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Best Portrait Photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Our Recommended Top 12

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Carlsbad Portrait Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

49Reviewed

34Curated

12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Del Mar, CA 92014

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Del Mar Photographics is a professional portrait and commercial photography company owned and operated by Debora Cartwright located in Solana Beach. Formerly a commercial photographer from the San Francisco Bay area. Ms. Cartwright has over twenty-five years of experience with studio and on-location photography, providing corporate head shots and product photography. She now specializes in wall art for, family portraiture, beach portraits, high school senior portraits, beauty, fine art nudes and boudoir photos. Personal branding and headshots are still a favorite. Sessions take place in studio or on location (studio located on Cedros Ave in Solana Beach) Debora has a 5-star rating on Facebook, Google and is available for destination dream portrait sessions in exotic locations.

San Diego, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)
Facebook
5.0 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Gleimlight Photography & Productions is a portraiture studio serving clients in Carlsbad. This team of portrait photographers and videographers is passionate about creating a natural and artistic style of imagery. This studio handles portrait photography for all clients, including high school seniors, children, and soon-to-be parents. Gleimlight Photography & Productions also handles wedding photography and maternity shoots and has been featured in major publications such as Ceremony Magazine and SDVoyager. Previous clients of these professionals have praised their consistent communication and swift services.

Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Carlsbad Photo is a San Diego, California based photography service that specializes in wedding and event photography. Engagement, bridal/baby showers, maternity sessions, newborn photo shoots, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, any lifetime event can be captured and treasured forever. The company was founded in 2015. Past clients of Carlsbad Photo praise the company's expertise and the quality of its compositions. All photographs taken by the company are edited before being given to clients. Prospective customers can contact the company by phone or email to schedule an appointment or request a price estimate.

7087 Via Candrejo, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (43)
Google
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Holly Ireland Photography provides portrait services for clients in the Carlsbad area. Photographer Holly Ireland works with couples on their wedding days and throughout their engagements, as well as families, high school students, and other individuals to provide them with high-quality photographs that help them capture memories for years to come. Her style has been described as elegant and unique. In 2016, Holly Ireland Photography won the San Diego A List award for Best Wedding Photographer.

325 Carlsbad Village Drive # E2, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (65)
Facebook
5.0 (48)
Yelp
5.0 (45)

Why choose this provider?

Studio Ageless Photography of Carlsbad offers portrait photography services for residents of the metro. It takes digital and physical photographs in the boudoir style, highlighting the positive aspects of a subject's anatomy and promoting body positivity. The photographer guides the customer through the entire process, from selecting outfits to choosing poses. Owner Ann Landstrom has been in the photography industry for more than 20 years and has trained with Playboy Magazine. She has worked with leading entrepreneurs and influencers.

6550 Ponto Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (19)
Facebook
5.0 (8)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Walking Eagle Photography is a husband-and-wife team that serves the Carlsbad area. Clay and Laura specialize in various types of portraits, including family portraits, engagement portraits, and family portraits. Clients are given access to an online gallery 2-3 weeks after the portrait session. The photographers also create custom packages that include both digital files and physical prints of the images. Clay and Laura have a combined industry experience of over three decades. Clay is a Los Angeles Film School graduate.

Vista, CA 92081

Why choose this provider?

Justin L'Heureux is a highly regarded commercial photographer with more than 15 years of experience. He resides in Vista and serves clients in and around Southern California. Justin's artistic and creative approach to commercial photography is based on his background in fine arts as a painter and a printmaker. His portfolio contains lifestyle photos, portraits, commercial product pictures, action and adventure shots, and travel photography. Justin's style may be described as fun, dynamic, and inventive. He has worked for a variety of notable clients, including Otterbox, Hewlett Packard, Adidas, Lifeproof, K2 Snowboarding, and many others. Justin is available for studio sessions as well as location shoots and can be booked through his agent, Janice Moses Represents.

Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (8)
Yelp
5.0 (3)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Located in San Diego, California, Snap Savvy Strategies specializes in digital and print marketing strategies. As a photo-based marketing and branding company, they use images that boost a brand’s credibility, visibility, interaction and conversion across businesses’ marketing platforms. Snap Savvy’s background gives them unique expertise in using poses that focus on body language and unconventional photo techniques that resonate with all of their clients. The team’s energy, passion, and bright personality help subjects relax and have fun in front of the camera. Snap Savvy’s past clients have given them high reviews and were appreciative of how detail-oriented and professional the entire process was from consultation to finished product.

Carlsbad, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Nester Photography offers portrait sessions in the Carlsbad metro. This studio's work portfolio includes maternity, newborn, wedding, and family portraitures. Its photographer integrates fine art principles into the photo-taking process, aiming to obtain the best possible image quality. Wedding packages have options for 5-hour, 8-hour, and up to 12-hour coverage services, with photo prints and online gallery access. The VIP wedding collection package includes a complimentary engagement session and album. Its engagement photoshoots take up to two hours in duration.

360 N El Camino Real 2A, Encinitas, CA 92024

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (16)
Google
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Lovely Baby Photography is a portrait studio that specializes in the photography of pregnant women, newborns, and children. Carlsbad-based photographer Stacey has been serving the local area and the surrounding communities for over 12 years. She began her journey as a family portrait photographer when her kids were not professionally photographed when they were still babies. Stacey then decided to help families preserve memories through printed images. She conducts studio pictorials and allows outdoor sessions if requested.

5661 Palmer Way studio h, Carlsbad, CA 92010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (10)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Melanie Robertson Photography is a Carlsbad-based studio that specializes Custom highschool senior portrait photography. Melanie offers high school senior sessions for boys and girls, family portrait sessions, and headshots. Her sessions can be held either in her studio or in an outdoor location, and include a variety of features like professional hair and makeup and access to her full style closet. Melanie is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and has been recognized with various awards like the Portrait Masters print competition's bronze distinctions and she is currently the high school senior photographer of the year for San Diego County with PPSDC the (Professional Photography Association of San Diego County)

6852 Embarcadero Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Carlsbad-based We Heart Photography has been taking portrait photos since 2010. The studio takes stress-free family portraits that can be accomplished in just 20 minutes and capture many different combinations of the family members. The photographer can even advise clients on what outfits to wear to make the family photos more memorable. We Heart Photography also shoots senior portraits that are taken in the studio and can end at the beach. The package comes with hair and makeup services.

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Del Mar Photographics
Del Mar, CA 92014
Gleimlight Photography & Productions
San Diego, CA
Carlsbad Photo
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Holly Ireland Photography
7087 Via Candrejo, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Studio Ageless Photography of Carlsbad
325 Carlsbad Village Drive # E2, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Walking Eagle Photography
6550 Ponto Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Justin L'Heureux
Vista, CA 92081
Snap Savvy Strategies
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Nester Photography
Carlsbad, CA
Lovely Baby Photography
360 N El Camino Real 2A, Encinitas, CA 92024
Melanie Robertson Photography
5661 Palmer Way studio h, Carlsbad, CA 92010
We Heart Photography
6852 Embarcadero Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Portrait photography can be the perfect way to capture special moments for adults, children, couples, and families. It's a popular option for occasions, such as graduations, weddings, birthdays, and various milestones reached throughout childhood. However, you don't need a special reason to get a portrait professionally done, as there are many photographers eager to work with new clients at a reasonable rate.

    Professional portrait photography takes years of practice, and the right photographer can achieve results that go far beyond the typical selfie. A magnificent portrait can bring out the subject's inner qualities, allowing their unique personality to shine through for generations to cherish.
  • What is portrait photography?

    Portrait photography is the art of capturing a sitter's likeness with a camera. While this may sound as simple as snapping a quick shot with your mobile phone, the truth is that a truly good portrait photo is difficult to achieve. The goal of a high-quality photo is to capture the personality and emotions behind the subject.

  • What is the history of portrait photography?

    Since the invention of the first camera in 1839, portraits have been one of the most popular kinds of photos. However, way back when, photos needed an exposure time of 20 minutes or more, meaning you would need to sit completely still for that time or else end up with a blurry image.

  • Where can you learn portrait photography?

    Many art schools across the country offer degrees in photography, and some even have specialized classes in portraiture. This can be a good option for young photographers who want a well-rounded skill set. However, many dedicated portrait photographers are self-taught and rely on their portfolios to serve as their credentials.

  • How do you start a portrait photography business?

    Before starting a portrait studio, it's best to gain experience shooting your friends and family so you have a strong portfolio to show clients. Once you're confident in your work, try making a website where you can direct new businesses interested in having their pictures taken.

  • How to eliminate shadows in portrait photography?

    The secret behind many photographers' success is that photography is 50% editing. If you're working digitally, you can open up your pictures in editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, and use its digital tools to manipulate shadows and highlights. If you prefer to work analog, the best way to mitigate shadows is proper lighting.

  • What are the four categories of portrait photography?

    The four categories of portrait photography are constructionist, candid, environmental, and creative.

    1. Constructionist photographs involve working with a photographer who will sit you in different poses and lighting to create the perfect shot from the ground up.
    2. Candid photos are taken with minimal setup, trying to capture their subject in the moment.
    3. Environmental photos try to capture subjects in their natural environment.
    4. Creative photography uses a variety of experimental techniques and elements to create an original image.

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