Hello there, I'm your friendly neighborhood photographer offering a few tips and tricks to help you prepare for your upcoming engagement session. This is a special time for you and your partner, a prelude to your wedding day, and I want to ensure you're ready to make the most of it.First, let's talk about outfit choices. What you wear is a crucial part of the photographic narrative. Think of your clothes as an extension of your personality, a way to express who you are as a couple. Opt for outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. You might want to match your partner's style to some degree, but remember, you're two unique individuals. The key here is coordination, not uniformity. Feel free to play around with colors that complement each other and patterns that add a bit of visual interest. But, try to avoid overly busy prints and neon colors, as they can be distracting and may not photograph well.Now, onto selecting locations. As a photographer with four decades of experience, I can attest to the fact that the choice of location can deeply impact the overall vibe of your photos. Whether it's the place you first met, your favorite park, or even the comfort of your own home, choose a location that reflects your story and holds sentimental value. Keep in mind the lighting conditions of the location and the time of day for your shoot. Golden hour, the time just after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most flattering light.Finally, let's discuss posing ideas. A common concern among couples is the fear of being awkward in front of the camera. But fear not! I'm here to guide you through this process. My approach to photography is to let the session unfold organically, capturing your most genuine moments. I encourage you to interact with each other naturally - laugh, play, hold hands or share an intimate moment. These candid moments often make for the best photos.Remember, the goal of this session is not only to create beautiful images but to enjoy the process as well. It's about celebrating your love and capturing it in its most authentic form. As we embark on this photographic journey together, I am excited to get to know you both better and to help you create a beautiful collection of memories that you'll cherish forever.

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

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

La Jolla Beach Engagement Session...

Nestled in the heart of San Diego, California, lies the breathtaking La Jolla Beach, a location that truly stands out for its compelling charm and unrivaled beauty. As a wedding photographer, I've had the honor and privilege to capture many engagement photo sessions but La Jolla Beach holds a special place in my heart. Let's delve into the unique allure of this magnificent location.
&nbsp;
The first thing that strikes you about La Jolla Beach is its stunning ocean views. Imagine capturing your engagement session with the endless blue of the Pacific as your backdrop, the gentle whispers of the sea breeze in your ears, and the soft sand under your feet. The ocean views lend a certain tranquility and serenity to the wedding, making the ceremony not just visually stunning, but emotionally moving as well. The sunsets here are especially dramatic and make for some incredibly romantic and memorable engagement photographs.
&nbsp;
Next up is the iconic Scripps Pier, a historic landmark that adds a touch of rustic charm to your wedding venue. As one of the world's largest research piers, it's not just a picturesque backdrop, but a symbol of La Jolla's commitment to exploration and discovery. Including the pier in your engagement photos gives them a unique and distinctive feel. There's something innately romantic about the juxtaposition of your intimate photography session against the grandeur of this landmark.
&nbsp;
No review of La Jolla Beach would be complete without mentioning its weather. San Diego is known for its year-round mild climate, and La Jolla Beach is no exception. With an average temperature that rarely goes below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees, you can plan your outdoor photo session at La Jolla Beach with confidence. The sunny skies and gentle breeze create a comfortable atmosphere for your guests and the perfect lighting conditions for your wedding photos.
&nbsp;
In conclusion, La Jolla Beach offers a rare blend of breathtaking natural beauty, historic landmarks, and favorable weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for your special day. As a wedding photographer, I can personally vouch for the fact that the memories you make here will not only be picture-perfect but will carry the unique charm and allure of this stunning location.

La Jolla Beach Engagement-Jenessa & Matt

The wedding day is not just a day. It is a collage of countless beautiful moments that come together to create a lifetime memory. And, the wedding of Jonathan and Danielle at the stunning Los Willows Wedding Estate in Fallbrook, was one of those unforgettable events that I was privileged to capture.
&nbsp;
The Los Willows Wedding Estate, with its sprawling greenery and romantic landscape, was a sight to behold. Nestled in the lush green surroundings of Fallbrook, the venue provided a picturesque backdrop for the wedding. The quaint charm of the estate was enhanced by the beautiful decor that perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the place.
&nbsp;
The stars of the day, Jonathan and Danielle, were an epitome of grace and romance. Their love for each other was palpable, and it reflected in every frame that I captured. Their smiles were infectious, and their happiness seemed to spill over the entire venue.
&nbsp;
As they exchanged their vows under the open sky, with their loved ones showering blessings, the atmosphere was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and love. Their first dance as husband and wife was truly magical, leaving everyone present enchanted.
&nbsp;
But what made this wedding even more special was the beautiful venue. The Los Willows Wedding Estate is truly a gem. The elegant outdoor setting with the gorgeous lake, the charming willow trees, and the vintage boathouse added a dreamy charm to the wedding. The golden sunshine coupled with the natural grandeur of the venue provided the perfect canvas for some stunning photographs.
&nbsp;
The reception was held under a grand marquee, adorned with twinkling fairy lights. The dancing, the toasts, the laughter, every moment was filled with pure joy. And as the night fell, the whole place lit up, creating a perfect end to a beautiful day.
&nbsp;
I have photographed many weddings. But the wedding of Jonathan and Danielle at the Los Willows Wedding Estate will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because of the beautiful venue, but because of the love and happiness that filled the day.
&nbsp;
At the end of the day, it's the love between the couple, the joy in their eyes, and the happiness of their loved ones that make a wedding truly special. And Jonathan and Danielle's wedding was all of this and much more. Here's to a lifetime of happiness for the beautiful couple, Jonathan and Danielle.

A Dreamy Wedding Day at Los Willows Wedding Estate: Jonathan and Danielle's Special Day

The sun was just beginning to set over the beautiful city of Indio, casting a warm, golden hue over the Lady of Perpetual Help. This stunning venue, brimming with history and charm, was the setting for Alissa and Sergio's unforgettable wedding day. The lovely couple had chosen this idyllic location to say their 'I do's,' and the day was as magical as they had envisioned.
&nbsp;
As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing these precious moments, and with Alissa and Sergio, each frame was a testament to their love and the beautiful journey they were embarking on. The Lady of Perpetual Help, with its stately architecture and serene surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for their nuptials. The venue was beautifully decorated, reflecting the couple's taste and style, and it was evident that every detail had been meticulously planned.
&nbsp;
The ceremony was heartfelt and full of emotion. Alissa, looking radiant in her wedding gown, and Sergio, looking dapper in his suit, exchanged their vows amidst the presence of their loved ones. The joy and emotion on their faces as they were pronounced husband and wife was truly a sight to behold.
&nbsp;
However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the couple's portrait session at the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert. The setting sun, the picturesque landscape, and the couple's palpable love for each other combined to create some truly breathtaking images. Alissa and Sergio looked absolutely stunning against the backdrop of the desert landscape, their happiness shining through in every image.
&nbsp;
There were so many beautiful moments throughout the day, but capturing Alissa and Sergio's portraits in the heart of the desert was a truly unique experience. Their love story, beautifully encapsulated in these portraits, was a joy to capture, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of their special day.
&nbsp;
As I look back at Alissa and Sergio's wedding day, I am reminded of the love and joy that filled the air. It was a day of celebration, of love, and of two people beginning a new chapter in their lives. And as their photographer, I am honored to have been a part of it, capturing their love story one frame at a time.

A Beautiful Union: Alissa and Sergio's Wedding Day at Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio

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

Default

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)

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

green

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."