Orange County Photographer

Capturing your next photograph in beautiful Orange County, California.

"Working with Nate has been and is always an absolute pleasure! Professional, very talented, and has an amazing vision. Always makes sure a client is happy and has very quick turnaround with editing. Highly recommend!

Cosette Rinab (@cosette) - 1.6m FollowersTik Tok Ambassador / Instagram Influencer

"Super happy with Nate's high quality photos! He has very creative concepts, is a pleasure to shoot with, and I highly recommend to anyone."

Markian Benhamou (@markianb) - 4.5m FollowersFacebook / Instagram Content Creator

"I personally shot with him and felt nothing but good vibes from this dude. He's always willing to put extra work in, and the quality is 100% guaranteed."

Yoshio KawamuraNSCA Certified Personal Trainer

"Nate is a class act. I did a lifestyle photoshoot with Nate and was extremely pleased with how the photos came out. He was very flexible and knowledgable during the shoot. I personally rely on a few specific poses for my shoots, so I was particularly impressed at the numerous additional poses he knew would read well on camera. Highly recommend!

Alan Chow (@alanchikinchow) - 600k FollowersActor / Content Creator

Tall Palm Trees, Blue Water, Lush Green Cliff Sides

Why Shoot Portrait Photography In Orange County, California

Orange County, California is one of those classic Oceanside towns you’ll only find in California. If I were to describe the area in one word, it would be “sophisticated” and the portraits I shoot in and around the area will naturally show that.

Tall palm trees, blue water, and lush green cliff sides make up much of the landscape. And the city is rife with opportunities to partake in the wealth and glamor that permeates the town. However, my photography can be as low key or as high end as you want it to be. Orange County, California may be a rich town, but it’s full of natural and rugged beauty that will give us plenty of options to work with.

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"Come As You Are"

What You Can Wear For Photoshoots In Orange County, California

I always tell my clients, “come as you are.” That adage applies to most of my shoots. However, I’m always open to advise you if you need it. Depending on what you’re looking for in a portrait you may want to dress up or down for the occasion.

However, Orange County, California is a large, diverse area with many elements to pick and choose from. It’s best if we discuss where we’ll be shooting and then we can discuss your wardrobe. Some of my clients even bring multiple sets! At the end of the day, it’s what you’re comfortable with but I’ll always be willing to offer my expertise.

Open-Minded

Why Choose Me As Your Orange County Portrait Photographer

I know Orange County like the back of my hand. I know what streets give that quintessential “Orange County” look and I know where to go to find the sophisticated, elegant, fun, and the unorthodox. The truth is, I’m a great improvisational photographer.

With a little bit of old fashioned intuition and maybe a little Googling or Instagramming, I’ll find that once-in-a-lifetime shot no matter where I am. But to me, Orange County is my home and it’s where my inventiveness shines because it’s fortified by intimate knowledge.

With photography, it’s not always about where you shoot but how you shoot. I have the tools, the knowledge, and the open-mindedness to make a place truly feel like it’s breathing through my photography.

While portrait photography is often about the model, it’s often just as important to capture the energy of the location. I’ve found that skill through my determination as a photographer, and I continuously bolster it in my hometown of Orange County.

Your Next Photograph

Orange County Photography Services

Natural

Orange County Portrait Photo Retouching

Each portrait photography session includes post-production editing using state of the art photo editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.

I offer high-end portrait retouching using professional techniques (dodge and burning, frequency separation, etc.) and other editing services to ensure your photos are of the highest quality. The post-production retouching allows me to removes unwanted marks and blemishes on your face to ensure you receive the best portrait photos possible.

Comfortable

Guidance on Posing

One of the key elements of a successful photo shoot with people is creating the mood. It is my job to act as the emotional balancer during the shoot. It is understandable to get tense when your face is in front of the camera, however, it will also show in the photograph.

It is my job to make you comfortable and at ease. I like to think of all my clients as friends and while still offering a professional service, I want to be viewed as more than a person holding a camera. During the pre-shoot consultation, I make it a point to understand your vision and interests to ensure we have a relaxed photo shoot that produces great natural light portraits.

Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel

Palm trees surround the Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel, which is located within the lush courtyard of the Irvine Spectrum Center.

During the day, striking blue skies give you plenty of vivid natural light. In the evening, the Center turns on its 52,000 LED lights to fill the space with neon hues that give off a party atmosphere.

Heisler Park

At Heisler Park you have a bunch of different backdrops to choose from. The first thing you’ll see is the spectacular ocean views, complete with tide pools during low tide. Once your eyes are adjusted, you’ll notice the curious sculptures that dot the landscape.

There’s something for everyone at Heisler Park, whether you want your portrait in front of a startling ocean landscape or if you’d rather entertain curiosity amid the myriad of sculptures.

Inspiration Point

This location is aptly named. I’ve found plenty of inspiration photographing my clients at this quaint observation point that overlooks the ocean. It’s a great spot during sunset, as the sun dips down, shadows become more aggressive and the light more subdued.

It’s truly a magical time. Even during the day, I find the panoramic view of the ocean to be an inspiring source for my portraiture.

Mountain View Park

The view of the Santa Ana Mountains may be far away, but it’s sometimes the perfect way to capture an intimate portrait. The paradoxical nature of your foreground as it competes with a grand yet miniaturized background can bring an interesting quality to a shoot.

Beyond the Santa Ana Mountains, Mountain View Park is full of lush landscaping and sweeping fields—all of which function as potential backdrops.

Spots in Orange County

Locations in Orange County, California for Portrait Photography

Orange County is one of those places where you can be almost anywhere and manage to capture a magic moment.

However, there are some essential spots for getting great photos that anyone planning a portrait session in Orange County should know about. I’ve been to each location and know each area well!

Orange County Trivia

Facts About Orange County, California

Orange County was once a place for cowboys and robbers

Off of the 405, there is a spot called “Barton’s Mound”, which is meant to memorialize James Barton, the Sherriff of Orange County in 1857. He was gunned down by a notorious outlaw named Juan Flores on that exact spot.

There may be buried treasure somewhere in Orange County

In the early 1800s, the coastline of Orange County was a popular stopping point for pirates, in 1818, one such pirate by the name of Bouchard parked his vessel on the shore, leading his men to the nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano whereby they drank all of the Mission’s alcohol, consumed all of their food, and henceforth fled from the scene by way of their anchored ship. Did they leave some treasure behind in their escape? It’s possible.

There is a rich German history in Orange County

You may not think of German ancestry when you think of Orange County, but a party of Germans indeed settled the area in 1856. In fact, Anaheim, California is named “ana” for the nearby Santa Ana River juxtaposed with “heim”, which is German for “home”.

FAQ

How will I receive the files?

You will receive the edited files within 2 weeks of your session. You will receive all of the files via WeTransfer, which is an easy + free email service. You can then send them to print, forward to your friends + family, and post online!

Download links expire after a few day so be sure to download your images as soon as possible!

What Am I Paying for Exactly?

Location scouting, posing tips, professional photo editing/retouching (color correction, tone adjustments, exposure adjustments, blemish/scar removal, teeth whitening, eye redness reduction, wrinkle/fine line removal), camera handling, my witty banter.

*small travel fee if outside Orange County

Do I get to select the images?

Part of my job is making the image selects and choosing the most flattering photos. I do not want to deliver images that are repeats, blurry, out of focus, shots of you blinking, or mid-sentence speaking.

I do not withhold any images, I only remove the “bad” ones based on the criteria listed above.

Can I edit the Images?

I ask that my clients do not add filters or crop any of the final edited images. I spend time ensuring the color balance and tones are correct in each image! If you want a particular edit style please let me know before the shoot and I can accommodate since I have experience editing many different styles.

What about time and location?

I suggest blocking out 2 hours for your shoot the time. My timeframes are pretty generous. I usually wrap up earlier if I am able to shoot quickly.

I plan shoots based on one location and its surrounding area. There is a small additional fee for each additional “location.”

What if I need to cancel?

I ask for a $100 electronic non-refundable deposit to secure your session date + time. If you need to cancel you can put your deposit toward a re-schedule or you can have it refunded.