Create Stunning Photo Memories of Your Vacation in Santa Monica
Beautifully capture your travel story
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Easy to book
Choose your dates and book your favorite available photographer.
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Quick Turnaround
Edited high-resolution digital photos in 5 business days
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Quality Photography
Vibrant photos of moments you will cherish forever
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Local Tips
Best local secrets for what to see, eat, & do in town
Vacation Photographers in Santa Monica
Handpicked and vetted by our team for quality, style, and skill. Make sure to check availability early so your dates don’t get booked up! Can’t pick your favorite Santa Monica photographer? Check who is available for your travel dates.
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Best Photography Spots for a Santa Monica Photoshoot
Santa Monica, a sun-kissed coastal haven nestled on the edge of Los Angeles, becomes a captivating canvas for photographers seeking the quintessential Southern Californian experience. The lens captures the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a lively amalgamation of amusement rides, carnival games, and panoramic ocean views. From the bustling Third Street Promenade, where vibrant street performers entertain shoppers, to the golden sands of Santa Monica Beach dotted with surfers and sunbathers, the city unfolds as a visual narrative of relaxed sophistication. Palms sway against the backdrop of pastel sunsets, and the historic Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel becomes a mesmerizing subject as it illuminates the night. This beachside paradise offers photographers a diverse palette, blending urban vibrancy, coastal charm, and the timeless allure of California's laid-back elegance.
Santa Monica Photographer Packages
Your vacation deserves better than smartphone snaps and selfies. Hire a local photographer in Santa Monica and return home with photo souvenirs that you’ll treasure for years to come. It’s a great idea for engagement photos, family portraits, honeymoon photos, bachelorette parties, or just because!
SHORT & SWEET
30 Minutes
1 Location
15 Retouched Photos
Images are digital, retouched, and high resolution. You will have the option to purchase more photos.
TIMELESS SOUVENIR
60 Minutes
1-2 Locations
30 Retouched Photos
Images are digital, retouched, and high resolution. You will have the option to purchase more photos.
STORYTELLER
90 Minutes
Multiple Locations
45 Retouched Photos
Images are digital, retouched, and high resolution. You will have the option to purchase more photos.
SIGHTSEER
2 Hours
Multiple Locations
60 Retouched Photos
Images are digital, retouched, and high resolution. You will have the option to purchase more photos.
What's included in my photoshoot package?
Peace of Mind
Choose from vetted and highly rated personal photographers. Hassle-free booking and a travel-friendly refund policy.
Quick Turnaround
Receive your gallery within 5 business days of your photoshoot, but usually sooner! Download your choice of 15, 30, 45 or 60 digital photos depending on your shoot package.
Expert Photo Editing
All photography is edited for light, color, & sharpness to make your vacation photos gorgeous. Advanced beauty edits are available for purchase.
Local Tips
Your personal photographer also acts as an informal tour guide with all the best photography spots and local secrets for what to see, eat, & do in town.
Print Release
Turn your digital photos into cherished travel prints & wall art! Use our printing partners and get FREE SHIPPING - as low as $1 USD for 4×6 luster prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Prices vary by city, ensuring you the best rates according to the local market. Choose between photography packages that range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The high-resolution photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. See pricing for your destination here.
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Check your dates, and then you'll be notified by email which photographers are available. Book your date and then your local professional photographer will work with you to go over all the best photography spots, when the best light will be, and how to beat the crowds to capture magical moments without tons of other tourists in the background. Local Lens vacation photographers are handpicked artists for quality, style, & skill. Not only will they take amazing photos, but they will edit them to be beautiful photo souvenirs you’ll treasure for years to come.
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All photos are professionally edited for vibrance and composition and delivered in a private online gallery where you can download your favorite photos in high-resolution jpg format. Additional files and high-quality prints from our professional partner labs are also available for purchase. You should receive an email with your photography gallery link within five business days.
Hello from Santa Monica!
Check out some tips, ideas & shots from our very own Santa Monica photographers.
Remember your vacation the right way with Local Lens
Inquire Now
POV: You just got engaged… with an elephant as your happiest witness 🐘💍❤️
Not your typical proposal witness — but definitely the cutest (and biggest!) one.
Can you guess the location — Bali or Chiang Mai?
📸 Captured by Suriyathepjuti
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#engagementphotos #weddingproposal #proposalideas #proposalphotography #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal #vacationphotographer
✨👨👩👧👦 Big family or small crew: Fun & easy pose ideas to try ⤵️
Family photos at the beach aren’t about perfect poses — they’re about laughs, sandy toes, and those in-between moments you’ll never want to forget.
🏃♀️ Walk along the shore hand-in-hand
😂 Run toward the camera (chaos encouraged)
🤗 Group hug or family pile in the sand
🏖️ Sit in the sand, just soaking it all in
🌅 Quiet moment looking out at the ocean together
Whatever you do — keep it fun, keep it real, and let your love shine through.
Who’s ready for a beach day that turns into a forever memory? 🙋♀️❤️
📸 Captured by Kori-ann in Big Island, Hawaii
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#hawaiiphotographer #hawaiiphotographers #hawaiistagram #hawaiiphotography #hawaiibestphotos #hawaiilove #beachphotoshoot #beachphotography #familyphotoideas #familyphotoshoot #familyphotography
✨🏔️ 5 Fun Facts About Cusco You Probably Didn’t Know ⤵️
This city isn’t just a pretty face — Cusco is packed with history, mystery, and a few surprises up its sleeves! 😍 Here are some fun facts to impress your travel buddy:
1️⃣ Cusco was built in the shape of a puma (how cool is that?)
2️⃣ It was once the capital of the Inca Empire
3️⃣ It sits at 3,400 meters— yep, you’ll feel the altitude!
4️⃣ Some streets are still lined with original Inca stone walls
5️⃣ The name “Cusco” means “navel of the world” — because it was the center of everything for the Incas!
Already dreaming of getting lost in these ancient streets? Tag your Cusco travel buddy! 🧳✨
📸 Captured by Marco in Cusco
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#proposalideas #proposalphotography #cuzcoperu #cuscocity #cuscoperu #visitcusco #couplephotoshoot #travelsouthamerica #cuzco #visitperu #travelperu #surpriseproposal #proposalinspiration #weddingproposal
🌴 Your Sign to Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷✨
If you’ve been dreaming of turquoise waters, colorful streets, and non-stop island vibes—San Juan is calling!
Here are 5 reasons why it should be at the top of your travel list:
1️⃣ Old San Juan’s Charm — Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and Spanish colonial history
2️⃣ Beach Bliss — White sands + warm Caribbean waves = paradise
3️⃣ Incredible Food — Mofongo, tostones, and fresh seafood for days 😋
4️⃣ Rich Culture — Vibrant music, art, and energy everywhere you go
5️⃣ Picture-Perfect Backdrops — From historic forts to sunset coastlines, it’s a photographer’s dream!
👉 Planning a trip? San Juan’s magic is better when it’s captured forever—let us help! (LINK IN BIO)
📸 Captured by Thania in San Juan, Puerto Rico
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#puertorico_greatshots #sanjuanbeach #sanjuanpuertorico #puertoricogram #puertoricophotographer #puertoricovacation #puertoricophotography #visitpuertorico #puertoricotrip #puertorico_world #proposalphotography #proposalideas #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal #weddingproposal #engagementphotos
Tag your travel buddy who’s always down for the next adventure 🛫🌏
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
Big love deserves a big backdrop 💍✨—and we’re here to help you capture every second of it.
👉 Thinking of popping the question soon? Tap the link in bio to start planning your dream proposal shoot!
📸 Captured by Dwi in Seoul, South Korea
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#seoultrip #seoulkorea #seoultravel #seoulcity #seoulphotography #seoulphotographer #proposalideas #proposalinspiration #proposalphotography #weddingproposal #surpriseproposal #engagementphotos
👨👩👧👦 We truly believe every family deserves a professional photo session at least once a year.
Because the days feel long, but the years? They fly by. And in the rush of everyday life, we sometimes forget to pause and capture the now.
It’s not about perfect poses or matching outfits.
It’s about freezing the giggles, the cuddles, the quirks, and all the beautiful chaos.
No pressure! No posing stress! Just real moments, real memories, and a whole lot of heart 😘❤️
✨ Ready to make some magic? Tap the link in our bio to book your family session.
📸 Captured by Dwi in Seoul, South Korea
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#seoultrip #seoulkorea #seoultravel #seoulcity #seoulphotography #seoulphotographer #familyphotoideas #familyphotoshoot #familyphotography
Solo traveler? Here are some fun solo photoshoot ideas + tips to level up your travel shots:
💃 Movement is magic — twirl, walk, or play with your outfit for natural, candid vibes
📍 Frame yourself with local landmarks — you + the view = magic
🤳 Props are your best friend — a coffee cup, book, or hat adds personality (and gives your hands something to do!)
🪞 Mirror shots or reflections — great for unique framing, especially in cafes or city streets
🧍♀️ Work those angles — Slight turns, looking away, or a soft gaze can totally elevate the vibe
🌅 Chase the Light — Golden hour is your glow-up moment
📷 Hire a local photographer to capture you effortlessly (no tripod stress!)
Solo adventure coming up? Save this post for inspo & tag a fellow solo traveler!
📸 Captured by Chanella in Nassau, The Bahamas
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#nassaubahamas #nassauphotographer #bahamas #thebahamas #bahamasbeach #bahamastravel #bahamasphotographer #beachphotoshoot #beachphotography #solotrip #solotraveler
Traveling solo? Don’t skip the photoshoot! 🛫🌏
A solo vacation is more than just a getaway—it’s a celebration of YOU. Your courage, your joy, your freedom. So why not capture it with a photoshoot that’s all about your vibe, your style, and your story?
No awkward selfies! No asking strangers for help! Just beautiful, confident shots that reflect the amazing adventure you’re on. You deserve to be in the frame, not just behind the camera.
👉 Taking a solo trip soon? Let us help you capture the magic. Tap the link in bio to book your shoot!
📸 Captured by Heidi in Barcelona, Spain
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#barcelonaphoto #barcelonaphotographer #barcelonaphotography #barcelonacity #barcelonaspain #barcelonatravel #solotrip #solotraveler
🌺🌈 Gender reveal in Maui? Say ALOHA to the sweetest surprise!
Here are a few fun ways to make your reveal extra special:
🎈 Pop a confetti balloon with island views in the background
💌 Bring a letterboard with your big news for a personal touch
👟 Style your reveal with custom baby onesies or tiny shoes in the sand
🎉 Party poppers + palm trees = the ultimate celebration combo
🖼️ Show off that ultrasound pic against a dreamy Maui sunset
Which idea would you pick? Tell us below! ⬇️
📸 Captured by Tess in Maui, Hawaii
🌐 www.locallens.com
▶️ #locallensphotographers
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#hawaiiphotographer #hawaiiphotographers #hawaiistagram #hawaiiphotography #hawaiibestphotos #hawaiilove #mauiphotography #mauihawaii #mauistyle #travelhawaii #visithawaii #hawaiitrip #hawaiivacation #mauiphotographer #babymoon #mumtobe #momtobe #pregnancyphotography #pregnantstyle
