The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Barbara, CA

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665 Wedding Photographers in Santa Barbara, CA

Photojournalistic
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Melina Luxe Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Hi, I'm Melina, a wedding photographer with a passion for storytelling through both editorial elegance and genuine, candid moments. With a background in event planning, I bring a unique blend of creative vision and logistical insight to every wedding I photograph.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Melina was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. Beyond her incredible talent, she has a rare gift for reading the energy of a room. On a day that can feel like a whirlwind, she was my anchor; she instinctively knew exactly when I needed a quiet moment to reflect and helped me stay grounded and calm. The photos themselves are breathtaking. She didn't just capture us; she captured the spirit of our guests and the genuine joy of the entire day. She even waded into the river, getting her feet wet without a second thought, just to get the perfect shot. If you want a photographer who is as dedicated to your peace of mind as she is to her craft, look no further!
Francoise L., 4 months ago
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Leah Faith Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Offer

I just adore love! Let me capture all those raw & authentic moments that make your day so special - the anxious preparations, excited jitters, tearful first looks, anticipated i do's and epic dance moves.

Leah Faith Photography was an absolute joy to work with for our wedding day. From our very first interaction, Leah and her team were incredibly friendly, nice and patient, putting us at ease throughout the entire process. Their work is truly stunning - capturing all the candid, beautiful moments that made our day so special. They took their time to really focus on the little private moments between my husband and I, which resulted in photographs that we will cherish forever. We could not be happier with the value and quality of Leah Faith Photography's services, and highly recommend them to any couple looking for a talented and personable wedding photographer.
Emily C., 4 months ago
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Leah Sofia Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Thank you for being here! I feel so honored to be apart of your special day and love collaborating with any ideas or visions you have! You can describe my style as timeless, romantic and love adding in documentary style moments too! I am continually Inspired by the beauty of the my hometown Santa Barbara and the California coast. I specialize in maternity, family photography, engagement, elopement, & intimate weddings in Santa Barbara County - I also take bookings for Kauai if you are looking to elope on the beautiful beaches (please inquire for date availability, no travel fees)

Awarded Best of Zola
Leah helped make our wedding the best day of our life. From the beginning, Leah was easy to work with, she listened closely to what we envisioned for our wedding and was able to provide us with creative ideas when we needed some help or felt overwhelmed. Leah's photography skills were superb and she provided us with so many beautiful pictures of us, our friends, venues, and so much more. Her turnaround time on getting us the photos was so quick too! Not only did she provide great photos, but she assisted as our "day-of-coordinator." Leah eased our fears so many times leading up to the wedding, she was easy to get a hold of or would reach out to us to make sure our wedding was coming together, and helped us communicate with some our other vendors when we needed an extra hand. Leah was the MVP of our wedding! You NEED her to be your photographer and she is worth every penny to be your day-of-coordinator too. We will be using Leah again for family photos!
Taryn M., 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Amelie Black Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200

Thank you for being here! My name is Amelie and I am extremely passionate about capturing intimate love stories. I love collaborating with my couples to create unique, meaningful galleries that reflect the most important moments of their days. I would describe my style as candid, emotional, dreamy, fun, and documentary-style.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had the absolute best experience with our wedding photographer! From the moment she and her second shooter Lauren arrived, they brought such warmth and ease to the day. My husband and I are both notoriously awkward in front of the camera, but they made us feel so comfortable and natural—it honestly felt like hanging out with friends. The preview photos we’ve received so far are absolutely stunning, and I couldn’t be happier with her work. I’m beyond excited to see the full gallery. What impressed me even more was how gracefully they adapted to the day’s hiccups. Despite less-than-ideal direction, they rolled with the punches and got creative, making sure to capture everything beautifully and meaningfully. I truly can’t recommend her enough—professional, talented, calm under pressure, and just an overall joy to work with. Book her. You won’t regret it!
Karen Calderon M., 10 months ago
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ByCherry Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000

I'm based inn sunny Santa Barbara, California world famous for its moderate Mediterranean weather and Spanish architecture throughout the city. Being an all-year wedding destination location I have the fortune to be a part of so many couples' special days. I love capturing joy! I'm passionate about elopements and helping couples maneuver the logistics to make their day super special.

Awarded Best of Zola
I recommend ByCherryPhotography for the ease of stress when it comes to planning a wedding. I knew I didn’t have to worry about my photographer having to capture the “right” moments or intruding on special experiences. Just looking at her her photo gallery and reading other reviews, it told me she was THE one! I love my wedding photos! If I could get married again I would! Just to have more beautiful and amazing memories!
Mary Ann a., 6 years ago
Augusta Ottillia Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000

My passion for photography was built on nostalgia. From a young age, I loved opening of the old holiday popcorn tins full of generations of family photos that my mom kept in the hallway closet. It felt magical to pull out old memories and hear my mom recall the story behind a photo. Now, I love to capture these special memories for my clients to pass down to the next generation. My job is to encourage and direct you so you feel comfortable and confident while taking photos, capturing each unique story in a creative and authentic way. I do this by creating a space for us to truly get to know each other and be ourselves.

If you are reading this review in search of a wedding photographer, you can stop the search now, because Augusta is who you want! Augusta is so talented, so easy to connect with, and takes the time to truly understand what you and your partner are hoping to capture. On our actual wedding day, there were many times we were running behind schedule, and Augusta quickly adapted and still managed to capture more than we ever hoped for, or expected. More than that, I'm not sure how many weddings Augusta has worked, but she makes you feel like the most important and special person, is so attentive, has such a calming yet commanding presence (exactly what you need, but didn't know you needed until the day is actually unfolding), and makes you feel like you've been lifelong friends. She's extremely professional, great with communication, and if I had 15 weddings, I'd want her for all 15 of them.
Amanda & E., 2 years ago
Isle of Film Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,600

(i-love-film) I really do. There is something about the tactile quality, the vibrant color, the absence of color, the patience required, the craft. Something about how it pauses each moment for just one more second in the best way possible. It’s why I let film influence the way I shoot, how I approach each wedding day, and capture each moment despite how much easier it would be to only shoot digital. My hope is that all this effort and care and passion and sentimental value translates into something so much more than a photo on a screen. That you remember the way you felt, the laughs, the tears, and all the in-between moments.

Jack was so nice to work with! He was super friendly and gave really helpful directions. The photos turned out great and I especially loved the film photos he took. I would definitely book a shoot with him again for something.
Monty, 6 months ago
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Brittany Taylor Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Hi, I’m Brittany and I’m so glad you’ve stopped by! Through Brittany Taylor Photography I pride myself in capturing all of life’s milestone moments and preserving them through beautiful imagery. It is my goal to bring raw emotion to life and tell a unique story (your story) through each photograph. Having been in the industry for well over a decade I have the experience and expertise to provide my clients with both the professionalism and personal detail in which I believe every client deserves.

Awarded Best of Zola
Brittany was such a wonderful presence and a true professional. At one moment, when I was feeling particularly rushed, she was able to take me aside for a photo session and remind me that we had plenty of time for that moment. She was right, and by saying that, it reminded me to relax and enjoy that moment. My oldest teen son appreciated her guidance on how to look natural in photos. It was a beautiful and happy day, and Brittany was able to capture all of the best moments. Thanks to her, we'll be able to look back at our day through her len and relive the joy forever!
Robin H., 9 months ago
GemHidden gem
Shot by Mario 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Hi, I’m Mario, an award-winning photographer, and graphic designer. I am a Santa Barbara County-based and specialize in lifestyle, weddings, quinceañeras, family, and senior portraits. Servicing Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo.

My experience with Aztec Photography was exceptional. I felt confident and comfortable in my own skin from the beginning which was very important to me. He was easy to communicate with (over the phone and in person), as well as very flexible. Our work together felt like a true collaboration between my expectations and his extraordinary abilities. Overall, his dedication stands out and combined with his talent he would be an excellent choice to meet your photography needs.
Dayanna C., a year ago
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Eivan's Photo & Video 
Rating: 4.9 (325 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,149
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

We offer a personalized experience backed up by more than 33+ years in business delivering high quality, creative photography and video on time and within your wedding budget. We are experts in photojournalism, offering couples an unmatched level of value for their wedding photography and video services.

Awarded Best of Zola
Using Eivan's Photo & Video was a great experience! Our photographer & videographer were very professional & easily adapted to the inclement weather we had. The quality of the photos turned out great and they allowed us to make edits to the video that they created for us. We would definitely hire this company again!
Alexus C., 10 months ago
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George Street Photo and Video 
Rating: 4.9 (269 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,295
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA
  • Offer

George Street Photo and Video has one story to tell: Yours. With over twenty years of experience, our award-winning team has been lucky to capture thousands of weddings for our couples across the United States. Specializing in both wedding photography and videography, we offer affordable and customizable packages starting at $1295 that are designed to suit your unique vision and budget. We even offer a fun style test to help us match you with a photographer that aligns with the vibe of your day.

Awarded Best of Zola
My husband and I couldn’t be happier with the incredible service we received from George Street Photo & Video. From the very first phone call, their team made us feel supported and confident. As a first-time client booking photography and videography, I had a lot of questions—and the representative was not only patient and professional but genuinely enthusiastic about helping us understand every detail. We chose the 8-hour package with both a photographer and videographer, and it was worth every moment. As our wedding day approached, George Street stayed in touch, offering thoughtful reminders and tips to help us make the most of our photo and video sessions. Their planning website was a game-changer—it allowed us to map out the timeline, locations, and key people for each shot, ensuring everything ran smoothly. One of the best parts was getting to choose our photographer, Paola. She was an absolute gem—warm, attentive, and effortlessly engaging with our guests. Her ability to speak Spanish was a huge plus, allowing her to connect with our family in a way that made everyone feel included and comfortable. Even now, our loved ones still talk about how wonderful she was. While we didn’t get to choose our videographer, Ryan turned out to be a quiet genius. Though more reserved, he had an incredible eye for capturing the most meaningful moments. His work speaks volumes, and we’re so grateful for the beautiful footage he created. The package also included a stunning 50-page printed photo book and full access to download all our photos and video. Both Paola and Ryan arrived on time and reached out beforehand to confirm our preferences, which gave us peace of mind and made us feel truly cared for. Sharing our wedding memories with family and friends has been such a joy, and we owe that to the talent and dedication of the George Street team. They didn’t just document our day—they helped us relive it, beautifully.
Liz, 7 months ago
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Original Weddings Photo & Video 
Rating: 4.9 (217 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Original Weddings Photo & Video is a team of EMMY award winning storytellers. Our photography and videography packages are tailored to you, customizable and perfect for every wedding. We offer engagement photography, wedding photos, highlight films, wedding coverage and more.

Awarded Best of Zola
The Sound Originals team were fantastic people to work with, not only due to their professionalism, but also because they were great people to have around. They were extremely comfortable and friendly while working with us and taking photos. Even when it came down to the dogs, 2 of which were panicking because they are rescues and being around so many people stressed them out, this didn't even phase the Sound Originals team which impressed me the most. Their professionalism with their gear was truly amazing to see (we have some professional photographers in our family who were commenting on this too), you could tell they knew how to handle their equipment. One thing that I loved was that they took the time to create cute photogenic moments to capture with the camera that would normally be over so fast, you would probably miss it. Every photo, from the goofy spur of the moment reactions - to the posed adorable moments, came out beautifully. Thank you Sound Originals for working with us! We couldn't have asked for better photographers.
Heaven B., a year ago
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Portraits By Sean 
Rating: 5.0 (47 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA



I present fun, elegant, and exciting Wedding Photography for my clients. My style is photojournalistic; I feel it's the most effective way to tell a story. After all, there is so much happening on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, dancing, and endless extravaganzas, the most memorable moments will naturally occur.  My goal is to capture the emotions and memories of your day through my lens. These recollections are your forever keepsakes, a chapter of your life's story. Every image accounts for those who were by your side, delighted for you, and the next step in your journey. I appreciate you for giving me a few moments of your time.t

Awarded Best of Zola
Sean gave us an incredible experience with stunning results. He was punctual, professional, and gave very clear instructions for his shoots. He also was very excited to be a part of the process and involved in our special day. When it came time for the ceremony and reception, he was sure to stay out of the spotlight and took incredible pictures without us having to remember that he was there. 10/10 experience and 10/10 quality on the final photo results. We would highly recommend him for any event you may have coming up!
Cara and K., 5 months ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,399
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

The company has done over 400 weddings for the last 5 years, so we use these experiences to provide quality services. We also provide discount for Military/Veterans and teachers. We have serviced 41 states so far. We offer both photo and video services. Quicker turnaround time compare to most companies. Our shooting style of is photojournalistic, natural & CINEMATIC. Our editing style is very easygoing & flexible. Our biggest markets are the following: FL, New England area, PA, IL, DMV area, Tri-State area, Southern CA, MI, OH, CO.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ledd Lens LLC provided exceptional photography and videography services for our wedding. From start to finish, their communication was clear, prompt, and stress-free. On the big day, the photographers and videographers blended seamlessly to capture all of the special moments without ever feeling intrusive. The end result is a gorgeous collection of photos and a wedding video that far exceeded our expectations in capturing the joy and love of our special day. We couldn't recommend Ledd Lens more highly for any couple looking to preserve beautiful memories of their wedding through top-notch photography and videography.
Lisset M., 2 years ago
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Justin McCallum Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,200
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Hi! I’m Justin (he/him) and I’m here to affirm your love, make you feel like a fucking rockstar, and dance like a total fool. Oh, and take so many gorgeous photos of y’all. Obvs. My style blends both documentary photojournalism and fine art photography: coaching folks who are shy in front of the camera, then stepping back to capture authentic moments uninterrupted. I’ve been lucky enough to have my work published by A Practical Wedding, The New York Times, GLAMOUR, People Magazine and many other fabulous outlets. I'm a stereotypical Capricorn that loves drag shows, campy horror films, every dog I meet, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Awarded Best of Zola
Don’t think you’re photogenic? Worried that folks in your family, wedding party, etc. aren’t photogenic? Justin will MAKE them photogenic. The man is a wizard with the camera, able to capture moments and poses you never imagined possible. The photographer for our wedding was the one thing we knew we would need to splurge on to make sure we felt comfortable and happy on our wedding day. Justin spent so much time working with us on exactly what we wanted while at the same time, truly getting to know us and my god, does it show. Justin was able to capture the true essence of ourselves in our wedding photos, to the point where we started tearing up just looking at them. We cannot recommend this BEAUTIFUL human enough. They are truly the greatest
Amanda H., a year ago
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Ali Cushing Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

My name is Ali Cushing; a NY-based photographer working in a blended documentary and editorial approach, emphasized with a cinematic method, and a personalized, true to life editing style. I am honored to be entrusted with depicting genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizing precious memories. I see beauty in the subtle details as much as the wide, epic scene, while I see glory in the mundane in-between moments as much as the heart thudding highs. I am adamant that everyone, of all genders and orientations, any ethnicity, culture, or faith, all shapes, ages, and abilities, are welcome and I’d be delighted to work with you.

Awarded Best of Zola
My husband and I cannot recommend Ali enough to anyone looking for a photographer!! We first got in contact with Ali last year for our planned wedding, but due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to have our big day, BUT we were lucky enough to transfer her services over to my sister and brother and law! After meeting Ali in person on their wedding day and seeing the magic she can do, it was an absolute no brainer that she would be there for our big day and any and every other event we need photography for! She truly became family and we cannot thank her enough for everything she’s done! She goes above and beyond in her work and truly makes the day so much easier and more fun than ever!
Gabrielle M., 9 months ago
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True Light Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA
  • Offer

My role isn't just about capturing stunning images; it's about being your anchor, guiding you through the whirlwind of emotions and joy that comes with your special day. I specialize in capturing both the poised elegance and authentic moments, all while harnessing the natural light that defines my business name. Whether your wedding is a lavish affair or an intimate elopement, I'm equipped to handle it all. From climbing mountains for the perfect shot to capturing the charm of a luxurious venue, I'm dedicated to turning your vision into reality.

Awarded Best of Zola
Calea was super kind and helpful during the planning process, and she worked so hard day of!! She captured so many special moments, made sure to get couples and family photos of the guests, and snapped some fantastic dance shots! All of our family and guests LOVED her, she was such a fun part of our day!!
Hope G., 10 months ago
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Garrett Museau Photography & Cinematography 
Rating: 4.9 (28 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $800
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

At Garrett Museau Photography & Cinematography, we believe your love story deserves to be captured with intention, artistry, and an experience that feels effortless and unforgettable. Based in New Jersey and traveling worldwide, our team creates timeless imagery that reflects the heart of your relationship. We collaborate closely with every couple, learning your style and vision to craft emotive, elevated photographs and films. With concierge-level guidance and a warm, personal approach, we transform your moments into art. Every frame is crafted, ensuring your story is preserved with beauty, authenticity, defining a Garrett Museau Experience.

Awarded Best of Zola
I cannot put into words how much we would recommend Garrett Museau. My husband and I are not photo people but Garrett and his assistant made the whole process so much fun and so comfortable! They captured the whole day so beautifully and we are without a doubt ecstatic about our choice of photographer. 10/10 would book again for our anniversary party ;)
Verenice B., a year ago
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RIVELLE MEDIA 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

Rivelle Media is a photography and videography company based in Los Angeles. Every couple, with their distinctive love story, transforms into a canvas where we paint with the play of light and shadow. It extends beyond the grandeur of photographing pivotal moments like vows, rings, and the first dance; it encompasses the art of capturing nuanced glances, shared laughter, and the silent connection that elevates an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration of love. Published in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Tatler.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our experience with Xenia and Mark (videographer) was truly amazing. Xenia is truly a dedicated professional and her camera work is truly phenomenal. We booked Xenia for both our engagement and wedding photos and she completely exceeded my expectations! We originally booked Xenia and Mark for our wedding in May but unfortunately our wedding venue closed last minute and we were left to scramble in finding a new venue and once we did Xenia was so accommodating and made the new wedding date work. Xenia and Mark are super easy to work with; truly genuine individuals! I scoured through hundreds of photographers before I came across Xenia and honestly, none of them compared to her work and eye for photography. Stop your search and book her; I promise you won't regret it. Thank you, Xenia and Mark!
Vanessa R., 2 years ago
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Drzazga Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

We're husband and wife destination wedding and elopement photographers and videographers based in Cleveland, Ohio, traveling as much as possible. We’re here to be your photographic memory, capturing you honestly and naturally so you can give your attention to the people and moments that matter most. We want you to have stunning images and the best day of your life and we do everything in our power to deliver both.

Awarded Best of Zola
Choosing Drzazga Photo as our wedding photographers was one of the best decisions we made. From our very first interaction, they were incredibly easy to talk to, made us feel comfortable, and responsive. They gave us suggestions and guidance but were also game to try specific things we wanted and the end results were stunning - the photos they captured are absolutely gorgeous. We’ve been getting compliments non-stop about any photos we post. We couldn't be happier with the memories they helped us preserve from our special day.
Emily Y., 10 months ago
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Fatima Elreda Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA

I'm a digital and film Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles, CA. I'm trilingual and multicultural -- and it's my favorite thing about me. I will travel Southern California for your love story, from San Diego to LA, to Santa Barbara. My style is documentary and photojournalistic with a bit of an editorial and creative charm. I do not bend and sway with the trends of the current day, instead I focus on your unique wedding day to capture timeless imagery. As the moments unfold before me, I will help tell your story. I want you to look back on your images and be able to still feel the emotions within them for decades to come, truly.

Awarded Best of Zola
Fatima was incredible! Not only is her work outstanding but she made us feel comfortable and special throughout our entire wedding planning process. She was one of the very first vendors we booked and we are so glad we did - she took our engagement photos, helped us plan our or wedding day timeline, gave us great vendor recommendations and went above and beyond to help make the wedding day go flawlessly. We will cherish her photos for the rest of our lives. They are truly a work of art and the way she captured our love/style is exactly what we envisioned for our wedding photos. We can’t recommend Fatima enough!
Jonathan L., 6 months ago
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LA Digital Photo - Photo - Video - Booth 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,600
  • Serves Santa Barbara, CA
  • Offer

Tom Keene is a distinguished master portrait photojournalist and the founder of LA Digital Photo, a premier life event photography company based in Pasadena, California. With over 21 years of experience, Tom has been the first-choice wedding photographer for hundreds of couples, capturing moments across California and beyond. Our expertise extends beyond photography, we offer comprehensive services including videography, DJ/MC, and photo booth rentals, ensuring a seamless experience for any event. Tom Keene’s dedication to his craft and his clients has solidified his reputation as a leading portrait photojournalist in Southern California.

Awarded Best of Zola
I cannot say enough good things about LAdigitalPhoto! When I first contacted them to inquire about videography, I got an instant response. Tom answered my millions of questions & sent me photos & videos they had shot at my venue in the past. I felt like a friend, not a customer so I was not hesitant to book. Tom did a great job of building an instant relationship & trust. We kept contact up until the day about details as they unfolded. Brides you know how planning can get the best of you & everything becomes a blur. I totally forgot about having a videographer the day of because everything was chaos until he showed up right on time, of course! We were blessed to get Christian who is an absolute gem! Him & my photographer instantly started working together & they totally clicked, it was awesome. Christian went above & beyond, not to mention he was such a sweetheart. He was an absolute joy to have around all day! He even buttoned up my dress for me because all my girls had nails on & couldn't do it. I would give 5,000 stars if I could! If I ever need videography again, I will never go to anyone else! Thank you, Tom & Christian!
Shannon, a year ago