If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Hi, I’m Grant, the photographer behind NarBear in Monterey. The name comes from my love of narwhals and bears. A very scientific branding process.
I photograph proposals and engagements along the Monterey coast, from Carmel beaches to Big Sur cliffs to quiet spots on the Peninsula.
Proposals: You handle the question; I’ll handle staying invisible. We’ll plan the location, timing, and light together so I’m in position before you arrive. Your partner won’t spot me until you want them to, and you’ll have the real moment on camera: the surprise, the tears, the “wait, is this happening?” After the yes, we’ll take a few relaxed portraits while you’re both still glowing.
Engagement sessions: If being photographed feels awkward, you’re in good company. Most couples don’t know where to put their hands. I’ll give you clear direction, find beautiful light, and keep things easy enough that you forget the camera is there. A ridiculous joke may be involved.
Every session is shot and personally edited by me, so you’ll know exactly who’s showing up.
Tell me where you’re thinking and how you want the moment to feel. We’ll sort out the hands later.
One photographer. One great photographer experience.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 18 times
Serves Monterey, CA
Background checked
1 employee
1 year in business
Business hours
Sun6:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, value, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
15 reviews
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Joseph N.
Mar 8, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Grant was amazing. He was super flexible and super responsive to our couple shoot. I highly recommend him and I will definitely be coming back for more!
Details: Couples portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Outdoors • Physical proofs and prints • Album or photo book • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Mellissa S.
May 28, 2026
We honestly could not have asked for a better wedding photographer. From the very beginning, Grant made us feel comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely excited about the entire process. He paid attention to every detail, helped guide us naturally when needed, and somehow captured moments we didn’t even realize were happening.
The photos turned out absolutely incredible — timeless, emotional, and beautifully edited without looking overly filtered or artificial. Every image feels like a piece of our story. Family and friends have not stopped complimenting them.
What stood out most was how much he truly cared about giving us an amazing experience, not just delivering photos. He went above and beyond throughout the day and made everything feel effortless.
If you want someone who is creative, professional, laid-back, and genuinely talented, NarBear Studios is the photographer to book. These are photos we’ll treasure forever.
Chris E.
Nov 3, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Great working with Grant at Narbear! He made our photography experience simple and affordable. Now we have a bunch of awesome photo memories from our family reuinion.
Details: Reunion • 50 - 99 guests • Outdoors • Digital or online download
Wedding and Event Photography
Brenda M.
Jun 1, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Grant was exceptional. His wife assisted which certainly enhanced their services. The first photos from yesterday’s wedding are amazing. They took so many! I’m sure we will love them all.
Details: Wedding • 25 - 49 guests • Outdoors • Digital or online download • Flash drive
Wedding and Event Photography
Madison B.
Oct 27, 2025
Working with him was amazing. He took photos for our engagement in a hard to get to area and was so understanding about the communication issues we had. Really cares about his work and it shows in the quality of the pictures. We also got a signatures book and it turned out amazing and I can’t wait to use it at the wedding. If I still lived in the area I’d absolutely have him take pictures for us again.
Credentials
Background Check
Grant Melton
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is straightforward and based on the type of session, coverage needed, location, and final deliverables. I’m always upfront about costs, and I’ll clearly outline what’s included before anything is booked. I believe you should be able to get high end photography for an affordable price.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My process starts with a conversation so I can understand your vision, priorities, and the overall feel you want. From there, I help with planning, answer questions, and make sure expectations are clear before the shoot. During the session or event, I guide when needed but also look for natural moments as they happen. Afterward, I carefully cull and edit the images, then deliver a polished online gallery with high-resolution files.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 20 years of professional photography experience working with weddings, family portraits, senior portraits, and events. My background comes from years of hands-on shooting, working with people in real environments, mastering lighting and composition, and refining editing workflows to consistently deliver polished final images.
