Allie & Greg – Santa Barbara Engagement Photos

Santa Barbara Engagement Photos // December 2024

Since engagement season is upon us, I felt it was only appropriate to revisit one of my favorite engagement sessions ever. I took a bit of a break from photographing couples for my own business in 2019, but I want to pick it back up again.

If I am being completely honest, I felt as if my photography style was too unrefined for the trends of that time. I have had people over the years saw that my work is too “raw” for them and that they would prefer more stylized portraiture and more emphasis on details. While I understand that my style doesn’t have to be for everyone, it became really discouraging after a while and at the time, my fragile self-esteem couldn’t handle it.

It really destroyed my confidence for a while and it made me want to disappear. So I did. I mostly worked for other companies and what work I did photograph for myself, I seldom shared on social media or on my website. I just felt like my work didn’t matter and that I would never be “good enough” for the industry. My goal for my work is never to be featured in fancy blogs or magazines (even though I know it is a total honor!). I just want to take beautiful photos of people in love, ya know?

For 2025, I will be photographing weddings and couples again. It was something that I loved for so long and I gave it up purely because I didn’t feel like I was good enough. Now I realize it has nothing to do with me. I know I am a great photographer, but more importantly I know that there are plenty of couples who deserve to have their story documented.

If you are getting married in 2025 or 2026, please get in touch with me. I would love to hear more about you. I will also have a couple slots available at a reduced rate for those who do not have a large wedding budget. I believe that beautiful wedding photos should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.