Best of Philly

Best Photographer

2024 Best Impromptu Family Photo

South Street Sam

Spend any time on South Street, and you’ll likely hear someone ask, “Can I take a portrait of you?” That’s Sami Aziz, who spends his days and nights chronicling the blocks’ quirks and inhabitants with his camera and posting them on his South Street Sam Instagram account. They’re a love letter to the neighborhood, yes, but they’re also … really freaking good. Want something more formal? He’s available for hire too. Read More »

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2024 Best Large-Format Photography

Jared Polin

Large-format photography is having a bit of a moment in Philly right now — check out its role in West Philly author Emma Copley Eisenberg’s new novel, Housemates — and nowhere is that more evident than with Polin, who has been lugging his 80-year-old Graflex Speed Graphic camera to Citizens Bank Park all year. It’s a tedious process, but the results are incredible: sharp, detailed photos that hearken back to a slower era. In addition to his own art, Polin creates and sells guides for aspiring photogs. Read More »

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2022 Best Photographer to Make Your Family Look Normal

Lauren Harel Photography

You can tell Harel is a former elementary-school teacher by the way she seamlessly puts your kids at ease at the start of the photo shoot. It’s one of the things — along with her organization­ and sharp eye for capturing every smile and wry side-eye­ with a natural feel — that landed her on this list. The session is way more fun than you expect, and the well-edited­ collection of images you get back showcases your family in a way you haven’t seen before — and you’ll treasure forever. Read More »

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2022 Best Mission-Driven Photographers

Youthphoria

Being photographed can induce serious anxiety, and doubly for folks who are trans. Photographer Shannon Collins set out to change that by founding Youthphoria, which provides no-cost celebratory photo sessions for trans, nonbinary and gender-expansive youth in the Philly area. Every cost — the photography, the styling, the makeup — is covered by donations. ​​ Read More »

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2019 Best Family Photographer

Heather McBride

Can you say relaxed? However you define family, McBride will make you and your crew feel so chill you’ll forget the camera is even there. Keep reading here. Read More »

| 215-828-1923 | Website

2018 Best Pet Portraits

Andrew Pinkham

This Grays Ferry-based artist meticulously turns his custom pet photos into “paintings” that look centuries old and are pretty enough to hang in a gilded frame over the mantel. (He does people, too!) Read More »

| 215-901-0445 | Website

2017 Best Family Photographer

Carolyn Clement

Yes, Carolyn is sweet and patient and comes with a bag of tricks for the kids, but no one would get into family photography who wasn’t and didn’t. It’s really her work that makes her so sought-after—photos that capture casual, authentic moments in cool city settings (historic alleys, old park steps). Worth every penny. Read More »

| 347-215-1739 | Website