What Does an Experienced Branding or Portrait Photographer Actually Do?

Portrait photography to me is an alchemical discipline that requires more than just making your subject look good. I aspire to evoke something deeper–your vibrational signature–and to rescue you from the greatest business enemies–confusion and obscurity. It requires a remarkably wide spectrum of skills, from values alignment coaching, to competitive intelligence gathering, SEO education, ad and copy design, creative direction and video storyboarding, to name a few. I see my my headshot and branding photography practice as a celebration and vindication of that which You Truly Are, a way to stand tall in the marketplace in your essence without noise or apology. In my role as professional light bringer I am here to clarify , amplify and reflect the light that unites us all and gift the world with your vibrational signature. Beyond words.

Portrait Photographer–Inside & Out

I’ve been a bridge-walker and way-shower in roles as diverse as Marketing Director, Webmaster, Health Journalist, Creativity Coach, Retreat/Playshop Leader and Professional Photographer. Nothing brings me more aliveness and joy than seeing my clients artfully authentically expressed. Through the alchemy of awareness I aspire to elevate portrait photography from visual to healing art. As Alan Cohen wrote, Isness is my business and I cultivate and coax it through movement, breath work, relaxation, multisensory experiences, and service delivered with elan and the humility of knowing our vitality is in service of That which sent us. I am here only to be truly helpful to those who will no longer live life on the layaway plan, for whom nothing less than love will do. In an age of AI generated robo content, people will feel and respond to the difference.

IT DON'T MEAN CRAP IF IT AIN'T GOT THAT SNAP! --DOUG

I differ from most Santa Barbara photographers in that my approach to visual story-telling is cross-disciplinary, combining fluency in branding/marketing, somatic coaching, energy and positive psychology and photography to help conscious authors, coaches, healers, teachers and business luminaries express their Truth in the and gather their tribes. Mainly I serve as an Ambassador of Possibility in directing my attention toward magnifying and multiplying what in Buddhism is called Basic Goodness. Basically I am here to evoke and express your divinity and walk away with something to show for it. To read what my clients think about the experience, please see the doug ellis client reviews and testimonials page.

Because the authenticity and texture of your visuals rests heavily on the presence we cultivate together, I deploy a quiver of embodiment, energetic and psycho-spiritual tools we can deploy to help express your best.

I’ve been blessed to live and work in enriched spiritual and transformational environments, as Esalen’s first Marketing Director, Staff Photographer for the Transformational Leadership Council for ten years, and a primary cover photographer for Spirituality & Health magazine, among many other spiritual and self-help immersions and trainings. My intent is to use what I have learned to fully realize the power of what emerges in our co-created field, and to surprise us with what we find together. My clients rent not only my attention, experience and energy stream but those of all of my ancestors, teachers, guides, helpers, and teachers, and yours as well.

"EVIDENCE IS THE LOUDEST VOICE."--DR. JOE DISPENZA

YOU SEE..ITS NEITHER PRIDE, NOR GRAVITY BUT LOVE THAT PULLS US BACK DOWN TO THE WORLD. THE SOUL MAKES A THOUSAND CROSSINGS, THE HEART JUST ONE.--JOHN GLENDAY

Canon

Fujifilm

Profoto

5 Star Reviews

200+

GRIT
GRACE
COMEBACKS
GIVEBACKS

Authors, Coaches Speakers, Healers, Teachers

Cause-Driven Binistries

Big Oil, Pharma And Defense

frequently Photographing In..

Aspen Colorado

Los Angeles CA

New York City

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Doug Quickly Gets The Essence Of Who You Are And He Brings That Out In His Photographs. We Have Worked Together Multiple Times And I Am Always Amazed. He Truly Is An Exceptional Artist.

Sylvia F Executive Coach

I've Had Author Photos Taken By Well-Known NYC Portrait Photogs And A Really Good Hollywood Photographer. But Doug Ellis Is The Best.

Paul., Author

I've Never Had So Many Compliments On My Business Portrait As I Have On The Ones Doug Took. Comments Like, "He Really Captured Your Personality" And "Your Essence Shines Through," Show Doug Is Looking For More Than Just Nice Shots Of You. He's Going Deeper To Bring Out Who You Really Are.

Sharon M, Realtor