman Studio

Event, performance, and portrait photography are the specialties of Yassine El Mansouri, one of the most talented Baltimore editorial photographers. And in each of these niches, we see how his editorial focus on what makes each subject or event unique comes to the forefront.

Small wonder he is the partner of choice for quality-driven organizations like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. And when it comes to portraiture, Yassine’s eye for minimalist compositions and rich contrast is quite captivating. Few elements distract us from the bold eye contact and expressive apparel that are signatures of his style!

6. David Sinclair

Storytelling images of live events, especially sports, are a specialty of David Sinclair’s! From football to golf, his photography transports you from your seat onto the court, right into the midst of the action. We especially love how creative he is at finding angles that do more than simply document. Instead, we get a feel for his sense of artistry and creativity in how he frames shots.

David also masterfully finds decisive moments that share peak emotions and narrative elements. The instants leading up to a game-winning play—as well as how folks celebrate immediately afterward all have a strong impact on viewers like us!

7. Paul Allan

Fashion and commercial work often go hand in hand with editorial storytelling. You see this immediately when browsing the portfolio of Paul Allan. He brings years of experience in building partnerships with fashion retailers, the beauty industry, and designers. Take a look at his extraordinary work on his Instagram!

Paul uses these talents to feature stunning apparel in an ideal way—yet he also brings in narratives about each item and model! From vintage-themed photoshoots to more contemporary lifestyle angles, Paul’s work can feel like a story contained within a single photo frame.

8. Tracey Brown of Paper Camera

From showcasing medical professionals in their offices to sharing how coworkers collaborate in a business setting, the portfolio of Tracey Brown contains a little bit of everything! Among the top Baltimore editorial photographers, her working philosophy is “listening with the lens.”

Teasing out what makes each of her subjects unique and transmitting that directly to ready viewers. With over two decades of experience listening with her lens, Tracey has helped hundreds of companies and individuals find their voice in the digital medium thanks to her impactful editorial, commercial, and portrait photography. Check out her breathtaking snapshots on her Instagram!

9. Christopher Myers

Thanks to having supportive parents and an early love for the artform, Christopher Myers discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Over the years, he has become one of the top editorial photographers in Baltimore with an eye for expressive environmental portraits that convey much about his subjects in a single frame!

The way Christopher uses setting, light, composition, and posture with his subjects is really telling. We get a feel for the emotions, passions, and interests of each person in his portfolio, no matter how different their walks of life happen to be.

10. Mike Stog

What really caught our attention when looking at the photography of Mike Stog is how he takes seemingly everyday moments and highlights how they are truly moments of fine art. His color grading, eye for detail, and way of showing how the environment relates to the subject are all second to none.

Mike’s editorial images often find their place in places like Alternative Press and the “What Makes You Human” project. His combination of subdued colors and rich tonality, especially where skin tones are concerned, are simply impossible to ignore!

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