Top Rated Photographers in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
Choosing the right photographer in Santa Monica, CA can be overwhelming. With 32 photographers operating across the Santa Monica metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Photographer Ranked, we analyze publicly available data to rank every photographer on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates photographers in Santa Monica, California using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 32 active businesses in the Santa Monica market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Scores on this list range from 13 to 29 out of 100, the average firm has 39 years of experience. Updated April 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. 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 Track and Field Image 29/100
Selected for 43 years of experience (est. 1983).
Based in Santa Monica, Track and Field Image provides quality photography services to the greater CA area. Reach them at +13108800113 or email jeff@trackandfieldimage.com. Visit their website to lear…
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#2 Dennis Dunbar & Associates 28/100
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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#3 Mercy Brothers 17/100
Ranked 3rd among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#4 Livin' Large Productions 17/100
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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#5 Broken Dove 17/100
Ranked 5th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#6 Apache 17/100
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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#7 EPS Cineworks 16/100
Ranked 7th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#8 Hellman Production 15/100
Ranked 8th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#9 Wolf Bernard 15/100
Ranked 9th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#10 Self Tape Service.com 15/100
Ranked 10th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Self Tape Service.com delivers personalized photography solutions to clients throughout Santa Monica, CA. Reach them at +13104253803 or email srh@selftapeservice.com. Visit their website to learn mor…
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#11 A La Mode Photo 15/100
Ranked 11th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#12 Incendio 14/100
Ranked 12th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#13 Response Real Estate Videography 14/100
Ranked 13th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide 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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#14 Encapsulate Studio 14/100
Selected for specializes in encapsulate, 424 239 8138, services.
Connect with Encapsulate Studio, a trusted photographer in Santa Monica, CA with specialties in encapsulate, 424 239 8138, services, studio gallery.
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#15 Black Bear 13/100
Ranked 15th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
For professional photography services in Santa Monica, CA, contact Black Bear at +14242916000 or explore their website.
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How We Ranked These Photographers
This list ranks photographers by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best photographers in Santa Monica?
Photographer Ranked ranks photographers using our Guide Score (0-100), a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score weighs Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials and certifications (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and awards (up to 5 bonus points). There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 photographer in Santa Monica, CA?
As of 2026, Track and Field Image holds the #1 ranking in Santa Monica with a Guide Score of 29/100. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
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 Guide 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. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. 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. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.