Business Details
16 Years
experience
Empowering Boudoir & Maternity Photography in San Diego
At Portraits by Z, we specialize in creating elegant, fine art boudoir and maternity photographs that celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of every woman. Our founder, Zeynep Dogu, brings over a decade of experience in visual arts, transitioning from 3D animation to portrait photography in 2010. We offer personalized sessions that include professional hair and make-up styling, wardrobe selection, and guided posing to ensure clients feel confident and empowered. Our process begins with a free consultation to understand your vision, followed by a luxury photo experience in our San Diego studio or on location. We deliver high-quality images that capture your essence, with options for heirloom albums and wall art displays. Our team prioritizes comfort and trust, helping clients of all ages and body types embrace their beauty during transformative life moments. With expertise in lighting, composition, and styling, we create timeless images that highlight your natural beauty and tell your unique story. Our services cater to women seeking self-expression through boudoir sessions, maternity milestones, and bridal celebrations. We serve San Diego and surrounding areas including La Jolla, Del Mar, and Carlsbad. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as one of San Diego's premier maternity and boudoir photography studios.
Services
Boudoir Photography
Maternity Photography
Bridal Photography
Hair & Make-up Styling
Photo Albums & Displays
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer free virtual or in-person consultation sessions
- Our team includes award-winning maternity and boudoir photographer Zeynep Dogu
- We provide professional hair and make-up styling services
- We guarantee high-quality fine art photography results
- We offer personalized posing guidance for all body types
What people say
Empowering experience
Stunning results
Professional team
Confidence boosting
Beautiful memories
Services
Boudoir Photography
Our boudoir photography captures your sensual beauty through guided sessions that emphasize confidence and elegance. We provide wardrobe selection, professional styling, and personalized posing to create timeless images that celebrate your unique beauty and empower self-expression.
Maternity Photography
We specialize in maternity photography that celebrates pregnancy transformations through artistic compositions. Our sessions include location options, wardrobe styling, and expert posing to create timeless images that document this special life chapter while emphasizing body positivity and natural beauty.
Hair & Make-up Styling
Professional hair and make-up services ensure you look flawless in photos. Our stylists create camera-ready looks that enhance your natural features while maintaining longevity throughout your photo session and any wardrobe changes.
Photo Albums & Displays
We offer luxury photo albums and wall art displays to showcase your images. Our European-crafted albums use premium materials while display options include diamond blocks and viewfinders to create lasting physical representations of your special moments.
Bridal Photography
Our bridal photography captures pre-wedding moments with elegant compositions. Services include consultation for styling coordination, location selection, and posing guidance to create romantic images that complement your wedding aesthetic and personal story.
People
Zeynep Dogu
Photographer & Founder
Zeynep Dogu is a San Diego-based photographer with over 15 years of visual arts experience. Transitioning from 3D animation to portrait photography in 2010, she specializes in capturing women's beauty during life's transformative moments through boudoir and maternity sessions.
Questions
What should I wear for a boudoir session?
We provide wardrobe access including lingerie, corsets, and fabrics. Choose pieces that make you feel confident while considering your personal style and session goals.
How do you handle posing during maternity sessions?
Our photographer guides you through poses that flatter your changing body, focusing on natural movements and emotional connections to create authentic, beautiful compositions.
When is the best time for maternity photos?
Ideal timing is between 28-36 weeks when your belly is prominent but you're still comfortable. We'll coordinate with your schedule to find the perfect timing.
Do you offer location options for photo sessions?
We offer studio sessions and on-location shoots at San Diego-area beaches, parks, and other scenic locations based on your preferred aesthetic and comfort level.
How long does a typical photo session last?
Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, allowing time for wardrobe changes, multiple poses, and location transitions while ensuring your comfort throughout the experience.
What post-session services do you provide?
We offer image selection assistance, professional retouching, and luxury product creation including albums and wall displays to showcase your final images.
Reviews (12)
Melike K.
Sep 01, 2022
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We absolutely loved working with Zeynep for couples shoot. When we saw her portfolio, we were impressed with her work and loved the unique detailed shots. She was very flexible, working around our schedule for the shoot date. It is not easy for me to act naturally while taken photos but she made us feeling comfortable and relaxed. She was very patient and knows how to make you feel at home. She was able to give great directions when needed and shot all the best simple moments where we shined!
When we received the full portfolio - all in color and in black and white, we were blown away. We've already recommended her to our friends. Would definitely recommend to any couple! Thank you Zeynep.
When we received the full portfolio - all in color and in black and white, we were blown away. We've already recommended her to our friends. Would definitely recommend to any couple! Thank you Zeynep.
Lauren Chen
Aug 18, 2022
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We had the best experience with Zeynep for pre-wedding photos - she was professional, personable, and had a plan for our sessions. Her studio is adorable, with excellent natural light. We're delighted with the final prints! I'm definitely going back soon for a boudoir shoot :
Lauren C.
Aug 18, 2022
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Not to brag, but the photos from our session with Zeynep are AMAZING! Did a pre-wedding shoot and everyone in my family was blown away by how fantastic everything turned out. The studio is adorable and comfortable, photographer is detail-oriented and patient. We're so happy with the prints and I can't wait to go back for a boudoir shoot asap!
Bruce C.
Jul 27, 2022
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The most talented person I have ever met! The only choice for photography or event displays is Portraits by Z!
Maura M.
Jul 18, 2022
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Hello I just want to say great luck Zeynup your new adventure is amazing! "Portaits by Z" is fantastic I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Zeynup for over 3 years and she never disappoints! Actually she always goes beyond she is timely professional and he best part she made me look like a million bucks! I would highly recommand Zeynup she is a true artist and we couldn't be happier with are photos thank you so much and good luck I will be watching you!
Lorraine Reeger
Jul 25, 2018
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We absolutely LOVE Plus One Photography! We have been repeat happy clients, because the quality is like none other. Initially, we did our maternity photo session because I fell in-love with the gallery, and wanted to recreate those same dreamy (sexy/magical) images. Zeynep was so patient with helping me with wardrobe changes, getting us to pose just right, and capturing the right timing/lighting.
We got sooo many compliments, that I decided to get newborn photos (which are adorable & whimsical). A year later, we wanted one year/family photos to place on the adjacent wall in our livingroom. Zeynep did so well with my daughter, and was somehow was able to manage capturing the sweetest moments (despite her being fussy that day). These pictures I'm posting don't give justice to the quality of the photos. These are wonderful family heirlooms now, and to cherish forever! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Plus One Photography- best investment ever!
We got sooo many compliments, that I decided to get newborn photos (which are adorable & whimsical). A year later, we wanted one year/family photos to place on the adjacent wall in our livingroom. Zeynep did so well with my daughter, and was somehow was able to manage capturing the sweetest moments (despite her being fussy that day). These pictures I'm posting don't give justice to the quality of the photos. These are wonderful family heirlooms now, and to cherish forever! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Plus One Photography- best investment ever!
Melinda Sarwacinski
Apr 27, 2018
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I have followed Plus One Photography for a while and admired her work. when I found out I was pregnant I knew right away who I wanted to do my maternity shoot. Plus One Photography. I had a fabulous experience, I felt comfortable, and confident through out my whole maternity shoot. I would highly recommend Plus One Photography to expecting families.
Na J.
Jul 08, 2017
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It was such a pleasure to work with Zeynep! She is very professional and really cares about the quality of her work. Thank you for the memorable and beautiful pics!
Jocielene C.
Jul 06, 2017
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First of all, she's an amazing person! She is very kind and considerate. Her talent is SUPERB! Before we decided to book her, we meet her in person and she explained everything we need to know. She was honest and and very professional. Transaction was smooth. We just had our photos with the album and I was blown away! The quality of the product is EXCELLENT! We are very impressed and 101% satisfied. Pictures were amazing despite of the weather at the time of the shooting, she manage to make it beautiful. If there are more star to give her i will! One of the best experience I had! I definitely recommend her.
Amanda S.
Jun 12, 2017
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There is nothing more wonderful than the output from a photo session with Zeynep. Just this morning I was sitting with my daughter looking at the pregnancy and 1 year old shots that Zeynep took of my family now three and four years ago. We treasure this work. My daughter LOVES looking at these memories and we cherish them tremendously. There is no one else I'd hire to commemorate such a special moment in my life. Zeynep is generous and kind hearted, connecting with both couples and children. I look forward to working with her again in the future.
Melanie M.
Oct 02, 2015
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Wow! Plus one is one of the most talented photographers I have worked with in San Diego. Her interaction with clients, her amazing knack for posing and making clients feel at ease makes a session with her a fun and memorable experience. Her images are truly amazing works of art.
Ron M.
Jan 27, 2014
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We were automatically drawn to her work when we were researching maternity and newborn photographers in the area. besides being a talented photographer, she has a graphic design background which really sets her apart from others. she incorporates your pictures into illustrations she creates.and the illustrations are so amazing! zeynep also has an incredible eye: we recently took pictures in the rose garden of balboa park and the pictures ended up looking like we were in the middle of a dreamy forest! the best part is that she's so fun to work with. she was great with our daughter who is normally shy when she first sees you. if you have any ideas, she runs with it.and the end product is incredible!