“As two souls in an epic journey of love, your wedding deserves to be captured in a way that is both elegant and natural. Imagine artistic images - sophisticated treasures to be handed down that capture the true essence of your connection, genuine emotions, and images that truly reflect your love. That’s the experience I offer.”

Photography in art is visual poetry.

Santa Barbara & Laguna Beach California Wedding & Portrait Photographer

MODERN PORTRAITS ~ TIMELESS NARRATIVE


Everyone has a story. How you tell your story is the legacy you leave behind. Sol Focus Studios boutique photography studio dedicated to creating intentional portraits of individuals, families and heart-lead business brands. Because time doesn’t stand still, even for our most defining moments in life, we believe in photography with purpose. Celebrate your journey, relationships, redefine beauty on your own terms and distill it into meaningful art. Our custom sessions merge an elevated client experience with soulful inspired details in ways that celebrate individuality and emotionally engaging stories. Through human connection and a belief that everyone deserves to be truly seen, we are empowering people to embrace who they are with love and boldness.

Book now at our two locations: Laguna Beach and Santa Barbara California Call 808-268-0935

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

  • BRANDING

    Designed for creatives, leaders, bold business owners and professional trailblazers looking to modernize their visual presence, build influence and trust and do it with impact.

  • The PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE

    Regardless of your age, ethnicity, gender or history – this custom, empowering experience of self-connection, expression and love is the best of what we offer.

  • WEDDINGS

    Do you want to capture your day with the most creative visuals that will last a lifetime? I am available to travel to your destination.

FEEL INSPIRED.

  • From start to finish, everything we do is done with mindfulness and love for the people we serve and our craft. We strive to go above and beyond to offer you a one of a kind experience. Our mission is to make you feel seen, heard and understood while translating your needs or wishes into art you will value for years to come. Our entire client experience is built around meaningful connection, service and forging meaningful relationships with our clients.

  • Consider us your master guide in the process ensuring your needs are met and your story told in the most natural and beautiful way. From the very first call all the way through to your portraits selection - we are here every step of the way. We will be a resource, an advocate and we hope your friend.

  • Excellence is not variable or fleeting. It is consistent and earned. From excellence in service, to product quality and dedication to constant growth and evolution - we strive for excellence on all fronts and don’t compromise on quality. Neither should you.

  • You want to know your story is in the hands of someone who genuinely cares. Leading with empathy allows us to build trust and achieve alignment between our personal and business values.

    We value honesty, kindness and vulnerability and know you will feel the difference in working with us.

Conversation

Your time is valuable. We promise to make the most of it. This initial call helps us discover more about you, your needs, what you love and value. Have your questions answered and we will determine how to best serve you.

THE EXPERIENCE

Design your shoot

During your in-home styling appointment we will collaboratively design and customize the entire experience for you. Purpose is to ensure that every detail is a meaningful reflection & representation of who you are.

The Photoshoot

Enjoy a day of self-expression, conversation and self-discovery. You will be guided throughout the entire photoshoot. All you have to do is be present and be unapologetically yourself. Our hair and makeup artists will honor your natural beauty & preferences while enhancing your features for a camera ready look.

Legacy Framed Art

After your photo shoot you will have an opportunity to view and select your favorite images. Choose only what you love. We offer a diverse range of state of the art, highest quality products in the industry. Walk away with legacy art that stands the test of time.

I AM EXCITED FOR YOUR TRANSFORMATION.


With a degree in photography from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Michaela Gardner has a passion for creating memorable & meaningful imagery.

Michaela’s imagery transcends time, capturing the ephemeral essence of a photography session. Her photographs transport her clients through time, evoking not just what their wedding looks like, but truly what it feels like. She loves photographing creative portraits so much, and also offers destination sessions in incredible locations having lived in Maui for over 15 years.

Michaela was named one of the top photographers in Orange County. Her work has also been awarded by PDN, Sawdust Festival and The Banyan Art Gallery in Hawaii. Michaela is California based, but available for travel worldwide and has photographed in over 6 countries. 

Read more about the ethos behind Michaela’s work in her artist's statement.

“From start to finish, it was an absolute pleasure working with Michaela from Sol Focus Studios. She took the time to meet with us a few weeks in advance of our big day and showed us example photos, poses, locations, and ideas. All the information was very helpful in planning for our big day.

On the day itself, Michaela was prompt, organized, and in the best spirits. She was extremely professional on capturing the memorable moments throughout the day itself and offered plenty of feedback to assist us in making the photos look great. Her photography speaks for itself and is of very high quality.

Overall, working with Michaela from Sol Focus Studios was a pleasure and we’d highly recommend her as a photographer to anyone else looking to do the same thing or other aspects of photography.”

Elisha E. -California

It all begins with an idea. Finding the right photographer for your wedding is so important to getting the results you deserve.

Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm

Phone
(808) 268-0935