The 9 Best Editorial Photographers in Salt Lake City

From outdoor adventures in the rugged mountains of Utah to in-studio collaborations with painters and musicians, editorial photography covers a lot of ground! The stories are sometimes fully natural and at other times a creative blend of artifice and visual media. But always there is a need for photography to help convey the essence to viewers like you and me. That’s where the work of the top Salt Lake City editorial photographers comes in!

1. Louis Arévalo

As one of the most creative Salt Lake City editorial photographers, Louis Arévalo has a major talent for adventurous and outdoor lifestyle storytelling! His deep connection to the natural world in the face of adversity has allowed him to navigate many of the challenges that would shatter other people. And in tribute, Louis often brings the outdoors into the frame to inform how we receive his art.

As he says in his own words, “My goal has always been to highlight individuals within the wild, show their unique interaction with nature, speak to the positive outcomes, inspire others to embrace and preserve, and to do so with the least amount of impact.”

2. Cyndie Patri

Portraits that celebrate beauty from an editorial and fashion-inspired perspective are what Cyndie Patri has to share with us today! Her ability to tell stories about family connections, self-celebration, and life milestones is second to none.

We especially love how she works with clients in studio settings, using ideal lighting paired with poses meant to evoke wonder and delight in viewers. The end result is editorial portraiture that speaks both to the authenticity of her subjects as well as to Cyndie’s own fine-art vision!

3. Lindsey Stewart

Sometimes putting faces and images to the products and services that a brand has to offer can increase their appeal substantially! Lindsey Stewart is just such an editorial photographer, working with companies to craft images that convey the essence of their brand. However, she also has her own style that is evident when viewing her portfolio. A love for minimalist compositions, toned-down colors, and soft lighting that is ideal for contemporary interior décor projects and other commercial or editorial collaborations.

4. Marina Williams

Marina Williams is here to remind us of the storytelling power of editorial portraiture! By working with artists, musicians, couples, seniors, and other subjects, she conveys the essence of their life milestones and personal projects using settings and lighting that plays to the narrative.

What’s more, her images so often leave her subjects feeling beautiful and confident that she walks away feeling inspired just as much as they do! Marina’s photography is warm and rich in contrast, with subdued colors and an occasional matte profile—a style we find works especially well for lifestyle and editorial portraiture.

5. Kim Raff

When browsing the portfolio of Kim Raff, you may quickly recognize her background in documentary photojournalism, one of the classic editorial genres! Among talented Salt Lake City editorial photographers, Kim has worked with major publications like The New York Times, The Salt Lake Tribune, and other partners in need of professional visual media.

Her photojournalistic captures have taken Kim into all walks of life. From intimate living-room portraits to funerals and beyond, her perspective broadens our horizons and gives us a closer look at the human condition.

6. Niki Chan Wylie

If you are looking for one of the most notable freelance Salt Lake City editorial photographers to partner up with, Niki Chan Wylie’s your creative! As a graduate from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s in both political science and environmental studies, Niki’s studies helped her in her partnerships with underrepresented communities.

Nonprofits like Volunteers of America and the Utah Refugee Coalition are just a few of the organizations that have benefited from her storytelling images. We also enjoy the artistry, particularly Niki’s eye for dramatic lighting conditions, that threads her work and enhances its appeal to viewers. Niki’s portfolio is well-worth browsing!

7. Jesse Justice

Commercial and editorial projects are the specialties of Jesse Justice, Salt Lake City editorial photographer! His partners include brands and businesses, fashion designers, and corporate and public relations events where narrative-driven captures are essential.

Jesse’s talents lie in his ability to bring a unique perspective to his collaborations. Angles, compositions, and poses portray not only his own vision of the world but how people and stores are reflected in it. As he shares, “I don’t always think what’s popular is best, but I know that being different stands out… and is remembered. And for some, that IS the best.”

8. Craig Hadorn

People and food are the subjects that Craig Hadorn focuses on in his work, subjects that happen to be some of the most compelling of all for us. You may also notice that he tends to work with people that have no professional modeling experience. Sometimes this can be an awkward experience for them, yet in Craig’s portfolio, we instead feel engaged and attracted to the narrative and beauty of the portraits.

It’s a challenge, helping people feel comfortable and open enough to be authentic. As Craig shares, “Usually I end up shooting real people on assignments, as opposed to models. While I’m not opposed to shooting the latter, I really do enjoy making nonprofessional talent look their best”

9. Cam McLeod

Even among Salt Lake City editorial photographers, there are artists that prefer focusing on one kind of story or another. Cam McLeod’s specialty is outdoor adventure and lifestyle narratives centered around the mountainous surroundings of Utah. He describes his style as “tactile” and with “cinematic style with vivid color profiles,” two descriptions we entirely agree with! We also love his talent for capturing decisive moments in active sporting events and working in dramatic lighting that includes silhouettes, flash, and in-studio setups.

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