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2024

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Best Portrait Photographers in San Diego, CA

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

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

439Reviewed

271Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Ramona, CA 92065

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Gleimlight Photography & Productions is a portraiture, wedding photography, and cinematography studio based in San Diego County and serving clients across the nation. Its style of wedding photography and portraiture is rooted in photojournalism, capturing moments that words fail to describe. The studio is heavily influenced by its photographers’ background in cinema, resulting in a whimsical, dynamic, and story-driven final product. The firm prides itself on its professionalism, artistry, and expressive imagery that tells each client’s unique story.

  • Family
  • Engagement
  • Newborn
  • Maternity
  • Proposals

San Diego, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Portrait Photographer in San Diego? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

3333 Midway Drive Unit 101, San Diego, CA 92110

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (84)
Facebook
5.0 (39)
Yelp
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Photography By L. Rose in San Diego, California, offers portraiture services and is willing to travel anywhere within the metro area for on-location shoots. Clients can also visit the studio to have portraits taken in front of a backdrop. Most of this studio's portrait work involves families. For finished products, clients receive a collection of digital images, however, this studio can also provide wall art, full albums, and regular single prints. Maternity and newborn photo shoots are also offered.

14231 Garden Rd. #14, Poway, CA 92064

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (29)
Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Cassema Photography is a woman-run portrait photographer who has served San Diego and the surrounding areas since 2012. She specializes in maternity, newborns, milestones, family, and cake smash birthday pictures. The photographer has won awards for San Diego's best portrait photographer and Top 5 San Diego's Best Photographers. Cassema Photography’s work has been highlighted by the Bump and featured in several publications, including the SD Voyager and San Diego Family magazines.

5030 Del Monte Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2017, Heather Broomhall Photography, LLC, is a studio in San Diego, CA. It specializes in weddings, portraits, family photography, engagements, lifestyle, maternity pictures, and newborn photography. The photographer studied at Central Saint Martins art school in London, which is reflected in the fine art style of her work. She has over 19 years of prior experience in the field and has also been featured on the BBC's S4C channel.

  • Seniors
  • Branding
  • Headshots

320 South Cedros Ave. Suite 350, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (19)
Google
5.0 (13)
Yelp
4.5 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Del Mar Photographics offers portrait services to clients in San Diego. It is operated by Debora Cartwright, who has over two decades of experience doing photo shoots on-location and in the studio. She follows a four-step process in accommodating customers: consultation, photo session, design and ordering, and product delivery. Several print options are offered by the studio, including canvas gallery, wall art collages, coffee table books, and personalized holiday cards. Her portfolio covers headshots and personal branding, family and child portraits, and high school senior portraits.

  • Couples
  • Family

San Diego, CA 92117

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Michael & Kate Photography is a portrait photography studio in the San Diego, California, area. Michael and Kate Auda are a husband and wife team who have specialized in wedding photography for more than a decade. They provide their clients with wedding mementos such as signature albums, coffee table books, large giclee prints, bamboo prints, wood prints, and traditional glossy and semi-gloss professional prints. Engagement, portrait, headshot, and event shoots are also available.

7877 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Headshot by Rachel McFarlin caters to the photography needs of San Diego businesses. With a background in marketing, Rachel is a portrait photographer who offers lifestyle product and headshot photography to her clients. These types of photos can be used for medial events, annual reports, and product catalogs. She conducts individual and team headshot sessions, with options for outfit changes and multiple backgrounds. Her sessions take 45 minutes at most. Rachel's work has been published in the USA Today.

8029 Westmore Road, San Diego, CA 92126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (110)
Google
4.7 (94)
Facebook
4.3 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Fotility Photography & Videography is a studio operating within the San Diego, California, metro area, providing portrait services to clients with a range of needs. It often takes portraits of business people, brides and grooms, and graduating students. Aside from individual portraits, this business offers portraiture to families and organizations as well as casual or professional headshots. Other services include general wedding, event, real estate, and destination photography and videography.

San Diego, CA 92069

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (17)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Ernie and Fiona Padaon are a husband and wife team of wedding and portrait photographers based in San Diego. They have a reputation for taking spectacular photographs, and their work has been featured Exquisite Weddings, One Fab Day, and The Knot.

4916 Crystal Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (22)
Facebook
5.0 (8)
Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Mary Jo “MJ” Falvey is a San Diego-based lifestyle and family photographer who specializes in capturing authentic emotions and energetic candid images and portraits. She provides a welcoming environment and takes care of the little details that make the session relaxed and stress-free. In addition to photography, MJ assists clients with branding and social media content creation. Clients may select from different types of sessions, including “A Day in the Life”, “Lifestyle”, and “Limited Edition”.

San Diego, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Sean Grey Portrait offers photography services to people in San Diego. It strives to help women obtain positive self-image through glamour, maternity, and other types of photography. It encourages couples to have their own boudoir photoshoot to improve their relationships and empower their souls. In addition, it captures special moments during clients' wedding days and graduations. Owner and photographer Sean Grey provides photoshoot experiences that aim to celebrate his clients. His company also caters to those in the the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

  • High School senior portraits
  • Fashion Photographers
  • couples photography

1105 Jamacha Ln, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Christopher Nez, a freelance portrait photographer, is the founder of Nez Production LLC in San Diego. This is where he showcases his passion for photography. He has been in the industry for a year and a half, shooting various portraits that are commonly photographed in an editorial style. Christopher personally prefers moody and vibrant images, as demonstrated in his recent works. He has also been a professional videographer for over five years, covering events such as commercials, promo videos, and music videos.

Spring Valley, CA 91977

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (91)
Yelp
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Amy Gray is a professional photographer who specializes in custom portraits of families and engaged couples. She takes photos at outdoor locations in and around the San Diego area, using natural light to capture beautiful images. Families and couples speak highly of the skill and vision that she brings to their sessions.

4460 Camrose Avenue, San Diego, CA 92122

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (288)
Google
4.9 (64)
Facebook
5.0 (44)

Why choose this provider?

True Photography is a business that has been offering portrait photography to clients located in San Diego and throughout the surrounding areas for over 20 years. The company blends the natural and technical elements of photography to obtain portraits that fit clients' personalities and style preferences. Its skilled photographers understand lighting and composition and are able to capture quality photos in any setting. True Photography takes an unlimited numbers of photos during sessions and promptly retouches and edit them.

6244 El Cajon Blvd Unit:30, San Diego, CA 92071

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Boudoir Ego provides portraiture services to clients throughout the San Diego, California, metro area. It focuses on women, providing intimate photography sessions to clients of all shapes and sizes. Both basic and full sessions are available and clients are offered use of a lingerie closet, professional direction in photo shoots, and viewing sessions. Discretion is a large aspect of the business, and it vows never to share client images with the public.

San Diego, CA 91913

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (29)
Google
5.0 (23)
Yelp
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Leyna Butcher is a professional lifestyle photographer based in San Diego. She specializes in family portraits, newborn photography, and photography for special occasions. Leyna creates family heirlooms and custom wall galleries -- to the delight of her clients, who speak highly of her artistic talents.

740 13th Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (39)
Yelp
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Rich Soublet Photography is a business owned by photographer Rich that caters to San Diego and its surrounding areas. Specializing in portrait photography, Rich guides his clients in expressing themselves in every photo by coaching them and teaching them how to feel comfortable. With the aim of empowering his clients, he also offers business headshot services to actors and professional individuals looking for acting or corporate jobs. Moreover, Rich worked on the Black Presence Project to illustrate the stories of Black Americans.

San Diego, CA 92109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (28)

Why choose this provider?

John Cocozza is a professional photographer who has more than a decade of experience photographing bikini models, magazine editorials, and swimwear catalogs. He serves clients in San Diego, South Bay, North County, and Southern California; and he is an expert in capturing a huge range of subject matter, including surfing, martial arts, pets, events, products, business portraits, photojournalism, and landscapes. John digitally markets and promotes the models that he shoots, and they speak highly of his skill, professionalism, and vision.

3752 Park Blvd 403, San Diego, CA 92103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (88)
Facebook
5.0 (87)
Google
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Tiffany Allen Photography, Inc. is a full-service photography studio that specializes in maternity and newborn photography in San Diego and its surrounding areas. Owner and lead photographer Tiffany Allen is an award-winning photographer who has been passionate about photography since the age of eight. The studio offers complimentary consultation for its clients and offers discounts for military and service personnel. The studio also provides family, child, engagement, boudoir, and portrait photography services. Tiffany Allen Photography, Inc. is a newborn and maternity photography studio that has catered to clients in the San Diego area for over a decade. Owner and lead photographer, Tiffany Allen, is an architect-turned-photographer who turned her passion for photography into a full-time career. Allen focuses on her clients’ comfort, especially during newborn sessions. She has been praised for her patience. Other services include maternity, family, child, engagement, boudoir, and portrait photography services.

Compare our Top Portrait Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Gleimlight
Ramona, CA 92065Visit the website for price details
Photography By L Rose
3333 Midway Drive Unit 101, San Diego, CA 92110
Cassema Photography
14231 Garden Rd. #14, Poway, CA 92064
Heather Broomhall Photography LLC
5030 Del Monte Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Del Mar Photographics
320 South Cedros Ave. Suite 350, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Michael & Kate Photography
San Diego, CA 92117
Headshot by Rachel McFarlin
7877 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Fotility Photography & Videography
8029 Westmore Road, San Diego, CA 92126
Ernie & Fiona Photography
San Diego, CA 92069
Mary Jo Falvey Photography
4916 Crystal Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Sean Grey Portrait
San Diego, CA
Nez Production LLC
1105 Jamacha Ln, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Amy Gray Photography
Spring Valley, CA 91977
True Photography
4460 Camrose Avenue, San Diego, CA 92122
Boudoir Ego
6244 El Cajon Blvd Unit:30, San Diego, CA 92071
Photos By Leyna
San Diego, CA 91913
Rich Soublet Photography
740 13th Street, San Diego, CA 92101
John Cocozza Photography
San Diego, CA 92109
Tiffany Allen Photography, Inc.
3752 Park Blvd 403, San Diego, CA 92103

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.