Aerial view of couple cuddling on a sailboat mesh deck over the water.

 

Services & investment

 

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph a lot of weddings over the years, and one

thing I’ve learned is how much these photos actually end up meaning later on. It’s not just about the location,

the light, or everything looking “perfect”—those things matter, but they’re not the reason these photos stick.

It’s the people. The relationships. The small, in-between moments that you don’t even realize are happening at the time. That’s what I’m really there for. The way your partner looks at you when no one else is paying attention.


The way your friends lose it during a speech. The quick, quiet moments in the middle of all the chaos. Because the truth is—time moves fast. Things change. And photos have a way of bringing you right back to how it all felt.


If you can look at your gallery years from now and feel that same energy, laugh at the same moments, or get those little goosebumps all over again… that’s everything. At the end of the day, this is more than just hiring someone to take photos. It’s choosing someone who sees what matters to you—and knows how to preserve it.


And that’s something worth investing in.


Romantic couple sharing a kiss on a wooden bridge overlooking water outdoors.

Couples and Engagement

From $ 500

Engagement sessions are a chance to slow things down and just be yourselves.


It’s where we get comfortable working together before the wedding—no pressure, no awkward posing—just real moments and an easy, natural flow that carries into your day.

Black and white romantic beach photo of couple embracing at sunset.

 

Maternity

 

 

FROM $ 500

 

Maternity sessions are all about slowing down and honoring this season of life—the anticipation, the connection, and the quiet beauty of everything that’s about to change. My approach is relaxed and natural, with gentle guidance that allows you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully present in the moment.


I focus on genuine emotion, beautiful light, and the subtle in-between moments that make this chapter so meaningful. The result is timeless imagery that feels soft, honest, and true to your story.

Happy family of four posing near a reflecting pool with historic building backdrop.

Portrait and Family

FROM $ 500

Portrait sessions are relaxed, natural, and centered around genuine connection. Whether you’re celebrating family milestones, or simply wanting beautiful photos of this chapter in life, my approach is easygoing and guided in a way that never feels forced.


I blend candid moments with subtle direction so you can be present, have fun, and walk away with images that feel timeless, emotive, and true to you. The goal is simple: create photographs that not only look beautiful, but feel like you.

Aerial black and white wedding photo of bride and groom dancing on ornate floor.

Elopements & Micro Weddings

For couples planning a more intimate wedding day, I offer coverage for partial day weddings, elopements, and micro weddings with the same care and intention as any full celebration. Whether it’s a courthouse ceremony, a private coastal vow exchange, a backyard gathering, or a small destination weekend, your story deserves to be documented in a meaningful way.


My approach stays true to the real moments—emotion, connection, atmosphere, and all the in-between memories that make the day yours. No matter the size of the guest list, the experience and photographs should feel timeless, personal, and unforgettable.

 

Investment begins at $ 2,000

 

Groom dips bride in a romantic kiss after outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by cheering guests.

Full day weddings

Your wedding deserves more than beautiful photos—it deserves imagery that feels like the day itself. Every celebration is different, but what matters most is preserving how it all felt: the energy, the emotion, the people you love, and the moments you never want to forget.


My approach blends candid documentary storytelling with clean, timeless portraits, creating a gallery that feels honest, elevated, and true to you. From intimate local weddings to destination celebrations across California, nationwide, and beyond, the goal is simple: when you look back, it takes you right back to it.

 

Investment begins at $ 5,000

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you travel for destination weddings?

Yes! I love traveling! Please contact me to

discuss travel fees and accommodation.

2. Do you help with planning our engagement session?

Absolutely. Most couples are excited for their session but aren’t sure where to start—and that’s completely normal. I’m happy to help with everything from choosing the right location and best time for light to outfit ideas and creating a vibe that feels true to you both.


My goal is to make the process easy, fun, and stress-free so you can simply show up, enjoy the experience, and get photos that feel natural and genuine.

3. Can we have a second shooter?

Yes! A second shooter can be added in every package offered aa as nd can be added to the Gold and Silver packages for an additional fee.

4. What’s your approach to photographing a wedding day?

My approach is a balance of calm direction and honest storytelling. I’ll step in when needed to guide portraits, family photos, and moments that need structure, but much of the day I’m observing and documenting things as they naturally unfold.


I focus on real emotion, meaningful in-between moments, and creating images that feel timeless—not overly posed or forced. My goal is for you to be fully present in your wedding day while I preserve it in a way that feels true to how it all happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

5. How would you describe your photography style?

My photography style is a blend of documentary & candid storytelling. I’m drawn to real moments, genuine emotion, beautiful light, and the subtle in-between moments that often end up meaning the most. The term "Fly on a wall" is a great way to describe it.

The end result is imagery that feels natural, elevated, and true to life—photos that look beautiful now and still feel meaningful years from now.

6. Do we need a shot list?

You generally do not need to provide me with a shot list. If your ceremony or reception contains unique elements or you want to ensure certain special people are highlighted, you can mention these to me. I also ask you to ensure that certain items, like the rings, florals, and invitations are ready to go when I arrive, as I will begin the coverage by shooting these. Beyond that, let me take care of it!

7. Do you retouch our photos?

I include color correction and exposure adjustment for all digital photos and prints. As well as some blemish correction. In general, I prefer the photos to look natural and genuine, I will edit with my own personal artistic tone and look as well.

8. How long till I receive the final photos?

I pay the utmost care and attention to each project. Turnaround time for engagement and bridal photo session is around 3 to 4 weeks and turnaround time for weddings is around 3 to 4 months. I will provide sneak peeks for weddings.

1 / 5

Testimonials
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss under a flowing veil at golden hour sunset.

When my husband and I were wedding planning, our wedding coordinator sent us a list of recommended vendors and on that list was Michael. One of best wedding destinations we made! Michael was so friendly and easy going. He totally fit the vibe we were looking for. My husband and I are very go with the flow and wanted to give our photographer creative freedom with a few inspiration pictures. And Michael DELIVERED. Our engagement shoot and wedding pictures were absolutely stunning. Your photographer is the person you probably see the most on your wedding day so make sure it’s someone you enjoy being around. What started off as a professional relationship ended in a friendship! So if you’re looking for a talented, friendly, awesome photographer, Michael is your guy!

Kassie & Andrew

1 / 5

Testimonials
Bride and groom share an intimate moment on a bridge at golden hour during their wedding.

Michael and his team are amazing !!!! I hired him for our engagement shoot and wedding and all the photos were a dream! He puts so much attention to detail and really gets in his zone. He’s so nice and really made taking photos a natural and easy thing! He also asked me to write a list of specific shots I wanted taken on the wedding day and he nailed them all! I recommend him to anyone and will definitely be using him again in the future!

Samantha & Phillip

1 / 5

Testimonials
Couple shares first kiss at altar beneath stunning white floral arch at outdoor wedding.

Michael captured my husband and I’s engagement shoot and wedding absolutely beautifully. He put us at ease for both events and somehow captured magic through his lens. He is super communicative, listens and cares about what his clients are concerned about and what their vision is, and is an overall fantastic human being. Thank you Michael for making these milestones extra special for us. We are so grateful to have worked with you!

Yara & Matt

1 / 5

Testimonials
Groom lifts bride joyfully as guests celebrate along the wedding ceremony aisle.

Michael is the best! We’ve used him a few times now and every single time he out does himself. We just used him for our wedding and did an amazing job as always. I 10/10 would recommend him for any shoot. We love working with him!

Danielle & James

1 / 5

Testimonials
Bride and groom hold hands on a sandy beach in soft natural light after wedding.

I told Michael on one of my social feeds that he has a natural talent for capturing in photos the love and joy people have on special days in their lives. That same comment I felt the need to reiterate in this review because its the spirit of what I now know he is capable of, and what I believe is important for others to know if they are looking for a photographer for their wedding, engagement, maternity shoot, or a proposal. My wife and I now have gorgeous sunset photos to look back at our wedding day for the rest of our lives thanks to Michael. He is super awesome to work with - very accommodating, responds fast to all of your questions/concerns, is creative, and throws in plenty of fun ideas during shoots!


If you have doubts about what I just said, I highly recommend checking out some of his work here or on other outlets he’s on. But heed my advice and look no further if you are trying to get someone to help you capture the spirit of your celebration in life - Michael Astorga is the right person for the job.

Lauren & Amar

1 / 5