The 9 Best Portrait Photographers in Fresno

With the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park in close proximity, Fresno, CA, is blessed with some of the most scenic outdoor portrait scenery in the nation! Many of the photographers we’ve curated not only do outdoor shoots but own studio space. Plus, some are open to working on location to make whatever vision you have come to life through their photography. If you’re not quite sure where to begin looking, let us put your mind at ease. We’ve found the most talented portrait photographers in Fresno for your next collaboration. Check them out!

1. Tom of Milne Photography

Tom Milne’s roots as a photographer began in the US Navy when he was working as a photojournalist. His life’s path eventually steered him into a career as a police officer and, upon retiring, Tom opted to pick up the camera again. This led him to opening Milne Photography studio and gallery. Tom’s 3400-sq.ft. studio is well-stocked with props, furniture, backdrops, and lighting suitable for any portrait vision you have in mind. His work ranges from studio to outdoor and on-location, as needed by the client. From classic monochrome to punchy natural colors, much of Tom’s images boast a classic fine art character.

2. Beth Gomez of Elisabeth Kate Studio

Elisabeth, AKA Beth, Gomez focuses on motherhood: maternities, families, and newborns. She captures breathtaking images of babies and children in all their beautiful innocence and curiosity, as their expressions range from bemused to sleepy but always authentic. Beth uses a pastel color palette that works especially well for the soft, fresh skin tones of children. As one of the top portrait photographers in Fresno, Beth’s work has been recognized and published by Instagram Kids, Pier 1, Beauty and Lifestyle Mommy Magazine, and many other national brands.

3. Mark Janzen Photography

A wedding photographer with a wife and children, Mark Janzen is keenly aware of how important it is to document the fleeting milestones of a family’s lifetime. In his own words, “Being present to document the big milestones and smaller meaningful moments of hundreds of families fills me with gratitude every day.” Mark tends to avoid classic posed portraiture in favor of a striking photojournalistic style that showcases candid moments in their raw authenticity. Subjects are rarely looking at the camera but are going about enjoying the scene, the environment, and loved ones. Great documentary portraiture is challenging to pull off, but Mark does so skillfully.

4. Amanda Bailey

Family and elopement photographer Amanda Bailey travels locally in California, as well as nationally and internationally. As a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), she has access to some of the best networking, training, and certification opportunities in the nation. Looking through her work, we’re in love with the modern wedding photography approach she employs! Ranging from vivid colors to a slightly desaturated tone, her work feels fresh and spacious, especially combined with the meadows, forests, and other outdoor locations she prefers to shoot in. It’s no surprise Amanda is among the top Fresno portrait photographers.

5. Royce Davis of Portraits By Royce

A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, Royce Davis brings both formal education and a love of laid-back artistry to each of his collaborations. Royce employs a candid, more natural approach to portraiture. He encourages clients to simply be themselves and interact with their environment while he works seamlessly in the background capturing them at their best. As one of the best portrait photographers in Fresno, he captures images of maternities, newborns, boudoir, high school seniors, and much more. And looking through his work, we can really see the playful character of his method.

6. Brandon Baker Photography

Central Valley native Brandon Baker has a nuanced approach to photography. While anyone can take a snapshot, it takes an uncommon eye to create images with lasting impact. As he explains it, “I believe great photographs aren’t taken, they’re created. That being said, I don’t just want to create images for you… Let’s take those images and create some amazing wall art for your home or office.” Brandon’s work absolutely has impact, with an intimacy that’s hard to match coming from his close crops and ability to find poses, clothing, angles, and environments that really show his clients to best effect. His consistently intimate, inspiring results are why we’ve chosen him as one of the best portrait photographers in Fresno.

7. Mizue Photography

Photographer Mizue uses her Japanese middle name as a way to describe her business and approach to photography. As she says, “Loosely translated, 瑞 (mizu) means freshness, youth, or liveliness, and 恵 (e) refers to blessing or blessed. This works perfectly because each of my clients is a breath of fresh air that continually provides a youthful liveliness leaving me feeling blessed to be part of their lives. So, Mizue Photography it is.” 

Looking through her family and lifestyle photography, as well as her high school senior portraits, we see her talent for capturing intimacy and connection. Mizue often uses closely framed images, showcasing her ability to not only put her subjects at ease but demonstrating her desire to have the viewer feel what she feels when she lends her refreshing point of view.

8. Hector Cavazos Photography

Specialist headshot photographer Hector Cavazos produces business portraits throughout Fresno from his downtown studio. Hector uses a variety of backgrounds, from plain colors to on-location settings for your business. His use of portrait lenses to create softly blurred, out-of-focus areas results in a classic portraiture look that’s ideal both in print and digital form. As a master photographer, Hector also coordinates with his subjects, helping them to choose angles, clothing, hairstyles, and makeup that work with his art and the location in question.

9. Noel Villaverde Photography

Nearly 10 years ago, Noel Villaverde discovered a passion for photography after a house fire threatened not only his physical belongings but also his peace of mind. Noel’s style comprises a mixture of classic portraiture and photojournalistic storytelling, depending on the shoot and client. What really catches our attention is the moody nature of his work, with strong vignetting, deep shadows, and a vintage color profile.

Yet, in the process of showcasing his own take on the world, Noel simultaneously shows us the unique character of his subjects through environmental portraits and candid moments. We see not only smiles but clothes, backgrounds, and poses that hint at the complex individuals that are his clients.

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