Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Portrait Photographer in Columbus, Ohio
Simon Yao Studio has been dedicated to capturing life's most meaningful moments since 1999, specializing in portrait photography that blends authenticity with timeless elegance. Our expertise spans family portraits, high school seniors, professional headshots, and weddings, serving clients in central Ohio and globally. With a foundation built on 25 years of experience, we combine technical precision with artistic vision to create images that reflect each client's unique story. Our European-inspired garden studio, meticulously crafted over seven years, provides a serene backdrop that enhances every session.Clients benefit from personalized guidance throughout the process, ensuring natural, emotive results whether photographing intimate family gatherings or corporate branding projects. We maintain a commitment to excellence through continuous refinement of our craft, evidenced by our featured contributions to leading wedding platforms and lifestyle publications. Every session prioritizes client comfort and satisfaction, leveraging a warm, professional approach that has earned us recognition as one of Columbus' premier photography studios.
Services
Family Portraits
Senior Photography
Professional Headshots
Wedding Photography
Commercial Branding
Lifestyle Sessions
Garden Studio Rentals
On-Location Shoots
Print Services
Digital Archives
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25 years of specialized portrait photography experience since 1999
- Customized sessions tailored to individual client needs and comfort levels
- European-inspired garden studio developed over seven years for unique backdrops
- Expert guidance from initial consultation through final image selection
- Recognized contributions to leading wedding and lifestyle publications
What people say
Exceptional images
Warm personalized approach
Stunning garden setting
25 years expertise
Timeless elegant results
Services
Family Portraits
Documenting multi-generational connections through carefully composed portraits that capture authentic relationships. Sessions accommodate groups of all sizes with expert direction to create natural, emotive imagery. Available in studio, garden, or chosen locations with personalized guidance throughout the process.
Senior Portraits
Creating milestone high school senior portraits combining modern aesthetics with classic elements. Sessions include studio and garden settings with color and black-and-white options across multiple outfit changes for comprehensive personal representation.
Professional Headshots
Developing polished professional portraits that convey individual brand identity through modern compositions. Studio sessions deliver technically precise images with options for on-location executive team photography at client premises.
Wedding Photography
Comprehensive wedding documentation capturing ceremony, reception, and preparatory moments with artistic storytelling approach. Limited to select dates annually to ensure dedicated attention to each celebration's unique narrative.
Commercial Branding
Creating cohesive visual identities through strategic photography that reflects brand values. Services include executive portraits, product presentation, and environmental shots that maintain artistic integrity while meeting marketing objectives.
People
Simon Yao
Founder & Lead Photographer
Taiwan-born photographer Simon Yao established the studio in 1999 after graduating from The Ohio State University. With 25 years of experience, he combines Eastern aesthetics with Western techniques to create timeless portraits, personally overseeing each session's artistic direction.
Questions
What photography services do you specialize in?
We specialize in family portraits, high school seniors, professional headshots, weddings, and commercial branding sessions using natural and studio lighting techniques.
Do you photograph outside central Ohio?
Yes, while based in Columbus, we travel for sessions locally, nationally, and internationally according to client needs.
What's included in session fees?
Session fees cover photographer's time, pre-session consultation, editing, preview, and order preparation. Images purchased separately.
Can we use the garden studio?
Our European garden studio is available seasonally for sessions, offering unique backdrops developed over seven years of meticulous landscaping.
How should we prepare for a session?
We provide detailed preparation guides and personal consultations to ensure wardrobe, timing, and location choices optimize your session's success.
Are professional retouching services available?
Yes, our professional editing services enhance every image with attention to detail while maintaining natural, authentic appearances.
