Best Photographers in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
Choosing the right photographer in Santa Monica, CA can be overwhelming. Our directory contains 32 active photographers records for the Santa Monica area. Use the available information to build a shortlist and verify fit directly. At Photographer Ranked, we analyze publicly available data to order the listed profiles using the stated comparison method -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates photographers in Santa Monica, California using our Directory information score, which adds fixed points for captured public reviews, listed credentials, press mentions, web presence, reported experience, and profile completeness. The directory contains 32 active business records in this market; 15 appear in this list.
By the numbers: Directory information scores on this list range from 20/100 to 27/100, the average age based on recorded founding years is 39 years. Source coverage varies between profiles.
Each entry below includes the business's Directory information score, star rating, review count, and an explanation of the recorded information used in the comparison. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Santa Monica.
The Top 15 Photographers in Santa Monica, CA
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#1 Broken Dove 27/100
Ranked 1st among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Broken Dove Productions is a Santa Monica-based video production company specializing in brand storytelling, commercial videography, corporate videos, documentaries, drone videography & event video.…
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#2 Mercy Brothers 26/100
Ranked 2nd among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Clients in Santa Monica trust Mercy Brothers for their photography needs. Reach them at +13107752612 or email chachi@mercyplease.com. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 20…
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#3 Livin' Large Productions 26/100
Selected for team of 2 professionals.
Based in Santa Monica, CA, Livin' Large Productions provides comprehensive photography services to residential and commercial clients throughout the region. Their motto: "22 Waves Creative" What clie…
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#4 Apache 26/100
Selected for team of 2 professionals.
Need a photographer in Santa Monica? Apache is ready to help with your next project. Reach them at +14242804300 or email info@apache.tv. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at…
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#5 EPS Cineworks 25/100
Ranked 5th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Rent Avid editing systems for professional video editing. High-performance equipment for film, TV, and post-production studios. Daily, weekly, and monthly rental plans available.
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#6 Hellman Production 24/100
Ranked 6th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Hellman Production brings professional photography expertise to the Santa Monica, CA community. They serve clients in the premium market segment. Reach them at +13234560446 or email graphics@hellmanp…
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#7 Wolf Bernard 23/100
Ranked 7th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Residents of Santa Monica, CA looking for expert photography services can rely on Wolf Bernard. Reach them at (310) 399-6803 or email photo@bernardwolf.com. Visit their website to learn more about th…
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#8 Encapsulate Studio 23/100
Selected for specializes in encapsulate, 424 239 8138, services.
Compare Encapsulate Studio with other photographers in Santa Monica, CA using the facts on this profile. Listed focus areas include ENCAPSULATE, 424 239 8138, Services, Studio Gallery, Portfolio Head…
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#9 Response Real Estate Videography 22/100
Ranked 9th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Based in Santa Monica, Response Real Estate Videography provides quality photography services to the greater CA area. Reach them at +18186136773 or email mstoneic@gmail.com. Visit their website to le…
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#10 Dennis Dunbar & Associates 22/100
Selected for 35 years of experience (est. 1991).
Dennis Dunbar & Associates serves clients throughout the Santa Monica, CA area with expert photography services. They serve clients in the premium market segment. Reach them at +13104631677 or email…
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#11 Incendio 22/100
Ranked 11th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Incendio is a boutique post-production studio in Santa Monica, California, that provides color correction for agency-driven commercials, music videos, feature films, and art installations. Their suit…
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#12 A La Mode Photo 21/100
Ranked 12th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
Los Angeles Boutique Photographer for Maternity , Family, Newborn, Children, Weddings. Natural and Home settings specializing in Maternity Photography, Newborn Photography, and Family Photography. Lo…
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#13 Track and Field Image 21/100
Selected for 43 years of experience (est. 1983).
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#14 Black Bear 20/100
Ranked 14th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
For professional photography services in Santa Monica, CA, contact Black Bear at +14242916000 or explore their website.
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#15 Self Tape Service.com 20/100
Ranked 15th among photographers in this market based on overall Directory information score.
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How We Ranked These Photographers
The Directory information score adds fixed points for captured public ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, listed credentials, press mentions, and reported experience, up to 100 points. Missing data contributes no points; a low score may mean missing information. It does not measure service quality. No business can pay for a higher score.
Profile coverage and sources vary. Follow the source attribution and business links on each profile, verify credentials with the issuing organization, and confirm current availability and terms directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best photographers in Santa Monica?
Photographer Ranked orders profiles using the Directory information score, a 0–100 summary of captured profile and public review information. Fixed point limits apply to ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, listed credentials, press mentions, and reported experience. Missing information contributes no points. A low score may mean missing data; the score is not a measure of service quality or a recommendation. There is no paid placement.
Who is the #1 photographer in Santa Monica, CA?
Broken Dove appears first in this Directory information score comparison for Santa Monica, with a Directory information score of 27/100. This reflects recorded information and the selected sort order, not an independent assessment of service quality.
How often is this list updated?
Lists are generated from the records currently held in the directory. Imports and corrections may change their order. Update timing varies by source; this page does not claim a monthly audit or independent verification of every fact.
How many photographers are there in Santa Monica?
Our database currently tracks 32 active photographers in the Santa Monica, CA metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Directory information score. Browse our full Santa Monica directory to see every listed business.
Can a photographer pay to be ranked higher?
No. Photographer Ranked does not accept payment for rankings. Directory information scores are computed algorithmically from recorded profile information. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a photographer in Santa Monica?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Santa Monica market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. The Directory information score cannot assess project fit, responsiveness, workmanship, or outcomes; use it alongside these checks.