The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

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915 Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

Photojournalistic
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Original Weddings Photo & Video 
Rating: 4.9 (235 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, 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
“We used sound photography for our elopement at mount rainier. Eugene was our photographer and did such a great job I am in love with my photos they are everything I wanted. Communication was so easy and because we were in the park Eugene made sure we had a specific meeting spot so he was easy to find. Sounds made everything so easy!”
Vanessa K., 2 years ago
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Gabbie Burseth Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,200

Gabbie Burseth grew up documenting everything and saving mementos in empty Christmas boxes. After studying at the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, she discovered an affinity for weddings and their accompanying treasures. Her philosophy as a wedding photographer is to observe with as little interference as possible — no faking it, no do-overs, no “for the camera”. Her biggest desire is for couples to be present at their wedding, not stuck in a photoshoot. Her work is punctuated by rich and vibrant color, the timeless quality of analog film, and a sense of humor found in fleeting moments.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Gabbie is the best of the best! I have been working with her for several years on brand projects and because she has always been such a pleasure to work with, it was a no-brainer to hire her for my wedding. I am all about the details, so I really appreciated her being willing to meet beforehand to understand exactly what I was looking for. She brought all of my editorial/Pinterest-worthy dreams to life! She arrived early, was highly professional, and made my wedding party feel totally comfortable. She perfectly captured moments I will cherish forever, and I could not recommend her enough!”
Erica W., 5 years ago
Cait Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style

Caitlin is a wedding photographer based in Southern California, blending photojournalism with editorial storytelling to create images that feel both timeless and true to you. She works with both digital and film to capture natural moments, thoughtful details, and beautiful light, ensuring every photo feels effortless and authentic.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Caitlin was amazing to work with for both our engagement and wedding photos! She captures it all, makes you feel so comfortable and knows how to work efficiently. Our photos came out so dreamy and we received many compliments on them! You’ll be in great hands when you work with Cait!!"”
Alexa P., a year ago
Wrenn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (74 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mary, California film wedding photographer. I fell in love with documenting weddings in 2018 and have a deep appreciation for the privilege of capturing one of the most profound moments in peoples’ lives. I'm here to witness your day with love and artistry, and preserve your memories in a way that’s honest, emotive, and true to you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“As a wedding planner, I cannot express enough praise for Mary's exceptional work as a wedding photographer! If you are seeking a true professional who possesses not only expertise in capturing the perfect moments but also a creative eye and exceptional editing skills, Mary is the ideal choice. Her presence alone will instantly put you at ease, and you will feel incredibly comfortable having her by your side on your special day. Mary is my go to Wedding Photographer & always goes above and beyond! 10/10!”
White Palm Event Co, 2 years ago
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LOVE by Sergirée 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Sergio. My wife Desirée and I run LOVE by Sergirée together out of Los Angeles. I have been behind a camera for 15 years and weddings are where I do my best work. I shoot every wedding personally and edit every gallery myself, so what you see in our portfolio is exactly what you get. Desirée leads everything you cannot see, from the first email to the final album. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a celebration with a full guest list, our approach is the same. Be present. Be honest. Let the moment unfold.

“From the initial communication all the way to the delivery of the photos, Sergirée were great to work with. They were super friendly, patient, and flexible with the entire process. During my actual wedding/celebrations, Sergio just had a chill and approachable demeanor about him that I really appreciated. Our wedding wasn't the most structured, so I was worried about getting the "right" shots, but Sergio was great at guiding for poses, and just always at the right place at the right time to catch so many beautiful moments. Also, they work super fast! We received our highlight shots and full gallery very quickly. Book them!!”
Julie, a month ago
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Yin Futography 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hobbyist coffee brewer, professional nap taker, and sucker for raw moments and authentic emotions. Dedicated to documenting the beautiful moments as they unfold. Based in Southern California & available worldwide.

“From start to finish, Yin was so much more than just our photographer, he truly felt like a friend. From our engagement photos to our wedding day and everything in between, he was there every step of the way. He went above and beyond, from venue meetups to thoughtful location scouting, making us feel completely supported and at ease throughout the entire process. His co-shooter, Nika, was equally incredible—professional, kind, and such a calming presence on the day. Together, they made the entire experience feel effortless and fun, while still capturing every meaningful moment so beautifully. Honestly, Yin doesn’t even need reviews (his work speaks for itself) but we feel so grateful to have worked with someone so talented, genuine, and invested in telling our story. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to document such an important chapter of our lives.”
Rosemary K., 9 months ago
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Indigo West 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I took up photography at the ripe age of 11 with a Polaroid I borrowed from an aunt. It quickly became my sketchbook as I worked to capture stills of the world and people around me. Those images have continued to pay emotional dividends throughout my life, helping me better understand what I have now come to see through a new scope. They are grounding, melancholic, funny and beautiful. Some of my most cherished possessions.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Daniel was a pure joy to work with. Went above and beyond driving all over Santa Barbara for our wedding! We loved our photos and the experience with him so much. We hate having pictures taken and he made it feel so effortless. Look no further!!”
Diana, 2 years ago
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Michael Teddy Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Welcome to Michael Teddy Photography, where artistry meets storytelling and your moments are preserved for a lifetime. I believe exceptional photography is about connection, vision, and capturing the authentic soul of your story. From our first conversation to your final gallery, you can expect a dedicated experience. Blending technical precision with an artistic approach, I frame the moments that matter most while thoughtfully editing every frame to perfection. Let’s create something breathtaking together.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We had the best experience with Michael for my parents’ vow renewal. He was kind, funny, and made everyone comfortable in front of the camera. It felt like having family there. He was attentive, on time, and captured every special moment beautifully. The photos truly reflect the love and joy of the day. Highly recommend!”
Chrislyn, 7 months ago
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RIVELLE MEDIA 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, 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
“From our first interaction with Rivelle Media, their communication was quick, professional, and easy. The quality of their work was truly gorgeous - they captured me and my fiance beautifully and with meticulous attention to detail. It is clear they have a genuine passion for photography, and they went above and beyond to bring our Pinterest board to life. Their dedication to getting the perfect shot was evident in the stunning final photos we received. We are thrilled with the work Rivelle Media did for our engagement shoot and I highly recommend them to any couple looking for an exceptional photography experience.”
Selena T., a year ago
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Fatima Elreda Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, 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
“I cannot say enough good things about Fatima! Not only is she so incredibly talented but she is also one of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She made my husband and I feel so comfortable and natural during our engagement session and by the time we got to the wedding it felt like we had one of our friends photographing for us! We could not be more obsessed with the photos she took for us, they are the perfect mix of natural, fun and beautiful. Fatima is amazing!”
Maddie, 2 years ago
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LA Digital Photo - Photo - Video - Booth 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, 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
“Tom did a beautiful job of capturing our wedding day. We had the pleasure of booking Tom early on, and got a great deal that included engagement photos! If I’m being totally honest… the price felt too good to be true! Most wedding photography is wildly expensive… but we were so happy to find Tom who provided a reasonable quote ! We were nervous that the quality might not be the best, after all, he’s on the cheaper end of the spectrum. But man….. what a total score for us. We got HIGH QUALITY service that would normally cost us thousands and thousands of dollars. My fiance and I were so impressed with the engagement photos, we could not wait to see what beautiful magic he would come up with on our wedding day. He did not disappoint… Tom delivered such beautifully captured moments that I still look at on the daily. His work speaks for itself. My husband and I feel like Tom was almost more helpful than our coordinator! He directed everyone when it came to photos, which is exactly what I needed ! I was able to relax the entire time because Tom took it upon himself to be in charge… cannot emphasize what that did for us. We just got to enjoy the moment. If you want to perfectly capture that one special day AND get an additional coordinator in the process, pick Tom. And quite frankly, it was a steal. Tom should be charging much much more. Get this… our photos were ready TWO DAYS LATER. No extra cost. The videographer, Christian, he brought on was also so very talented. When I watched the video back… I was in tears. Absolute cinema. Christian and Tom were so fun and kind, I really wanted them to stay longer, OFF the clock just as as our guests! Don’t think it over… I promise you will not regret hiring these two. Book them before they become unavailable!”
Bella, 3 months ago
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The Jaramillos 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

The Jaramillos, a husband and wife Photography + Videography team. We specialize in capturing the authentic and raw moments with an editorial flair. Whether you want iconic photos to post, or to have for your future grandchildren to gaze upon, or anything in-between we are the photographers for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We couldn't be more thrilled with the exceptional service provided by our photographers! From the moment they arrived, punctual and ready, they went above and beyond to ensure every moment was captured flawlessly. Not only did they have an eye for the big picture, but they also attended to the smallest details, like fixing Anthony's tie or assisting Ada with her dress buttons, making sure everything was picture-perfect. Communication was seamless throughout the entire process. They were attentive, responsive, and truly invested in understanding our vision. Additionally, We were amazed by how quickly they delivered sneak peeks the very next day, allowing us to relive the magic instantly (and honestly every time someone asks how the wedding was). Even though they're based in Texas, we would not hesitate to rebook them for any future events. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for their clients make them stand out in the industry. Thank you for making our special day even more memorable! 5 stars without a doubt.”
Ada M., 2 years ago
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Soda Fountain Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mysi (pronounced, boringly, “Missy”)! I’ve been at this thing for 12 years and I keep falling more and more in love with it all. Give me intimate micro-weddings, quirky dive bar weddings, raucous South Asian weddings... my team and I absolutely thrive in chaos and emotion. My specialty is catching the moments and those tiny moments in between. ✨✨✨

Awarded Best of Zola
“We were nervous when it came to hiring a photographer, because after the whirlwind of the day, photos are one of the only things you get to keep once the day is over that help you relive the moments. We had heard so many horror stories and knew it was one of the most important decisions we were going to make. But thankfully, hiring Mysi was truly one of the BEST DECISIONS we made for our wedding. From the very beginning, she was intentional, thoughtful, and so easy to work with. She made it a priority to meet with us in person—not just to talk logistics, but to get a feel for how we interact with each other. She wanted to understand our dynamic so she could best capture authentic, candid moments on the day. That personal touch meant a lot to us. She even took the time to drive up to our venue (a private residence) in advance to scout out the space. Watching her creativity come to life as she walked through the house and surrounding areas was such a fun and reassuring moment—we knew we were in great hands. We didn’t want just traditional posed photos; we wanted a mix of candid, artistic, and emotionally rich shots that told the full story of the day. She completely delivered. The final gallery was more beautiful than we could’ve imagined—natural, warm, and full of moments we didn’t even realize she had caught. We showed a few of the preview photos to people who didn't attend the wedding, and they all had nothing but compliments for how stunning the photos were. It's only been a few months, but we can't stop looking at the photos. They bring us back to the exact moment in time they were taken and we are able to relive the memories. Literally the only negative is that we can't figure out what our favorites are because they are all that great! We’re beyond grateful and couldn’t recommend Mysi more highly. If you want a photographer who truly sees you and puts her heart into every frame, she’s the one.”
Rebekah & N., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Stephanie Hanno Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,700
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Stephanie Hanno Photography specializes in fine art wedding photography with a documentary and photojournalistic approach. Southern California based but travels worldwide. Capturing your special moments to last a lifetime.

“Working with Stephanie was a pleasure from start to finish! We hired her to photograph our wedding in Dec 2024 and we still "ooh" and "aah" over our photos to this day. She also did our engagement shoot before the wedding which was a great way to connect and get to know each other before the big day. My husband and I are super shy infront of the camera and she knew exactly how to make us look like naturals on camera! I would recommend her to anyone looking for a professional, fun, and talented photographer for their special moments in life :)”
Daniella, 10 months ago
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Caz Isaiah 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Every wedding has its own rhythm. I’m inspired by the way a great film makes you feel like you’re actually inside the story — the anticipation before something happens, the quiet moments between people, the movement, the atmosphere, and the unexpected frames you could never have planned. I photograph weddings with that same instinct, moving with what’s already unfolding rather than forcing the day into a shot list or manufacturing moments. I’m drawn to interesting light, real connection, imperfect details, dramatic environments, and those fleeting moments that happen between everything you thought you were going to photograph.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Caz was VERY professional, very kind. He had a vision that aligned so so perfectly with ours. I LOVE his approach towards photos, that he captures genuine moments not posed photos. We took around an hour of actual posed photos and after that he was in the background, you would catch a glimpse of him taking photos from around the room and let me tell you WHEN I GOT OUR PHOTOS BACK I WAS SHOCKED!!! They were absolutely stunning. He was so so kind and so so amazing, at a very reasonable price. I would give him more stars if I could.”
Imaan S., 3 months ago
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Jordan Ferrer Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,499
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Jordan, a wedding and event photographer and videographer dedicated to capturing love stories with authenticity and artistry. My style focuses on natural moments, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I document your day with timeless, beautifully edited images. Beyond weddings, I also specialize in capturing milestone moments like graduation portraits and formal events. Let’s work together to create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!

Awarded Best of Zola
“Jordan Ferrer Photography handled my day of photography needs. Jordan and his team were exceptional. They captured every moment without being intrusive. My images were delivered to me so much quicker than I expected and were all so great. I can’t wait to have another reason to use Jordan Ferrer Photography’s services.”
Alicia B., 2 years ago
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By Evening Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hey it’s Marijo (pronounced mary•joe), your film-loving, forever traveling photographer! Capturing your day, the way it felt, in both digital and film formats. My style is bright, vibrant, nostalgic with a mix of candids and cinematic images. I love getting to know my couples before their big day! It helps me create more personal work that reflects your love. I hope you know that your love is special, and that I can see that it is. That’s always how I’ll tell your story.

Awarded Best of Zola
“There are no amount of words I can say to show you how lucky I was to have you as our wedding photographer! If you want wedding photos that have that wow factor and photographers that go above and beyond than look no further! You guys are the best out there and I’m the lucky one that was able to have you as our wedding photographer. Wedding photos last a lifetime so why not go with the best! Thank you both so much for all you did for my husband and I. Our photos came out amazing and hope to work with you again one day!”
natalie, 5 years ago
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Carmelisse Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi I'm Carmelisse. I'm an intimate wedding & elopement photographer based in Los Angeles. I have a gift for making people comfortable and seeing the beauty in all diverse people. I want nothing more than to tell your love story right.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I don’t even know where to start! Carmelisse was UNREAL. She was so so sooooooo wonderful to work with. My now-husband was dreading wedding photos and after the wedding he even said, ‘the photo part was actually fun’-direct quote. Carmelisse and Jon (our second shooter) made us feel so comfortable and natural and we had a blast the entire time. There were tons of changes with timing and location due to the weather, and Carmelisse was 10000% on top of it! She took charge, handled EVERYTHING, knew when sunset was, where/when to go for the best lighting, posing etc… she was just amazing. I really didn’t know what to expect—it was a destination wedding and Carmelisse took care of so many small details so I could just focus on enjoying myself. She is incredible at what she does and I’m so happy that she was the one to document our wedding! We love love LOVE the photos and her! She went above and beyond with everything and we definitely recommend working with Carmelisse!!!! SHE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!”
Jaime, 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Yanira Scalise Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Yanira is a passionate documentary-style wedding photographer dedicated to capturing the genuine emotions and beautiful moments of each special day. With an artistic eye and a love for storytelling, She creates timeless images that reflect the authentic essence of every couple. Her enthusiasm for the job shines through in every frame, as she believes that each wedding tells a unique story worth preserving. When not behind the camera, Yanira enjoys spending time with her family and teen boys and memorable trips to Erewhon :)

“I loved having her capture the day we got engaged! We are so happy with how the photos turned out, and getting sneak peeks the very next day was such a fun surprise. So grateful to have these memories captured!”
Allyson M., 9 days ago
GemHidden gem
Stephen Tang Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

While some photographers emphasize their gear or trendy post-processing, I take pride in subject-photographer interaction - the relation I build with clients, picking up on nuances in pose and expression while we shoot, anticipating the viewers' response - because ultimately, that's how photographs that matter to us are created. I'm a native New Yorker who found myself relocating to Los Angeles and making it my home. Wherever you'd like to have your wedding, it would be my pleasure to be your photographer.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I had worked previously with Stephen, and loved his work so much that when I was looking for a photographer for our wedding he was the first person I thought of. I even made him drive out to Arizona for our wedding, and I am so glad that he was happy to do so. :) He was such a great addition to our weekend. He is so nice and easy to work with, and gets along with all of the vendors. Our photos turned out INCREDIBLE. He did such a nice job editing and delivering photos that truly represented our wedding weekend. I've never seen a photographer who can capture emotion like Stephen can. I am really not a fan of the light and airy wedding photography styles that are popular now, and Stephen is the antithesis of this. Stephen's photos are vivid, have personality, seriously capture the moment, are unforgettable, classic and a little bit artsy. He has such a way with color and framing. I can't sing his praises enough.”
Alexa + T., 6 years ago
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Remo Fioroni Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Based in California, I photograph celebrations from the coastlines of San Diego to the vineyards of Napa, and destinations worldwide. I work with couples who value artistry, trust the process, and want their story told with depth and intention.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Remo was our wedding photographer in 2016 when we eloped, and again in 2016 when we had a bigger ceremony with friends and family. I could go on and on about how much I loved my pictures, but I want to talk about the human behind the lens. Remo is such a genuinely kind person, and has such an ease with which he handles clients. I felt so relaxed with him and it made our time together flow smoothly. I also spoke to him in great detail about the visions I had for both days, and he went above and beyond to make sure I had the day I wanted to have and the memories I wanted to capture. Finally, nearly 10 years later, I could no longer find my pictures, and I reached out to him because we'd lost our beloved family pet. I had no idea if he would even remember me, let alone still have our pictures. Within 10 minutes of my call, I got a message from him with my pictures from 2016. I got to have the treasured picture of our sweet dog, which has made my heart heal just a little bit more smoothly. I love the work he did for us, but I love even more the professional behind the lens, with the human touch, that has made all the difference! Would recommend without hesitation!”
Tamara M., a year ago
Jess Onesto 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Jess is a wedding photographer serving couples from Los Angeles to New York City. She specializes in documenting moments with honesty and optimism to showcase her couples’ love for each other, love for their people and their love for a damn good time. “My work is bold, enduring, and honest.” With more than a decade of experience as a photographer and a background in fine art and film photography, Jess approaches each wedding with intention and a sense of novelty. She works in both digital and film mediums and her work has been featured in publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, Destination I Do and Brides.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Since receiving our wedding photos from Jess, several of my friends and family members (including 2 professional photographers!) have asked me for her contact info because of how amazing her photos are!! When we started looking for a wedding photographer, we knew that we needed to find someone with a great eye for candids, who wouldn't make our pictures feel too staged, who had a fun/funky vibe like us, and who could handle wrangling my extremely large family (full of very opinionated people) for family photos, and Jess handled everything with ease! I feel so lucky that we found Jess, and I cannot recommend her more. Jess made everyone feel comfortable throughout the entire wedding day, and even gave guidance to family members who are normally awkward in photos (e.g. suggesting ways to pose to make them more comfortable). Jess went above and beyond throughout the entire planning process, checking in with us, getting to know us, and even coming to a venue walkthrough so she could get a sense of the space! I am so grateful for all of the work Jess put into our wedding, and the photos turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I rarely even like photos of myself, but I honestly am so in love with the ones that Jess took that I jump on every opportunity to whip out my phone and share them with friends!”
Natalie M., 2 years ago
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Karin Busch Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

German-born and LA-based, I got my first camera at eight and never put it down. Now I chase real, unposed love stories for weddings, couples, and families across SoCal, capturing the big feelings and tiny details that make your story yours.

“I got to meet and work with Karin Busch Photography on the morning of a wedding. As I was doing makeup for the bride and bridal party , Karin captured some amazing candid behind the scenes moments and every single frame is a work of art. And the wedding photos are like a curated editorial story. Just Absolutely stunning photography work . Plus she is very kind and super professional.”
Makeup By C., a month ago
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Kelsey C. Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I'm Kelsey! Fun-loving, boba-obsessed, dog-mom living in sunny SoCal. I have a very natural and candid style of photography where clients don't look or feel "posed" but are simply being in the moment! I'm passionate about capturing the essence of your relationship, whether intimate, goofy, quirky, affectionate, and everything in between. I'm known for my friendliness and light-hearted personality! I help make shoots feel very comfortable, candid, fun, and genuine to each relationship.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We can’t begin without saying how amazing Kelsey and her team are! They are truly good at what they do. I’m normally really shy and awkward in front of a camera, but they made the experience so fun and comfortable. They knew the best angles and helped with our poses and told us where to go. The photos turned out so candid and beautiful! We cannot get over them and we got so many compliments! We are so happy that we chose Kelsey and her team for our engagement shoot and wedding photos. These types of moments are once in a lifetime and you don’t want to miss anything good and that’s why we’re so grateful that they captured everything for us. We trust them so much. We already want Kelsey and her team to shoot for our one year anniversary!”
Jessica Nguyen, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Captured by Emily C. Petrie 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I am passionate about the humanity and compassion I infuse into my work and making genuine connections with the people who choose me as a Photographer, Coordinator, or Officiant. I am inspired to create images that break down societal norms and show that all kinds of people and love are valid and beautiful. I am an LGBTQ+ identifying business owner, and affirm love stories of all genders, sexualities, ability, and race. My style is modern, natural, romantic, whimsical, candid, and bold.

“Captured by Emily C. Petrie was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From our first interaction, Emily's communication was always timely, transparent, and kind. The quality of her work is truly beautiful, with sharp, vibrant images that captured all the special moments of our day. Emily was there for all the important moments, gently guiding us and making us feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, even though we weren't experienced. We highly recommend working with Emily - she helped create beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.”
Marlee G., 2 years ago
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The Shalom Imaginative 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We are The Shalom Imaginative, a Los Angeles based team of artists offering wedding photography on a mix of analog film & digital. We have over ten years of experience capturing weddings with a photojournalistic approach. Our style is candid, relaxed, and real. We love to collaborate with our couples to capture what is the most meaningful to them. All of our packages are customizable and adding some rolls of 35mm film onto digital coverage is our most popular package. We also offer video add-ons to all of our packages.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We hired Nate, Vanessa & Keren to shoot our welcome party and wedding and HOLY COW they blew us away! From our first meetings over Zoom, we knew we'd made the right choice. Aside from their obviously gorgeous work, we chose them because their vibe is so down to earth, comforting, and fun. During the two parties, they were efficient and blended right in with our guests so all of our pictures felt organic, which was important to us. We opted to do half on film, half on digital and were completely speechless at how it all turned out. The cherry on top was how quickly we got our pictures back: we got the email one month after our wedding while we were on our honeymoon! So special to relive that day in that setting, and we were so impressed with that turnaround. We already know we'll be hiring this team down the road once we start a family. Their work is so, so special. We truly can't recommend them strongly enough! We wish we could give 10 stars!!”
Isabel & J., 4 years ago
GemHidden gem
Makito Umekita Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a wedding, elopement, and engagement photographer based in Southern California. I'm in love with adventure and the outdoors. I have a passion for capturing the raw, emotional moments as well as the candid, in-between moments of my clients. I want to be able to help YOU tell YOUR story through my photographs, capturing every moment from beginning to end.

“Highly recommend! We hired Makito to take our engagement photos as well as our wedding photos. They turned out amazing (: Will definitely hire him for future events”
Julie and C., 5 years ago
Quick responder
Golden State Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,699
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Professional wedding photography and videography for couples across California—from Los Angeles to San Francisco, San Diego to Sacramento. Beautiful, cinematic coverage at prices that won't break your budget.

“From the moment we met the team at Golden State Weddings, we knew we'd made the right choice. They showed up early on our wedding day and had a gift for making us feel at ease in front of the camera with their warm and approachable style. The photos they delivered are stunning—artistic and flattering in ways we didn't even expect. We got our full gallery back quickly, which was such a relief, and every image captured the beauty of our celebration perfectly. Their intelligence and attention to detail shine through in every shot. If you're looking for a photographer, hire them—we couldn't be happier with our results.”
Rebecca B., 6 months ago
Quick responder
A Shot Of Love Films 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

As wedding photographers and videographers, our philosophy revolves around capturing memories that celebrate the unique personalities of each couple. We strive to showcase the authentic moments, heartfelt emotions, and joyful connections that make each wedding day truly special.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From our first conversation, Caitlin made us feel at ease with her quick responses and friendly approach. She has a gift for capturing the personality in all of us, which made the whole day feel natural and fun instead of stiff or awkward. The photos turned out stunning and captured exactly what we wanted—those real moments between us and our loved ones. She was easy to work with and genuinely seemed to care about making our wedding day special. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer to tell our story. Highly recommend them to any couple looking for someone who will deliver beautiful work and make you feel comfortable the entire time.”
Hannah C., 6 months ago

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