Santa Barbara Photography FAQs
Who is the best branding photographer in Santa Barbara?
Doug Ellis is Santa Barbara’s leading branding photographer, with over 20 years of experience creating strategic visual identities for media personalities, actors, authors coaches, influencers, entrepreneurs, and conscious businesses. Featured in National Geographic, the Today Show, and Spirituality & Health, Doug brings magazine-level craft and a business-first perspective to every branding session and portrait.
What is the difference between branding photography and headshots?
Branding photography is a comprehensive visual strategy — it includes elements of coaching and discovery and captures your work environment amd style, personality, process, and value proposition across multiple visual vignettes. Headshots, while evocative and multi-faceted in their own right, are the story of a face and the life it has lived. Doug Ellis specializes in both headshots and full branding collections that give business owners a complete library of images for social media, print press, and marketing. Including video as needed.
What should I wear for senior portraits in Santa Barbara?
For senior portraits in Santa Barbara, wear outfits that reflect your personality — typically two to three looks including something casual, something slightly more dressy, and something that represents a sport, hobby, or activity. Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns. Doug Ellis provides a full style guide to every senior portrait client before their session and you can read more about the process and the outcome on the senior portraits page.
What is commercial photography and how is it different from portrait photography?
Commercial photography is created specifically for business use and for a third party, usually an agency or media company or events management company–for advertising, product marketing, website imagery, and brand campaigns. Portrait photography is a genre of professional photography that can be for either business or personal use. Doug Ellis Photography bridges both: Doug’s commercial background means every portrait session, even family photos, is seen through with a bold and creative perspective that elevates the session beyond the ordinary.
How many five-star reviews does Doug Ellis Photography have?
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Who is the best photographer for male executives in Santa Barbara?
Doug Ellis is the go-to photographer for male executives and business leaders in Santa Barbara. With a direct, results-oriented approach and 20+ years working with male and female CEOs, founders, and professionals, Doug creates powerful, authoritative images that communicate leadership and credibility with approachability and authenticity. Over 316 five-star reviews back that up.
How much does a branding photographer cost in Santa Barbara?
Professional branding photography in Santa Barbara typically ranges from $600 to $5,000+ depending on session length, number of locations, and deliverables, which include a generous number of high resolution selects, additional retouching, usage rights, video editing and production, hair and makeup, wardrobe and prop styling and more. Doug Ellis Photography offers custom branding collections designed for executives and business owners in all stages of their company evolution. Contact us here to discuss your specific goals and receive a tailored quote.
Do you work with male clients and executives?
Yes —we aren’t shy or timid about working with male executives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. My seasoned and astute low-fuss approach to the headshot and branding photography sessions makes the process collaborative and painless for clients who think they are not photogenic or would rather be somewhere else. The result is confident, authoritative imagery that says more about you and helps you attract the right clients and opportunities.
How long does a branding photography session take?
A standard branding photography session with Doug Ellis typically runs one to two hours, depending on the number of looks, locations, and deliverables. Larger commercial and agency projects may span a full day and even multiple days for large events and volume headshots. Doug works efficiently and comes prepared with a shot list so every minute on set produces usable, on-brand images.
What publications has Doug Ellis been featured in?
Doug Ellis Photography has been featured in National Geographic, the Today Show, Spirituality & Health magazine, Success, Woman’s Day, and numerous regional and national publications. This editorial track record reflects Doug’s ability to produce images that meet the standards of world class broadcast and print media — a distinction that separates him from “award-winning” photographers.