Top 10 Lifestyle Photographers in Oakland

Lifestyle photography is all about capturing people in real-life situations, whether it’s celebrating a wedding, relaxing with family, or promoting their personal brand. It’s an effective means of telling someone’s story through beautiful imagery that can be more powerful than words.

In Oakland, you’ll find some of the Bay Area’s most talented lifestyle photographers working across a diverse range of genres. In this list, we’ll highlight 10 of the best who have most definitely got our attention.

Icarian Photography

Melissa is the owner and operator of Icarian Photography, which focuses on family, newborn, lifestyle, and editorial photography. She’s originally from Seattle and moved to the Bay Area in 2012 to attend a bilingual teaching credential program at SF State. In 2015, Melissa launched her photography business and now collaborates with Magic Hour and Spectrum Inspired, which connects families touched by autism to professional photographers. Icarian Photography has been featured by Looks Like Film, Today’s Parent, and Life + Lens.

Brandi Rollins Photography

Brandi Rollins owns not only Brandi Rollins Photography (which specializes in weddings) but also Wild Family Photography. She says that no matter who or what she is shooting, she’s driven to capture the personalities, joy, love, and tenderness of the human experience. Brandi received her first camera in elementary school and honed her skills while documenting her family. She is now a member of the Professional Photographers of America and services the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the surrounding counties.

Vision Infinie Photography

Stavan is the founder and creative director of Vision Infinie Photography, which focuses on documenting weddings, engagement sessions, and family photoshoots. He graduated with a Baccalaureate in Photography from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as holding a Diploma in Photography from the CEPT School of Architecture and Design in India. Stavan describes his photographic style as “sincere, creative and joyful” and will do whatever he can to make his subjects laugh.

Alejandra Giler Photography

Originally from Ecuador, Alejandra Giles moved to the United States when she was just 13 years old and now calls the Bay Area “home”. At the age of 16, she took her first photography class and is now a Fine Art Photography RIT Graduate with a BA and a Degree of Associate in Applied Science Photography. What sets her apart from other photographers? The ability to deliver so much more than a simple photograph. During lifestyle shoots, Alejandra will ensure you’re feeling comfortable in front of the camera and (most importantly) having fun.

Allan Kuo Photography

Allan Kuo is a dedicated wedding and lifestyle photographer, who strives to capture life’s most meaningful moments. He says that his years working in the industry have allowed him to develop a keen eye for detail and creativity in the way he shoots, as well as a professionalism that makes him a joy to work with. Allan shoots throughout Northern California - from the Monterey Bay Area to Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Oakland, and the Napa Wine Country.

Buhay Photography

“Buhay” translates from Tagalog as “Life”, which is what this skilled photography team is focused on documenting. They offer both photography and videography services at weddings and events, as well as doing maternity shoots, portrait sessions, and real estate photography. Buhay Photography’s diverse portfolio even extends to astrophotography, with stunning images of the night sky. When they’re not busy shooting, the Buhay Photography team are conducting group and one-on-one workshops in a range of photographic genres.

Eli Zaturanski

Eli Zaturanski describes himself as a personal branding strategist who draws on more than 10 years of experience in the photographic industry. He’s passionate about helping creative entrepreneurs to elevate their brands through engaging product and lifestyle photography. He’s garnered a reputation for his imaginative approach and playful nature, as well as being an effective storyteller. Eli has worked with big-name international brands that include Facebook, Google, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.

Alison Yin

Focusing on weddings, Alison Yin is all about capturing the “fun and beauty in the moments that reflect the spirit of your wedding.” Together with her partner Adm (both trained photojournalists), she’s been living in Oakland for the last 10 years and has documented countless celebrations in the surrounding area. Alison and Adm take a lifestyle approach to their wedding photography and prefer to document natural moments, rather than directing shots. In fact, they say that you will barely know they are even there!

Amira Maxwell

Amira Maxwell has been taking photographs since she was a kid. But it wasn’t until 2014 that she started sharing them with the wider world when she launched her website. Since that time, she’s photographed people around the world while also writing about life and humanity along the way. Amira’s lifestyle images are infused with authenticity, featuring genuine laughter, emotion, and connection. She describes photography as a means of artistic expression that “allows me to make tangible proof of our beauty and a love that is ours to take part in.”

Thomas Kuoh

Thomas Kuoh was first handed a camera as the high school yearbook photographer and hasn’t put one down since. He now offers high-end custom photography and videography services for both personalities and brands through his business, Kuoh Creative, which he describes as a “one-stop-shop for your brand imagery needs.” In addition to lifestyle photography and portraits, he offers product, interior and catalog images. Previous clients include Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Luxe Design, and the Wall Street Journal.

Find a location in Oakland for your next film or photo shoot, meeting, or event.