In Atlanta, the worlds of movies, music, and art are all connected. Known as the “Hollywood of the South,” the Atlanta metro area boasts the second largest number of film studios in the United States, featuring prominent sites like Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios. It is also home to a dynamic street art scene that transforms the city’s walls into murals of cultural expression. This blend of artistic energy and celebrity presence makes Atlanta an ideal location for each Celebrity photographer featured in this article.
At Wonderful Machine, we define Celebrity photography as imagery depicting anyone widely recognizable. It demonstrates exceptional portrait skills and experience working with individuals requiring special handling, extra planning, and limited sitting time. Here are the 7 best Celebrity photographers in Atlanta!
Since opening his Atlanta studio in 2001, Harold Daniels has made a name for himself as a photographer who knows how to capture people in a way that feels both authentic and powerful. He’s taken pictures of many famous people, such as President Jimmy Carter, musicians like John Legend and Janelle Monáe, and actors like Jane Fonda. His work has also been featured in publications such as The New York Times Magazine and Rolling Stone. Harold’s ability to make every picture tell a story makes him stand out as one of the best Celebrity photographers in Atlanta.
Jason Hales is a Celebrity photographer based in Atlanta. His work is known for blending style and personality, and ranges from editorial shoots to major brand campaigns, like his notable Coca-Cola NASCAR project. A standout moment in his career involved capturing over a thousand images of Dansby Swanson, the Atlanta Braves player, showcasing Jason’s ability to bring out varied expressions and scenes within a tight timeframe. His approach not only highlights his creative talent but also his commitment to making a positive impact through his photography. Jason stands out in Atlanta as a photographer who can truly capture the essence of his subjects, combining lifestyle and editorial elements seamlessly.
Andrew Hetherington, a Dublin-born photographer now based in Atlanta, has carved a unique niche in Celebrity photography with his distinct style and humor. Known for his whimsical approach, Andrew brings a personal vision to his work, evidenced in his quirky and engaging portraits. His accolades from PDN, Communication Arts, American Photography, and American Photo, coupled with his teaching roles in renowned workshops, underscore his impact and dedication. Andrew’s work captures the essence of his subjects with depth and personality, demonstrating why he is among Atlanta’s top Celebrity photographers.
James Acomb, an Atlanta-based photographer renowned for his Celebrity photography, merges his personal interests with his professional expertise. His background as a New Orleans native and his eclectic tastes, from sports fandom to a love for the outdoors, infuse his work with depth and authenticity. James’s ability to create a story through his images, whether in the studio or on location, highlights his technical skill and his knack for connecting with subjects, making his work a standout in the Celebrity photography domain.
Derek Blanks has carved out his place in the world of Atlanta Celebrity photography. His unique “Alter Ego” series gained notoriety through his photos of NeNe Leakes from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Derek’s work is also characterized by its creative duality and depth, showcasing two sides of his subjects in a single frame. His photography goes beyond mere visual appeal, but aims to reveal the complex layers of his subjects, including Viola Davis, Nicki Minaj, and Steve Harvey. His background in illustration enriches his approach to Celebrity portraits.
Jonathan Simmons (known professionally as “Gunner Stahl”) is an Atlanta-based photographer esteemed for his portraits of celebrity hip-hop artists. He started taking photos when he was 18 years old, focusing on motifs of everyday life. By 2019, he published his third photo book called “Portraits” which featured photos of big celebrity names like A$AP Rocky, Drake, and Billie Eilish. His work has appeared in publications including VICE, Paper, W, Milk, i-D, and others.
Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, the African-American duo known as AB+DM, have distinguished themselves in the Atlanta photography scene since 2018 with their innovative approach to Celebrity photography. Their work, rich with vibrant colors and dynamic movements, captures more than just the image of their subjects: it tells a story, melding elements of fashion into striking celebrity portraits. They have captured high-profile figures for prominent magazines such as Elle and TIME. The narrative quality in their photography not only enhances the allure of their celebrity subjects but also exemplifies their distinct visual signature.
These Atlanta-based Celebrity photographers excel in capturing the allure of the city’s most distinguished figures. Their work goes beyond mere portraits, encapsulating the aura and spirit of Atlanta’s vibrant celebrity scene through their lenses.
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