Find a wedding photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Find wedding photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Find wedding photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best wedding photographers in your area.
Zip code

Budget

Find wedding photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best wedding photographers in your area.
Zip code

Budget

Top 10 wedding photographers in Carlsbad, CA

Clients agree: these vendors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
LainScapes & Eddie Lain Photography

LainScapes & Eddie Lain Photography

5.0(2)
10+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Kathy H. says, "Eddie is super creative and the quality of his work is impeccable. Very talented photographer. " Read more
MacTaggart Media

MacTaggart Media

New on Fash
12+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
I love what I do and it is reflected in the quality of my work.
Desert Rose Photography

Desert Rose Photography

5.0(1)
18+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Jasmine A. says, "Amazing work, very responsive, competitive pricing. When above and beyond at our event. Would definitely recommend!" Read more
Desert Light Studio

Desert Light Studio

5.0Exceptional(8)
3 hires on Fash
13+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Jasmine S. says, "It was a nice experience working with Vanessa! She is proficient and patient, and the turn around period is super short. Thanks Vanessa" Read more
Elly Captures Moments

Elly Captures Moments

5.0Exceptional(18)
1 hire on Fash
4+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Cassandra says, "Our pictures came out beautiful. A pleasure to work with and very patient with my little ones. " Read more
Jcckee Photography

Jcckee Photography

New on Fash
9+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
San Diego born and raised Freelance Photographer with over 10 years of experience. I am extremely passionate about making my clients visions come true along with my own personal photography. I was raised on film photography at the age of 7 and never gave up on pursuing this art form as my career. I have been freelancing for almost 2 years now full time utilizing my skills in many different types of photography. I work with several corporations in San Diego as well as travel around the country for photoshoots of all kinds. www.JacquelineCoronado.com Instagram: @jcckee LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/jacqueline-coronado-736089116...
LAdigitalPhoto

LAdigitalPhoto

5.0Exceptional(32)
2 hires on Fash
21+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Irma V. says, "We appreciate the time Cindy took to talk to us and grasp what we really wanted Her to capture … family portraits and close friends thank you LA DIGIITAL PHOTO for a night we will never forget …." Read more
Pura Vida Media

Pura Vida Media

5.0(1)
Offers online services
3+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Huber says, "Just recently got our engagement pictures done by them and I came to love them more than any other photography session I’ve ever had. Karlie was so determined to help me find the perfect setting and was also so great at helping me with the poses, with great ideas!! Marcelo was so intelligent with the camera and drone and knew just what he was doing and knowing how to make it look better too. I’m so impressed by their talent. I would highly recommend a photography session with them! They would make any occasion look great!!! Great job. Y’all are great and I’m so happy with our pictures. ❤️ thank you so much for capturing such an amazing engagement photoshoot for us" Read more
Aurora Snaps

Aurora Snaps

5.0Exceptional(5)
4 hires on Fash
6+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
Gilbert E. says, "She was fantastic and very kind. She helped us with anything we needed. I loved her for her energy and enthusiasm on the wedding day. She helped my wife and me on making sure we didn't mess up on the pictures. I am truly grateful and blessed for everything that she has done. I will be recommending her for my family and keeping her in my prayers." Read more
Stylish1Photography

Stylish1Photography

New on Fash
9+ years in business
Serves Carlsbad, CA
We strive to give excellent service every time.

Your Wedding Photography questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much are wedding photographer prices near me?

Wedding photography costs $1,600 to $3,600 on average but often exceeds $4,000 in major cities. Wedding photography prices range from $700 to $10,000, depending on the package, add-ons, location, and number of photographers.

When to book your wedding photographer?

Book your wedding photographer as early as possible, ideally as soon as you choose a date and reserve a venue. The best photographers book events more than 12 months in advance, especially for weddings during the peak season.

What to expect from your wedding photographer?

Before the wedding day

  • Discussion of the photographic style and your needs and wants
  • Contract and initial payment to reserve the date
  • Reviewing the wedding day timeline to ensure you schedule enough time for key photos
  • Engagement photo shoot, if included
  • Rehearsal dinner coverage, if included

On your wedding day

  • Capturing key moments during the getting-ready process, ceremony, and reception
  • Traditional or posed photos of the wedding couple, bridal party, and family
  • Photos of candid moments throughout the event

After the wedding

  • Photo editing and retouching
  • Delivery of proofs, typically via a private online gallery
  • Assistance with photo selection and album design
  • Delivery of prints or an album, if included

How much should you tip a wedding photographer?

Tipping a wedding photographer is not required but is usually appreciated. Consider tipping $50 to $200 to express your gratitude if the photographer exceeds your expectations.

How much do wedding photographers make?

Wedding photographers make $40,000 to $60,000 per year on average, depending on their experience and location.

How do I find wedding photographers near me?

Start by searching our list of wedding photographers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

  • Decide which photography style and aesthetic best suits your wedding.
  • Ask for referrals from friends, family, your wedding planner, the venue, and other wedding vendors.
  • Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
  • Choose a pro who specializes in wedding photography.
  • Interview your favorite photographers and discuss your ideas and vision.
  • Ask the photographer about their pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding process.
  • Schedule an engagement photo shoot to allow you to work with the photographer before the wedding day.
  • Get a detailed contract in writing that breaks down everything included in your package, the payment plan, and the refund and cancellation policy.
  • Discuss the photo usage and printing rights to confirm how you and the photographer can use the images. Photographers typically retain the copyright to the images, giving them the right to use the photos for marketing and social media.
  • Beware of basing the decision solely on pricing. The photographer with the lowest price may lack experience or isn't as good as local competitors.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the photographer in your area.

What questions to ask wedding photographers?

Ask them the following questions when hiring a wedding photographer:

  • How would you describe your photography style and approach?
  • Can we see full galleries from a few recent weddings?
  • How many weddings have you photographed?
  • Do you have our wedding date available?
  • How far in advance do we need to book with you?
  • Have you ever shot a wedding at our venue before?
  • Do you have experience shooting weddings of a similar size and style as ours?
  • How much are your packages, and what do they include?
  • What add-ons are available? Can we customize a package to suit our needs?
  • How many hours do you work? How much do you charge if we go over that time?
  • Can we discuss unique shots we'd like?
  • How much extra do you charge for an engagement shoot or rehearsal dinner coverage?
  • Do you provide retouching, color adjustment, or other editing services? Do they cost extra?
  • How long after the wedding will we receive our finished photos?
  • How will the images be delivered – online, in print, or on a USB drive? If online, how long will the proofs be available for viewing?
  • Will we own the rights to the digital images?
  • Do you provide high-resolution digital files? Do they cost extra?
  • What size can we print the finished files?
  • Do you offer printed items or albums?
  • How can our family members and friends order prints?
  • Can other guests take photos while you work?
  • Do you work with an assistant or second shooter? Can I meet them before the wedding?
  • How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
  • Do you charge a travel fee? What does it cover?
  • How much do you require on deposit? What is your payment schedule?
  • What is your refund or cancellation policy?
  • Do you have liability insurance? What does it cover?
  • Do you carry backup photo equipment?
  • What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on our wedding day?
  • Will you be sharing our wedding photos on your website, social media, or other magazines or blogs?

Reviews for Carlsbad wedding photographers

Recent success stories from people in the Carlsbad area.
Bawky
Professional, easy to work with, good direction, and fun!
LainScapes & Eddie Lain Photography
Brigid F.
Vanessa is the best photographer ever! Easy to work with, reliable, captures the images fantastically. Highly recommended!!!!!
Desert Light Studio
Karissa
Love! She works well with kids and made our family photoshoot so fun! I also did my birthday pictures with her and she caught me poppin champagne! 🍾
Elly Captures Moments
Tavonya G.
I absolutely love the outcome of the photos & loved the photographers they were very friendly & did an excellent job of letting us create our own moments with love & laughter. Highly recommend April 5, 2020
LAdigitalPhoto
Cindy T.
Julie did a great job on my graduation photos, would highly recommend and it was such a great and fun experience
Aurora Snaps
Janis B.
Sadly we did not wind up using this service. It was the first confirmation of a vendor for our 50-year reunion. I had all of our info tucked away and finalized. When I called him a few days before the reunion he said we had never returned our contract. That on my end was not true....being so efficient to book him first. He was booked with someone else....so I had to scramble to book another vendor. More expensive. Pictures were terrible. So very disappointed at all outcomes!
Dansby Photography (Formerly Pride Portrait and Reunions)
Kiki N.
My experience with J Limousine was unbelievably amazing! Joe has given me the best customer service I have ever experienced in my life and I can not wait to book him again in the near future. I planned a skydiving trip with a group of family and friends for an early birthday gift to myself. The group and I planned to travel from Los Angeles to Taft, California which is around a 2 hour trip just one way. After calling around dozens of party bus rentals and getting very high quotes, I finally came across J Limousine just a few days before our trip. I am so blessed to have come in contact with Joe. He was so friendly, so approachable, reasonable, and gave me a quote that was unmatched to any other offers given to me. Joe was beyond pleasant to work with, he communicated with me throughout every step of the process and assured me that everything would turn out great. He made sure I was comfortable putting a certain amount down for the deposit and kept me informed regarding who was our driver and details regarding our pickup times. Joe’s 12 passenger Mercedes Benz Sprinter was beautiful and beyond perfect for our round trip road trip. It was smooth, very spacious, loud Audio system ,etc. and our entire group loved the vehicle and services. Carmen was our driver to Taft and she was very hospitable and got us to our destination safely and in time for our jumps. Joe, himself, picked us up from Taft and took us back to Los Angeles expressing he wanted to meet me and the group in person. I have never encountered this type of service before and I will continue to rave and recommend J limo to anyone I know looking for a beautiful luxurious experience! Thank you SO much Joe!! You made my skydiving trip possible and an unforgettable experience! I can’t wait to book with you again soon. Thank you thank you thank you! God bless!!! :) -Kiki
J Limousine
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