Michael Thomas Photography did an amazing job on my daughter's senior photos! He is patient, polite, personable, and has an eye for what will look great. I highly recommend him.

Sierra's Senior Photos

Michael did an amazing job with the girls at the beach! He is very patient with kids and does an amazing job in capturing their emotions.

La Jolla Family Photo Session

How do we even begin to express how thankful we are for Michael..

First off, Michael is such a nice person. He genuinely cares for his clients. We had nothing but an amazing experience with him as our photographer. From the moment we booked him to even now, he has been outstanding. He is very communicative and even sends teasers along the way. We had Michael do our engagement pictures and our wedding pictures! We are so pleased with both of them and we will cherish them forever. 

I would recommend Michael to any future bride. He was on top of it and did everything I asked and more. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. All of my guests have VERY happy with their pictures and we are absolutely obsessed with all of them!

John & Danielle's Los Willows Wedding

Michael did a senior photo shoot for my daughter and her best friend at the beach. He also included both of us mothers into the session for no extra fee. It was so much fun! He is easy to work with and had great ideas for the session. The pictures turned out beautiful. Thank you Michael Thomas Photography!

La Jolla Senior Photo Session

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My 1-Hour Senior Photo Package is perfect for capturing this exciting milestone in your life. With 1 hour of photography coverage on location, I’ll focus on creating natural, memorable images that truly reflect your personality. The package includes a pre-shoot consultation to make sure I capture exactly what you're looking for. You’ll receive a minimum of 40 fully edited digital images, delivered to a password-protected online gallery. From there, you can print as many images as you’d like, share the gallery with friends and family via email, and easily post your photos to social media. This is a great way to celebrate your senior year with beautiful, high-quality images that you'll treasure for years to come.

1 Hour Photography Collection (Senior Photos)

For my 8-hour Wedding Day Photography Package, you’ll receive 500-550 beautifully edited images, all delivered via a private, password-protected online gallery. From the gallery, you can view your images and order prints as many times as you'd like. Your gallery will be ready for you no later than three months after your wedding day, ensuring that you can relive your memories as soon as possible. Perfect for couples looking for complete, detailed coverage of their entire wedding day.

Wedding Photography (8 Hours, 1 Photographer)

My 6-Hour Wedding Photography Package provides comprehensive coverage of your special day, capturing all the key moments from start to finish. You’ll receive between 400-500 fully edited images, delivered through a private, password-protected online gallery. From the gallery, you can print as many images as you’d like and share them with family and friends. Your images will be delivered no later than three months after your wedding, ensuring you have plenty of time to relive every moment. This package is ideal for couples looking for beautiful, high-quality photography that captures the essence of their wedding day.

Wedding Photography (6 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Capture the intimate moments of your special day with our Micro Wedding Package, perfect for small, backyard, or elopement-style weddings. We understand that sometimes the most profound memories are made in the smallest of gatherings, and we're here to ensure that every moment is memorialized in a beautiful and artistic way. My package includes 4 hours of dedicated wedding photography, during which I will focus on capturing candid moments, heartfelt exchanges, and every detail that makes your wedding uniquely yours. Whether it's a stolen glance, a shared laugh, or the joy in your eyes as you say "I do", my aim is to encapsulate these moments in photographs that you can treasure forever. You will receive a minimum of 250 fully edited images, each one meticulously edited to ensure it meets my high standards of quality. I pay attention to every detail, from lighting to composition, to create visually stunning images that tell your love story. These images will be delivered to your private, online gallery, allowing you to access and share your pictures with ease. Whether you wish to print them, share them on social media, or keep them as digital memories, the choice is yours. Don't let the size of your wedding determine the size of your memories. Let me help you make your micro wedding a macro experience. For more information or to book my photography services, please get in touch. I look forward to being part of your big day.

Micro Wedding Photography (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

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All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

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Hello there! I'm Michael, your friendly Southern California photographer, and today I want to share with you some of my tried-and-true tips on preparing for a family portrait session. With 39 years of experience capturing people and their moments, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to create a successful and enjoyable family photo shoot. The first thing we'll talk about is outfit choices. Now, I know this can seem daunting, but remember, the aim is to showcase your family's authentic vibe. Coordinate, don't match. Choose a color palette that complements your family's skin tones and stick with it across different styles and textures. This will bring an element of harmony without your family looking like a uniformed team. Location, location, location. It's not just for real estate, it's pivotal for photography too! Consider what kind of backdrop will best reflect your family's character. Do you love the beach, or are you more at home in a lush, green park? Perhaps the comfort of your own home is where you feel most yourselves. The location should be a place where you can relax and be yourselves.Now, let's talk about posing. I'm a big believer in letting moments unfold naturally. That said, a little guidance never hurts. Think about your family's dynamics and interactions, and try to bring those into the shoot. Are you playful, serious, or a mix of both? Keep in mind, the best photos often come from genuine moments, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun!As for engaging children, remember that to them, this is not a chore, but a fun day out. Bring their favorite toys or books. Allow them to take breaks, play, and be themselves. This not only keeps them engaged but also brings out their true personalities in the photos.At the end of the day, my goal is not just to create beautiful images, but also to provide an enjoyable experience for you and your family. I want your photo session to be a story in itself, one where your family's unique dynamics and emotions shine through. So, let's create some beautiful, lasting memories together!

Creating Unforgettable Family Portraits: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are many elements that you have to consider. From the venue to the food, the decor to the music, each detail is crucial. However, there is one aspect that often gets overlooked, and that is the importance of hiring a professional photographer. Professional photographers bring much more to the table than just clicking pictures. They are visual storytellers, capturing not just images, but emotions, moments and the entire story of your special day. The photos they deliver are not just pretty pictures; they are memories that will last a lifetime. A professional photographer knows how to capture the laughter, the tears, the nervousness, the joy, and the love that is a part of every wedding. They know how to work with different lighting, different settings and different moods to create images that are not just beautiful, but also true to the moment.Moreover, a professional photographer knows how to put people at ease during the shoot. They know how to make the bride and groom feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which results in pictures that are genuine and authentic. They know how to direct people in a way that feels organic, not forced. They can handle the stress and the chaos that is often a part of weddings, and they can do it in a way that doesn't add to the stress, but rather, helps to alleviate it.In conclusion, hiring a professional photographer for your wedding is not just a good idea; it's a necessity. It's an investment in memories, in moments, and in the story of your special day. So, when you are planning your wedding, don't skimp on the photographer. Hire a professional, and you will be thankful for years to come.

The Undeniable Importance of a Professional Wedding Photographer

Welcome to the home of Michael Thomas Photography

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me.

"Welcome to Michael Thomas Photography. I'm Michael, a photographer based in beautiful Southern California. I have been photographying people, places, and things, for 39 years. 



I specialize in candid wedding photography, stunning senior photography, and dreamy family photography. I strive to capture the emotion and beauty of every photography session, creating a timeless set of memories. I take a natural, unobtrusive approach to photography, allowing the session to unfold organically so that I can capture your most treasured candid moments. 



It's my goal to create not only beautiful images, but an enjoyable experience for my clients. I provide a personalized service, taking the time to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve with your photos. I'm passionate about creating beautiful, unique images that capture your story, as well as the emotion of the moment. 



It's my privilege to be part of your special day, and I'm excited to help you create a beautiful collection of memories that you'll cherish forever."

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Yucca Valley, California, United States

Michael Thomas

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Desert Willow Golf Resort is one of the premiere wedding venues in the Palm Desert area. Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, this striking location offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale elegance for your special day. As a wedding photographer, I've had the pleasure of capturing some truly stunning moments at this venue, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on it with you today.The first thing that strikes you about Desert Willow Golf Resort is just how beautiful it is. The sweeping vistas of the desert landscape, complemented by the lush greenery of the golf course, provide a naturally beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos. The resort's architecture, with its rustic yet modern design, blends in seamlessly with its surroundings, creating an ambiance that is both inviting and sophisticated. The outdoor ceremony sites are particularly picturesque, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert. But it's not just the visual appeal of Desert Willow that sets it apart. The venue also offers top-notch service and amenities that can make your wedding day run smoothly. One of the highlights for many couples (and their guests) is the excellent food. The resort's culinary team takes great pride in their work, and it shows. From the cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres to the main course at the reception, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. They offer a wide range of menu options, and are also able to accommodate special dietary needs, ensuring that every guest is well taken care of. In conclusion, Desert Willow Golf Resort is an exceptional wedding venue that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, elegant design, and top-notch service. Its stunning location, coupled with its excellent food and amenities, makes it a dream venue for any couple looking to tie the knot in the Palm Desert area. I'm always thrilled when I get the opportunity to photograph weddings at this venue, and I have no doubt that you'll love it just as much as I do.

Wedding Venue Review: Desert Willow Golf Resort

February 14th, 2020

Click on what you'd like to learn more about.

Preparing for Your Engagement Session: A Guide to Making the Most of Your Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

Creating Unforgettable Family Portraits: A Comprehensive Guide

The Undeniable Importance of a Professional Wedding Photographer