Top 10 Engagement Photographers in Santa Monica

There’s no better way to get to know your wedding photographer and become comfortable in front of the camera than with an engagement session. It’s an opportunity to trial your wedding hair and makeup, practice your posing, and come away with images you can use for your “save the date”.

With its proximity to Los Angeles and enviable Southern California lifestyle, Santa Monica is home to some of the best engagement photographers in the region. In this guide, we’ll introduce 10 to keep your eye on, whether you’re after a cinematic, whimsical, or vintage style.

Michael Segal Photography

Michael Segal is an award-winning wedding, fashion, and celebrity photographer who regularly turns his hand to capturing couples’ engagement sessions. He shoots with a combination of digital and film cameras and was voted as one of the “Top 10 wedding photographers in Los Angeles 2020” by Wedding Rule. Previous subjects have included Matthew McConaughey and Christina Aguilera, and his work has appeared in “Vogue”, “People” and “Martha Stewart Weddings”. He’s passionate about telling love stories but in a calm and relaxed manner.

Blushing Bride Photography and Videography

Blushing Bride specializes in not only engagement and wedding photography but also videography, drawing on their decades of experience in the industry. They work with clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, as well as in the Bay Area. They are a preferred vendor at Disneyland Parks and Resorts if you’re considering a fairytale-inspired e-session and love traveling for destination weddings. When you book an engagement session with Blushing Bride, you can expect dramatic light and a service that’s professional, to say the least.

M. Hart

M. Hart is a Texan born (but Utah raised) engagement and wedding photographer who has been living in Los Angeles for the past 12 years. She’s been listed as one of the “Top 10 Wedding Photographers in Los Angeles” and “Top 100 Wedding Photographers in the World”, with a style that combines photojournalism with a timeless aesthetic and beautiful light. She loves capturing emotionally candid moments and the romantic essence of the couples she works with.

Parada Studio

Tanya Parada is an award-winning engagement and wedding photographer and the woman behind Parada Studio. Based out of Santa Monica, she’s traveled across the United States and internationally to document weddings and says that she lives for capturing “real moments” and telling a couple’s story through “unique, emotive and compelling imagery.” Not only is Tanya an ambassador for MagMod and SLR Lounge but she’s been voted as one of the best “Wedding Photojournalists in the LA Area”.

Erin Shimazu Photography

With around 10 years of shooting weddings and engagement sessions under her belt, Erin Shimazu holds a BA in Fine Art and is passionate about spreading joy around the world. She believes that as a photographer, it’s important to understand the needs and personalities of her clients so that she can capture authentic photos that speak to them. When she’s not shooting e-sessions in and around the Los Angeles area, Erin is busy teaching photography workshops and shooting for Make-A-Wish.

The Indigo West

Daniel is the photographer behind The Indigo West, a Southern California-based studio with a distinctly photojournalistic style. He picked up his first camera at the age of 11 and honed his skills later in life while living in the SouthWest. The Indigo West was born out of a desire to shoot events in a candid, unobtrusive, and real way, rather than posed images or overly theatrical shots. He collaborates closely with his clients to determine what is a true reflection of them while offering gentle direction when required.

Christie Evans Photography

Specializing in portraits, weddings, and special events, Christie Evans is a Los Angeles-based engagement photographer. She’s passionate about connecting with her clients and discovering what they need while delivering artistic, candid shots. Previous clients comment on her personable and friendly nature, with an ability to combine natural shots with choreographed portraits and genuine moments. Testament to Christie Evans’ talents is that she received a Couples’ Choice Award from Wedding Wire in 2021.

Tyler Chase Photography

Tyler Chase is a Los Angeles native who loves documenting destination engagement sessions and weddings. She takes the time to really get to know her couples so that they feel comfortable in front of the camera and like they’re just hanging out with an old friend when their e-session rolls around. She works quickly and efficiently to capture the best images possible while also being laid-back and caring. Tyler believes that having a photography mentor is one of the best things she ever did for her business and now offers the same to up-and-comers in the industry.

Michael Anthony Photography

Michael Anthony Photography was established in 2011 by Michael Anthony and Jennifer Loizzi who have since won countless awards for their colorful, contemporary, and cinematic style. While based in Santa Clarita, they shoot throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond and have been lucky enough to capture destination weddings around the globe. In 2018, Michael Anthony was ranked as the Number 2 Wedding Photographer in the World by “One Eyeland” and has had his work featured in more than 20 different publications.

Kevin Dinh

Covering engagement sessions, rehearsal dinners, and weddings themselves, Kevin Dinh is one of the most in-demand photographers in the Los Angeles area. He loves capturing the moments and emotions that make each celebration unique, with dramatically lit, bright and timeless images. Drawing on his background in visual communication, Kevin worked as a graphic designer for around a decade before making the shift to photography. It’s now a full-time career, with around 60 weddings documented every year by his talented team of photographers.

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