Best Event Photographers in Santa Monica
From first birthday parties to bar mitzvahs and wedding celebrations, life is full of momentous occasions and events that are worth documenting. While everyone has a camera on their phone these days, there’s nothing quite like the work of a professional photographer to transform moments into enduring memories.
The sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles is home to an abundance of event photographers, with many basing themselves in the beachside community of Santa Monica. In this article, we’ll introduce eight of the best who are passionate about capturing life celebrations in all their many forms.
Rachel Borkow Photography
With a background in reality TV production and visual effects, Rachel Borkow established her own photography studio in 2015. It began with her shooting some engagement photos for friends and has resulted in her documenting hundreds of events that range from weddings to anniversary parties and family gatherings. She strives to capture images that are authentic and has a knack for making even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable. Originally from New York, she now calls Santa Monica “home” and regularly travels to Chicago to photograph events.
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Anokiart Photography
Alona Fedorenko is the owner and lead photographer at Anokiart Photography, which specializes in wedding events and portraits. She has around 13 years of professional experience and feels a deep passion for her craft. Originally from Ukraine, Alona says that her native country gave her a deep appreciation for natural light and she loves being invited to family gatherings, engagement sessions, and weddings to be a part of these special occasions. Clients love her ability to capture portraits that reflect their unique character and regularly invite her back to photograph their new family additions.
Melanie Alice Photography
Established in 2005, Melanie Alice Photography is focused on capturing weddings, events, and family portraits in Santa Monica and the Greater Los Angeles area. She picked up her first camera when she was 18 and was instantly hooked, with more than 15 years of experience now under her belt. Her early interest in anthropology and photojournalism influences her style and she handprints each image to ensure they are absolutely perfect. Melanie says that she loves capturing beauty in its most simple and raw form, and has been lucky enough to travel the world documenting her adventures.
HD Studio
HD Studio is a team of photography professionals that have been operating in the Greater Los Angeles area for 14 years. They’ve documented more than 500 weddings of all cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as traditional events celebrating human milestones.
In addition to high-quality photos, they also offer videography services, working behind the scenes to capture unforgettable moments. HD Studios describe their style as “organic” as they work with natural light and strive to document sincere emotions and pure love.
April Rocha Photography
April Rocha established her Santa Monica-based photography business after working as a talent and literary agent in the entertainment business. She now has 17 years of professional experience as a photographer behind her and shoots using both digital and film cameras (including toy and Polaroid cameras).
April has worked on projects with the Getty Museum and the International Printing Museum, as well as documenting corporate events for Cartier, Nestle, and Piaget. She regularly collaborates with the USC School of Architecture and has had her work published at “The Knot” and in Grace Ormonde’s “Wedding Style” magazine. Aside from shooting evenings, April is also a fine art photographer and her images have been exhibited in galleries across the United States.
Heather DeCamp Photography
Heather DeCamp is a Santa Monica-based wedding, event, and family photographer with more than 13 years of experience in the industry. She shoots all kinds of events, from baby and bridal showers to engagements, with a style that has been described as photojournalistic, romantic, and innovative.
Originally established in Chicago in 2008, she moved her business to the Los Angeles area and has been named one of the Top 5 Wedding Photographers in Southern California by the Wedding Photojournalism Association. Heather is passionate about capturing the real emotions of her clients and works closely with them to ensure they feel comfortable enough to express themselves.
The “I Do” Photography
Established in 2012, The “I Do” Photography is an award-winning team of photographers and videographers who specialize in weddings, quinceaneras, bar mitzvahs, and anniversaries. They feel privileged to witness and document some of the most personal moments in peoples’ lives and use state-of-the-art equipment to do so.
The company was created by Lydia and Alex whose photography journey began in a homemade darkroom developing black and white photos with their grandma. Since that time, they have shot over 1,000 weddings and grown their team to include some of the best photographers and videographers in Los Angeles. Aside from event photography, they also have a custom-made photo booth that clients can rent for their celebrations.
Melissa Rae Photography
Born and raised in Southern California, Melissa Rae is currently based in Santa Monica where she runs her event photography business. She specializes in documenting weddings, engagement sessions, and surprise proposals, as well as family and newborn portraits. Melissa says that she’s always been the one snapping away at events as long as she can remember and realized that being behind the camera was what made her happy. Her images are imbued with raw emotions and genuine laughter and you can see why her clients love her work.