Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision, but we have checked out all of the photographers on the following pages and feel very confident in recommending them for your wedding. Keep in mind, they all have their own personalities and strengths. Your photographer is one vendor you will be spending multiple hours with, so make sure you like them and feel very comfortable around them. San Diego Style Weddings wants to give you a little closer look of who is behind those big lenses, with questions and answers that may give you a closer look into the variety of personalities to chose from. You can tell a lot with how people respond when all are given the same questions. Take a look…
Blessed Wedding Inc.
Q: What is your favorite tip for couples looking for a wedding photographer?
A: Posing, which is a big deal with our company, making sure you have the correct angle for the correct body type can make or break a person’s image. This is usually something experienced photographers can help you with. Allow the experience to help you get the best outcome.
Q: What makes Blessed Wedding Photography stand out?
A: We genuinely care about each and every one of our clients. We understand that this day is important and we honestly feel honored to be able to take part in such a close family event. We believe not every couple’s story or personality is the same and for this reason we will deliver images that match your personality and style, after all our job is to capture your unplanned moment and bring to life an untold love story.
3 words that describe you: Passionate, Giving and Caring
Rachael Marie Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings, what would it be and why?
A: I absolutely love Boudoir Photography. When I am not shooting a wedding, I am shooting a boudoir session. Boudoir is definitely something I am passionate about. As a mom of 4, I know how hard women are on themselves. When a woman books a boudoir session with me, I love seeing her own her sexiness and I feel privileged to be able to capture that for her.
Q: What is your favorite piece of advice for couples?
A: I ask all my clients to provide me a MUST HAVE list. This is just a list of guests that they MUST HAVE a picture with at their wedding. This ensures that I am able to capture every single person on their list!
Q: Why should someone book you for their special day?
A: There are so many excellent wedding photographers out there, but one of the things that sets me apart is my use of natural lighting. I also take all your photos in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Q: Do you offer sneak peeks or social media releases?
A: Oh my gosh, sneak peaks are a MUST! The first thing I do after every single wedding is transfer all your wedding files to my computer, backup hard drive, and the backup drive’s backup drive! The next day I go through all of your images and edit the one that speaks to me the most. Then BOOM! It’s POSTED!
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: Not yet! I am hoping this is something I can offer in the near future. However, I know some great videographers that I refer clients to!
3 words that describe you: Personable, Fun and Professional
Cyndi Hardy Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings, what would it be and why?
A: Underwater photography – The underwater world is an exciting and beautiful world. There are always new things to see and find. The ocean is very relaxing for me and being underwater is like meditating.
Q: What are your favorite tips for your couple?
A: Plan your photo times around sunset or better lighting if possible.
Another tip: If you want to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests, then consider doing a first look so the photos can be done ahead of time.
Q: Why should a couple book with you?
A: Every wedding couple is different and we use a relaxed storytelling approach to capture the best moments throughout the day.
Q: Tell us if you offer any sneak peeks or anything within 72 hours of the wedding so we can keep reliving the moment?
A: I like to post a few unedited photos on my Facebook page within a few days after the wedding. It truly gets the couples excited and back in the moment.
3 words that describe you: Editorial, Artsy with an Edgy Flair
Bob Hoffman Photography and Videography
Q: What is your favorite tip for couples?
A: Our biggest tip is slightly self-serving, but we think it helps everyone involved have a smooth, stress-free day: make sure your timeline for your wedding day is realistic and leaves time for the types of images you’d like to get.
Q: Why hire Bob Hoffman Photography and Video?
A: One reason we stand out above the crowd is our extensive knowledge and experience of the San Diego wedding industry. We’ve impressed clients for over 20 years with our creativity and award-winning signature style, and we know our way around just about every venue in the area. Just check out our reviews, or our numerous published weddings in some of the most popular wedding magazines in San Diego! Our reputation is stellar, but we don’t rest on our laurels. We are extremely dedicated to providing the best possible experience to each and every couple who hires us, and we’re constantly pushing ourselves to new heights!
Q: Tell us if you offer any sneak peeks or anything within 72 hours of the wedding?
A: We always create a “preview” of about 15 great images from your special day to share on Facebook, Instagram, or even e-mail, so that your friends and family can get a glimpse into how beautiful your day was! Our couples love being able to tag guests and re-live the fun and the emotions while they’re waiting for the whole gallery to be completed.
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: Yes, we started in video so we love the story telling that we can create, our packages are highly customizable. We may not be the cheapest but we do think we are the best!
3 Words that describes us: Timeless, Artistic and Dedicated
Holly Ireland Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings, what would it be and why?
A: Dancers! Holly was a dancer for 15 years on Broadway. She started her photography business to photograph dancers and still does as it will always be one of her passions.
Q: What are your favorite tips for couples?
A: We always think that the couples should meet with their photographers when booking them. You really want to know the photographers and be comfortable with them. Photography is part technical and part personal. The technical part, a photographer should be excellent at lighting, posing and eye for composition. It is also equally important to help the couple feel relaxed, to show their true personality. Having photographers you can be yourself around will really show in your photos.
Q: With the many photography choices, why should they book with your company?
A: We feel we are an overall experience. From start to finish. We provide excellent customer service even helping with the timeline before the wedding. During the wedding we create a fun and exciting experience. The photos during the wedding should be enjoyable and flow with the excitement of the day. Then after the wedding, we provide a fast turn around and amazing images of the story of the wedding to last for generations to come.
Q: Do you think albums are still valid with the technology world?
A: YES! We highly recommend albums. The company we use is from Italy. The leathers are the highest end around, the pages the thickest you can find, and the prints are amazing. Your wedding album is something you will show your kids and their kids. It is your first family heirloom.
3 Words that describes us: Creative, Timeless and Innovative
Fixated Concepts
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings, what would it be and why?
A: Engagements! There are a handful of reasons why we love engagement sessions. We love it because it allows the couples to get comfortable in front of the camera and observe how we shoot! It’s also a great time for the couple to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed setting while we capture their natural chemistry.
Q: Why should we choose Fixated Concepts?
A: We truly love what we do as artists and we wholeheartedly serve our clients with the utmost attention. By listening to our clients needs, we are able to give them a personal experience with beautiful imagery.
Q: What are your thoughts on wedding albums?
A: Albums are still here and will stay. A wedding album is the most gorgeous and tangible way to preserve this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Nothing beats the emotions of touching the pages and taking your time to relive the moments versus clicking next on the computer screen.
Q: Do you offer any previews of seal peeks with in 72 hours?
A: Absolutely. We share a sneak peek within 48 hours.
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: Yes, graphic design. We offer custom design save-the-date and wedding invitations with their photos.
3 Words that describes us: Adventurous, Enthusiastic and Creative
Heather Anderson Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography besides weddings, what would it be?
A: Wedding photography is my absolute favorite photography. I also enjoy shooting senior sessions. Both types of photography lend well to a mix of editorial and lifestyle shooting and that is when I feel I can be the most creative.
Q: What tips do you like to share with your couples?
A: Doing engagement photos with your wedding photographer is key to getting to know your photographer and feeling comfortable in front of their lens. I love engagement sessions, it is usually the time when I really get to know my couples and I can teach them some tips and tricks for the big day. This is why I include a complimentary engagement session with every booking.
Another Tip: I also think having a bag with all of your important little details is great! Maybe your shoes, jewelry, heirloom pieces, invitations, etc. so that the photographer can grab all these items easily and nothing important get missed in the detail photos.
Q: Why should couples book with you?
A: The great thing about photography is that it is an art form so not every person is going to be drawn to the same photographer’s style. If your looking for a clean, timeless style and you want to have a good time while taking your photos then I am the photographer for you.
Q: Do you offer images for social media or any sneak peaks right away?
A: I offer a social media sneak peek within 24 hours of every engagement session and wedding day. Then they get another sneak peek via blog post within a couple weeks and their entire gallery is theirs to enjoy within 3-4 weeks of the wedding.
3 words that describe you, Creative, Relaxed and Enthusiastic
Eisenhower Photography
Q: What tips do you give that can make anyone’s wedding photography better?
A: You know how they say that forcing yourself to smile can actually put you in a good mood? Well, I know this is corny, but I think that something anyone can do leading up to their wedding is to get used to smiling more often. Just get in the habit keeping something fun in the back of your mind, like an inside joke. By the time your wedding comes around, your “resting face” becomes more naturally pleasant. And as a bonus, when you smile more, even on normal, non-wedding days, you’ll find that you’ll get a positive reaction from people in your life.
Q: Why choose Eisenhower Photography?
A: Wedding photography is so personal. Your wedding photographer spends the entirety of the most important day of your life by your side. You want this person to be someone you truly trust and are comfortable with. I would want anyone who chooses me as their wedding photographer to do so because they love the photos I take, they appreciate my perspective on wedding photography, and because we truly get along as people.
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples since technology has become so popular?
A: Two years ago I would have said ‘no’. But now my answer is ‘absolutely’! I think people are starting to see how easy it is to lose track of digital photos. But the ones that are framed, or in books, these are keepsakes.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: I do encourage engagement photos! I really love that we can take extra time to capture artful images that are uniquely you, and you can take a little time to relax in front of the camera. There’s no better way for all of us to get to know each other before the wedding day.
3 Words that describe you… Joyful, Artful and Real
Barnett Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of
weddings, what would it be and why?
A: Children and families are the other half of our business. I have a knack for connecting with the really young and the really old.
Q: What tips, do you like to share to make their wedding photography better?
A: Don’t get caught up in the latest visual “fad” or pose. I think we’ve seen enough couples posing behind an empty picture frame. Prior to the wedding day, have a detailed and frank discussion with your photographer. Be sure your photographer knows the “A list” of friends and family. And lastly, hire a photographer that is fast, spontaneous and can catch moments without reposing or manipulating the shot. You’ll love the authentic and genuine feel of the photos.
Q: Why book with Barnett Photography?
A: We always, 100% of the time, exceed our client’s expectations both on the wedding day as well as the post production. We do what we promise, and we treat all our clients like the most important people in the world!
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples since technology has
become so popular?
A: 95% of our client’s order at least one album. They want tangible proof that this was one of the best days in their lives.
Q: Do you offer sneak peeks or anything with in 72 hours?
A: Always
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: We insist on it. We want our client to gain confidence not only in our photographic ability, but we want them to go into their wedding day feeling they are truly beautiful and photogenic.
3 Words that describe you… Inspired, Dedicated and Grateful
Cricket Estrada
Q: What tips are your favorites to share regarding photography?
A: On your wedding day, just have fun. Let everything go. I’ve been involved with weddings for twenty years now. I’ve never seen a perfect one. On your wedding day, what’s done is done, what is not done, is not done. You can either let it consume your day, or just say screw it, and go have fun. Live in the moment.
Q: Why book Cricket Estrada Photography?
A: I am different from every other photographer because I don’t do what I do because of the numbers. As a result, I do more for my couples because I want to, not to drive up dollar signs or numbers.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: Yes, always. As a matter of fact, they are complimentary. This is so a couple can try me out, see if they like me. Their only obligation is their time. If I am not a fit for them, they move on. Think of it as the same way a bride shops for a dress. She tries them on until she finds “the one”. Plus, if a couple likes me and books me, we have already worked with each other come their wedding day. So we are not trying to figure each other out, when we shouldn’t be.
3 Words that describe you…Laid back, Sincere and Passionate
Leah Marie Photography
Q: What are your favorite tips for couples?
A: Take time for an engagement shoot. It is so worth the practicing of the “I do” before the wedding, it’s a game changer.
Q: Why book with Leah Marie Photography?
A: We know not every bride is the right fit for us or we aren’t the right fit for them. We want them to love our styles and personalities and if they do, then we would love to be a part of your most important day!
Q: Do your couples generally want albums with their packages?
A: Yes, and we feel with technology people love to have a tangible memory of their day to share with family years ahead.
Q: Do you offer other wedding services?
A: Yes, we offer videography and photo booths!
3 words that describe you…Fun, Natural and Romantic
Jennifer Demo Photography & Films
Q: If I could shoot any other photography, what type would it be?
A: I love wedding photography, but I also love working with high school seniors! They are so excited about their future and up for anything!
Q: What tips, are your favorites to share with couples?
A: Get a large, room (with windows) to get ready in. Small dark hotel rooms are not ideal for capturing gorgeous getting ready shots. And plan as many of your formal wedding photos for daytime as possible.
Q: Why should a couple book, Jennifer Demo Photography?
A: I LOVE what I do! I am so passionate about my job and everything it entails. When a couple asks me to document their wedding it is an honor to me. I get to be there with them for more of the day than anyone else. I get to witness their most cherished moments. There is nothing better than that!
Q: Tell us if you offer any sneak peeks?
A: I love putting up sneak peeks. I grab a handful of my favorite images and post them for the couple to enjoy until I have their final images ready.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: Yes! Engagement photos are not only a blast but such good practice with your photographer! You get a chance to get those nerves out of the way so that the day of the wedding we are like old friends with our silly inside jokes.
3 words that describe you…Charming, Romantic and Fun
Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Duo
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings?
A: Editorial, we love working with a collaborative team!
Q: What are your favorite tips for couples?
A: Involve your photographer while making your wedding day timeline! Make is list for your family photos, and keep them to a minimum. And lastly, set time aside time for photos during sunset!
Q: Why book Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Duo?
A: Our quality of work, professionalism and artistic abilities. We are also a team offering photography and videography that works well together!
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples since technology has become so popular?
A: Yes, it’s important to still have something tangible! Although our clients almost always purchase our flash drive with digital images, we encourage them to print their photos!
Q: Do you offer sneak peeks or anything within 72 hours of the wedding?
A: Our clients receive a sneak peek within the first couple days on our blog, Instagram and Facebook!
3 words that describe you: Creative, Romantic and Passionate
Luna Photo
Q: What other kind of photography do you enjoy shooting?
A: My style incorporates may different aspects of photography…architecture, food, still life, photojournalism. I feel like weddings encompass them all.
Q: What tip is your favorite to share with couples?
A: To choose a photographer whose images you connect with. Have full trust in them and their work…most importantly have fun!
Q: Why choose Luna Photo?
A: I am professional and efficient with 15 years of experience which is key. I have developed a style that is fresh, creative and consistent. My clients have described me as easy going and fun and in the process and they love what I create.
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples?
A: Absolutely! It’s the finished product and great way to preserve your photos.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: I always recommend a session. It’s a great way for us to get to know each other better. It also is a great opportunity for the couple to experience how I shoot and what it feels like to be photographed before the wedding day.
3 words that describe me: Creative, Fun and Professional
Siegel Thurston Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography what kind would it be?
A: Lifestyle, outdoors and fashion, it takes you to amazing places, unique locations with great teams and challenging environments but the results are outstanding!
Q: Why choose Siegel Thurston Photography?
A: There may be 2500 wedding photographers in San Diego but there is only one Brett and Liz of Siegel Thurston Photography, if you have an amazing concept or a different wedding idea, we are up for anything and happy to give out advise and make it that much more special for you!
Q: Tell us about any sneak peeks you offers?
A: Our first sneak peak is within the first 12 days after your wedding. We want them to be amazing for you. So were not going to just share anything with you, they are going to be our favorites. And perfectly edited for you to share with your family and friends!
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photo shoot?
A: Engagement sessions are huge, more than anything it gives us time to spend together with our couples and determine anything they are uncomfortable with behind the camera and what we should watch for on wedding day to get the most amazing images possible. Engagement shoots also allow a great time for us to create a social environment before the shoot to hang out and get to know each other even better. We pride ourselves on the personal relations we have with our couples.
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: Video takes a very different mindset than still photography. It is for this reason that we recommend some of the finest video storytellers and do not, nor have not shot video ourselves, It’s an amazing talent to get to work along side some of the best and we only offer that to our brides.
3 words that describe us: Fun. Passionate. Real
Jess Kunert Photography
Q: If you could shoot any other kind of photography outside of weddings, what would it be and why?
A: Family! I love working with families, especially with smaller children. I love to take candid shots of families interacting with their little ones, it’s always much more real and fun than posing them!
Q: What are your favorite tips for couples?
A: Location – make sure your location has a nice little spot or two to take pictures. Also, make up – investing in someone to do your makeup professionally on your big day will show up in pictures and will be WELL worth it!
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples?
A: There is an album I offer with my packages that is a selling point to a lot of my new brides. So I feel tangible products are still very desired even with the the growth in technology.
3 words that describe you: Integrity, Audacious and Fun
Krystal Productions
Q: Favorite tips for your couples regarding wedding photography or video?
A: First and foremost – RELAX, enjoy the moment, it’s your day!
Q: Why book with Krystal Productions?
A: We invest in our clients and go the extra mile to provide them with quality results so that they can reflect, relive, enjoy, and share their most memorable moments.
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples?
A: Most of the couples we work with no longer want albums. Most prefer the images and videos be placed on a portable hard drive which we provide. It gives them more flexibility and it is more cost effective for the couple. However, if a client does want an album, we can include that in one of our custom wedding packages.
Q: Tell us if you offer any sneak peeks or anything right after the wedding?
A: Absolutely! We provide an edited, teaser video which includes highlights of the day in video clips and still images that we post on Vimeo within 48 to 72 hours. It’s password protected and the couple can share it with others.
Q: What are your thoughts on engagement photo shoots?
A: Yes, we encourage couples to do engagement photos or a couple photo session. It can include both posed and spontaneous shots. Becoming engaged is a momentous event that deserves to be preserved for later reflection and enjoyment. The engagement party or photo session provides an opportunity for us to become better acquainted with the couple, their family and friends so that we can better customize our shooting at the wedding celebration. It also and gives them the chance to experience our work first hand before the wedding.
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: Yes, most of our packages include both videography and photography. In our experience, these packages provide the best of both worlds. If our client prefers, we do have packages that are only videography or only photography.
their memorable life moments through quality pictures and videos.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to do engagement photos?
A: Yes, I do include and encourage engagement photos in one of my packages. I think they are great for save the dates and even use them as Thank you’s placements at your table the day of your wedding.
3 words that describe us: Passionate, Integrity and Artistic
Spotlight Studios
Q: What other kind of photography outside of weddings do you like to shoot?
A: Fashion and Editorials style images, because it is an art form and so creative. We have found a way to incorporate it into our wedding work, which has been really exciting.
Q: What are your favorite tips or advice to give couples for better photography?
A: Hire a wedding Coordinator for at least “day of”. Also, brides should have a good lip stain for her makeup. So helpful with all the kissing photos.
Q: Why should couples book with Spotlight Studios?
A: We are a boutique studio offering a fashion and editorial look. We have a number of artists, and you choose the one that fits your style. We also offer the most amazing archival wedding albums with all our packages.
Q: Are albums still desired by your couples since technology has become so popular?
A: We instill the importance of the wedding album. All our packages include an album. We feel it is a pinnacle part of the wedding photography experience.
Q: Do you include or encourage couples to have an engagement photo session?
A: Defiantly we do. We feel it is so important to get comfortable wit something as intimate as photographing someone. The engagement session is a time for getting comfortable and really its just practice for the wedding. So so important.
Q: Do you offer video or any additional service with your packages?
A: We offer Video and Coordination services
3 words that describe you: Driven, Contemporary and Established
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