Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Portrait and Wedding Photographer in Half Moon Bay
With over 16 years of experience in portrait and wedding photography, I have dedicated my career to capturing authentic moments through natural light. My journey began with formal studies under Master Photographer Tamara Trejo and a B.A. in Fine Art from California State University, Hayward. Recognized as Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area in 1997, I bring a blend of technical expertise and artistic vision to every session. My approach prioritizes natural environments and lighting, ensuring each photograph reflects the subject's true essence. Specializing in family portraits, maternity shoots, and weddings, I combine the richness of film-era techniques with modern digital precision.Client testimonials consistently highlight my ability to create relaxed, joyful experiences while delivering timeless imagery. I believe photography should tell a story of love and connection, whether through candid wedding moments or composed family portraits. My commitment to personalized service includes complimentary consultations to tailor sessions to each client's unique narrative. This dedication to authenticity and quality has established me as a trusted artist in the Half Moon Bay community and beyond.
Services
Weddings
Portraits
Family Photos
Maternity Photos
Engagement Photos
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- 16 years of experience in natural light portrait photography
- Awarded Photographer of the Year by Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area
- Combines film-era techniques with modern digital precision
- Personalized sessions in client-comfortable environments
- Proven ability to capture emotional authenticity in every shot
What people say
Beautiful photos
Amazing work
Perfect record
Recommend highly
Family friend
Services
Wedding Photography
Documenting weddings with a natural, unobtrusive style that captures genuine emotions and fleeting moments. Using expertise in light and composition, I create timeless images that tell the unique story of each couple's special day. Sessions include coordination with venue logistics and personalized post-event editing.
Family Portraits
Creating heirloom-quality family portraits in natural settings that reflect authentic relationships. Specializing in multi-generational photography, I use organic lighting techniques to produce warm, emotionally resonant images that preserve family legacies for future generations.
Maternity Photos
Celebrating the beauty of pregnancy through artistic maternity photography. Sessions focus on natural body curves and emotional connections, using soft outdoor lighting to create elegant, timeless images that honor this special life transition.
Engagement Photos
Capturing romantic pre-wedding moments in scenic locations that reflect couples' personalities. These sessions help build comfort with the camera while creating beautiful images that serve as both memories and wedding announcements.
Candid Photography
Specializing in unposed, spontaneous imagery that captures authentic emotions and interactions. This approach works particularly well for weddings and family events, preserving genuine laughter, tears, and connections as they naturally occur.
People
Shanti Duprez
Photographer & Owner
Award-winning photographer with 16+ years of experience specializing in natural light portraiture. Holds a B.A. in Fine Art and studied under Master Photographer Tamara Trejo, combining technical expertise with artistic vision to create timeless imagery.
Questions
What photography styles do you specialize in?
I specialize in natural light photography with a blend of documentary-style candid shots and composed portraits, focusing on emotional authenticity and organic settings.
Do you photograph events outside Half Moon Bay?
Yes, while based in Half Moon Bay, I travel for weddings and portraits along the California coast and will consider special projects further afield.
How long are typical portrait sessions?
Family portrait sessions usually last 1-2 hours to allow for natural interactions and multiple location changes within the chosen environment.
What's your approach to wedding photography?
I use a non-intrusive style to capture authentic moments as they unfold, combined with brief guided portraits to ensure all key memories are preserved.
How do consultations work?
Complimentary consultations include reviewing my portfolio, discussing your vision, and planning the optimal location and timing for your photography session.
Reviews (2)
Brendan Payne
Apr 23, 2021
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Shanti was our wedding photographer back in 2017 and was amazing. We were so happy with everything she did, thought she put into photos, making sure our requested pictures were captured, and after our wedding coordinator stumbled to control our wedding day Shanti took control of this situation and everything was perfect. Fast forward to 2020 and we connected again with Shanti to do our first professional family photo with our son.
Again Shanti did not disappoint us as she was amazing again in her interactions with our son and capturing some of the most amazing family moments. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Shanti, you will not regret hiring her. I know we will be back!
Again Shanti did not disappoint us as she was amazing again in her interactions with our son and capturing some of the most amazing family moments. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Shanti, you will not regret hiring her. I know we will be back!
Catherine T.
May 25, 2020
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After my first phone call with Shanti, I knew she was perfect for us. I never understood when people said it was important to "interview" your photographer, but now I understand why! She was understanding about any sensitive family dynamics that may affect photos and made us all - including my photophobic husband! - feel so comfortable. She also got us our perfectly curated album full of gorgeous photos within about 3 weeks, while my friends who had gotten married a few months before with other photographers were still waiting for their photos.
She is great at photographing couples, kids (when my 2-year old nephew was not happy about being in photos, I told her that he loved trucks and that being near a truck might help. She was soon sprinting out to the street with us to get him close to a truck for some of my now favorite post-ceremony photos!), and will follow your cues as to what you are and aren't comfortable with. I can't recommend her highly enough!
She is great at photographing couples, kids (when my 2-year old nephew was not happy about being in photos, I told her that he loved trucks and that being near a truck might help. She was soon sprinting out to the street with us to get him close to a truck for some of my now favorite post-ceremony photos!), and will follow your cues as to what you are and aren't comfortable with. I can't recommend her highly enough!
