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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Enjoy magazine-quality photos by an experienced portrait photographer and have fun in our beautiful fair city with glorious golden California light. I keep things light and moving and will never let you look like a dork or make you stew in an awkward pose. I truly believe that play is at the heart of good work. A great photo is an all over body experience. We get to have a lot of fun and feel more alive by showing the real you, the authentic you and those you care about.
I'm Doug Ellis, a Santa Barbara branding, headshot, and family portrait photographer who helps people feel at ease no matter the occasion. I have a career and Masters degree in branding/marketing and use somatic coaching and positive psychology and other energetic/body based tools to help you embody and express your best.
I have been a full time professional photographer in Ojai, Santa Barbara, and Montecito for 15 years and you can read more about me at dougellis dot com.
My images have been published in national magazines and broadcast television programs, including People, Spirituality & Health, Travel + Leisure, Success, National Geographic, and Oprah's Super Soul Sunday and the Today Show.
"You see..its neither pride, nor gravity but love that pulls us back down to the world. The soul makes a thousand crossings, the heart just one." John Glenday
Overview
Hired 192 times
18 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
2 employees
26 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Services offered
Photoshoot type
Photo style
Traditional posed
Candid
Artful composition and lighting
Natural or environmental
Wedding photographer also needed
Yes
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
101 reviews
5
99%
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0%
3
1%
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Brian D.
Sep 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We decided to get married on our 10th year anniversary and it was very close to the date when you made the decision. We needed to quickly find a photographer and we saw that Doug had great reviews and we liked his body of work when we looked at his portfolio. On the day of the event, Doug was punctual, professional and got some great shots. We were very happy with his flexibility in taking pictures with us at the wedding site and also some at the beach in Montecito five star experience and highly recommend recommended!
Details: Bridal portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Artistic (focus on composition, lighting) • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • High fashion (highlights style) • Outdoors • Physical proofs and prints • My home, venue, etc.
Doug Ellis Photography's reply
Thanks Brian, had a great time with you both and your friends and family too. Grateful for you in this holiday season and hope you both have an amazing Thxgiving and Xmas.
Portrait Photography
Patrick R.
Oct 28, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Doug was absolutely fantastic to work with. He was able to accommodate our wedding on a short notice, arrived on time, was extremely personable and energetic and overall helped make our day absolutely amazing. He took the time to really make sure we had some great photos to cherish forever.
We loved all of the pictures we received from Doug and would 100% recommend him to anyone in the area that is looking for a fantastic photographer.
Thank you Doug!!!
Details: Couples portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • I'm flexible • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Doug Ellis Photography's reply
Thanks Patrick, had a great time with you two and your family and look forward to collaborating again at some point in the future!
Portrait Photography
Stephanie T.
Aug 30, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Doug was a delight to work with for my daughter’s college graduation photos. He was very flexible and easy to work with. We wanted a variety of shots with the grad and family and friends, and he did an amazing job capturing this special event! Highly recommend!
Details: Family or children's portrait • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Doug Ellis Photography's reply
Thanks Stephanie, had a great time with you all on the Westmont campus and beyond..you all were super fun and easy to work with and I appreciate you enjoying my perspective and style for senior/grad photos.
Portrait Photography
Ashley M.
Dec 22, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
My husband and I got eloped at the Santa Barbara courthouse and we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer than Doug! He was professional and experienced and knew the courthouse like the back of his hand. He was our witness as well and he made us feel very comfortable. We are so glad we had Doug as our photographer on our wedding day!
Details: Wedding • Fewer than 25 guests • Outdoors • Digital or online download
Doug Ellis Photography's reply
Thanks Ashley, loved co-creating with you two at your courthouse micro wedding and basking in the glow of your love. Seasons greetings to you both and look forward to a sequel on an anniversary or other special occasion in the future.
Wedding and Event Photography
David D.
Oct 17, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I can't overestimate what a fantastic experience it was working with Doug as our wedding photographer throughout the entire process and how pleased we were with the quality of his photos from our wedding day. Entrusting anyone to capture your most special day is a huge leap of faith, but from my first email communication with Doug, I immediately sensed his professionalism, his interest in gaining our trust and confidence, and even his sense of empathy. Since we live in another part of the state, we did not have the chance to meet him in person until the day before our wedding. Our confidence and sense of comfort in working with him was confirmed and even more solidified during that meeting. He was a calming presence throughout our wedding day - a day filled with both excitement and moments of anxiousness. Best of all, he provided us with an AMAZING gallery of beautiful photos that exceeded all of our expectations. I can't recommend Doug strongly enough for any photo session you might want to book him for.
Details: Wedding • Fewer than 25 guests • Indoors • Digital or online download
Doug Ellis Photography's reply
Thanks again you two for your sense of play and joy and obvious devotion and heart. All that definitely outshone any nervousness on your part. And the Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room is always a dramatic location for it..so grateful to be part of it. Doug Ellis
Wedding and Event Photography
Credentials
Background Check
Doug Ellis
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
That there is nothing hidden! I make it super simple. Business portraits and family portraits both have a flat session fee that includes retouching and use of all the files. It is based on how many different "looks" you want to do and there are no surprises.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically call and coach my clients through a pre-session discovery form give them a fashion/style guide and posing tips and sometimes help coordinate hair and makeup through my favorite makeup team. We also set an intention and do some stretching/energy practices to get the good juju flowing before the session. There is also an assistant with us to focus on details and help you feel relaxed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Yes, I do workshops all the time--including leading them-- and am continually practicing and refining my craft and widening my own consciousness/inner aperture.
