The Photographer
Hi, I’m Josh Edelson. I’m a freelance photojournalist and commercial photographer based in San Francisco, available nationwide for corporate assignments, headshots, events and editorial work.
I’ve spent over 15 years shooting for AFP and Getty Images, with work published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME and outlets around the world. My photojournalism has been recognized with First Prize at the Istanbul Photo Awards, the Xposure IFPA Award in Sharjah, and the AFP Varenne/Canon Grand Prize, and my wildfire coverage has been exhibited at Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France.
That work has taken me to incredible places, and it plays a heavy role in my ability to make even mundane corporate and event scenes interesting. I’ve photographed dozens of heads of state and Fortune 500 CEOs, including the leaders of Google, Apple and Amazon. Over the years I’ve developed a refined style, using professional lighting to make portrait subjects jump off the screen. For pricing, shoot me an email or give me a call right now.
CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY
On the corporate side, I shoot professional headshots for teams and executives, from individual portraits to full-company headshot days, along with business lifestyle portraits, PR and ad campaigns, and corporate events, keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking receptions, for Fortune 500 companies throughout the Bay Area and beyond. I’m an on-location photographer, which means I bring all the lighting and backgrounds to you.
This isn’t corporate work to me, it’s the same standard I bring to news assignments. I’ve photographed dozens of heads of state and Fortune 500 CEOs, including the leaders of Google, Apple and Amazon. That same level of trust extends to my client list: Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, T-Mobile, Salesforce, Verizon and hundreds of others. My work has also run in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and TIME, backed by newsrooms and brands that don’t hand out trust lightly. Usual delivery is 3 to 5 business days, with faster turnaround available on request.
PHOTOJOURNALISM
I’ve spent over 15 years on the front lines of major news stories with international reach: California wildfires, drought, protests and presidential elections among them. My images have run in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME and publications around the world.
My wildfire coverage has won First Prize at the Istanbul Photo Awards, the Xposure IFPA Award in Sharjah, and the AFP Varenne/Canon Grand Prize, and was exhibited at Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France, one of the most respected photojournalism festivals in the world. See the full list of awards here.
That wire-service discipline, the ability to read a scene fast, find the real moment and deliver on deadline, is exactly what I bring to every corporate shoot. I’m contracted by:
and others.
Some of My Clients:
Articles About My Work:
- DAILYMAIL:
Josh Edelson on the FrontLine - KCRW:
“From headshots to blazing infernos Photographer Josh Edelson gets up close to CA wildfires” - Los Angeles Times:
“Praise pours in for firefighters pictured saving American flag in Oroville wildfire” - GIZMODO:
“‘I Call It Fire Brain’: What It’s Like to Photograph the West’s Biggest Wildfires” - TIME MAGAZINE:
“Behind This Surreal Image of Firefighters Saving an American Flag From a Wildfire” - CNN:
“Surrounded by flames, California firefighters rescue US flag from wildfire” - CNN:
“In a smoldering California winery, a boiling river of red wine emerges” - PETA PIXEL:
Friends Through the Flames - AFP BACKSTORY:
Los Angeles Wildfires - CRANKY CAMERA:
“Portfolio Review: Josh Edelson, Wildfire Photographer”
- 2026: Xposure IFPA Award Winner
- 2025: Varenne/Canon Grand Prize
- FOTOCULT: Fotoreporter tra le fiamme della California
- AFP: Heart of Fire: (Winning Enttry for Climate Change Now Award)
- AFP: After The Inferno (Dixie Fire before & afters)
- AFP: Paradise Gone (Covering the Camp fire that destroyed Paradise)
- AFP: Standard Bearers (On covering the Wall Fire)
- MUSEE MAGAZINE: “Portfolio Review of Josh Edelson and Noah Berger”
- WALL STREET JOURNAL: “The Photographers Who Walk Into California Wildfires”
- AFP: Twister chasing in Tornado Alley
- DAILY MAIL: Chasing Volcanoes in Guatemala
- FOX WEATHER: Drought Before and After
- VISA POUR L’IMAGE: Exhibition Video
- Visa Pour L’iMage Exhibition 2025
- Made in Perpignan:
- France 24 Video Interview
Awards:
On a personal note, I ride a motorcycle, have 3 ridiculously funny cats, and proposed to my wife while skydiving in Spain!I I'd be happy to tell you all about it during our next shoot!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
You’ll receive your edited photos within 3-5 business days after the session.
A typical session will range from $2500-$4500, but varies from job to job.
We have teams all over the United States, but our main hub is in the San Francisco Bay area.
Yes, a small travel fee may apply for locations outside the city.
Shoot me an email and I’ll give you a call right away to get you scheduled!