SOL FOCUS STUDIOS

Welcome to SOL FOCUS STUDIOS, a boutique photography studio run with the passion of the creative artist Michaela Gardner, whose work will transcend time. Santa Barbara, California specializes in creative photography art that captures the most authentic view of telling your story in the most visually captivating way. Whether it is a professional photo shoot, mini-session photography, or booking a photographer for your wedding, it will be an experience elevated to honor your unique journey.


"Photography is more than images. It's visual poetry. It's the art of capturing the essence of who you are, the emotions that make you unique, and the timeless beauty of life's most cherished moments."

Moment and Art Capturing

It is straightforward at SOL FOCUS STUDIOS: we produce strong meaningful artistry that honors you. We combine excellent guidance, purposeful styling, and deep connection with our clients to create the most precious images while going well beyond just pictures because they end up as treasured memories.

Our Photography Services


We have photography services that meet all your needs. We see that an expression of love or family and all the other markers in life are captured by us with the artistry and know-how we have to make them matter the most.

Portrait Photography From singles to families, the portrait experience is designed to empower you and help rediscover your unique beauty in images that celebrate who you are.

Wedding Photography: Elegant, artistic, and natural wedding photography captures your love story in timeless photographs that you will love forever. Brand Photography: An authentic, bold, high-impact visual presence for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders - elevates your brand, and builds credibility with your audience.

Mini Session Photography Best for a busy schedule are mini sessions because the best shots can be taken in minimum time, and it is ideal for a family, couple, or even the individual to capture special moments.

Couples & Engagement Photos Preparing to tie the knot or just want to celebrate that bonding? Our studio photoshoot is the perfect place for the creation of meaningful, creative memories with each other.

  • Why SOL FOCUS STUDIOS?

    Expert Guidance: From the first minute that we book a photographer, we guarantee to help you plan a meaningful, comfortable, and fun shoot. Michaela's practice is absolutely about human connection wherein you feel seen and heard through the process.

    Experiences: We believe in personalized sessions that reflect your individuality. The photography studio session would all be a space that you can relax fully, and let your guard down in, wherein you can be someone you will feel free to be.

    You're going to be presented with high-quality prints and products legacy framed art pieces or a good photoshoot studio. Your photos will become a treasure for life.

  • Book your shoot now:

    Want to make memories that no one will ever forget? Book a photographer today! SOL FOCUS STUDIOS are based in Santa Barbara, California; however, they also have a location in Laguna Beach, so choose the best place for your vision.

    Whether you are in search of mini-session photography, Hawaii photographers, or even a customized portrait session, we stand ready to make your dreams come true. Feel free to reach out to us today for more, or schedule a discovery call.

  • Our Process

    Discovery Call

    A chat to get to know you, understand your vision, and the things that matter. This will guide us in tailoring your whole experience for you.

    Design Your Shoot

    We will collaborate during our pre-session styling consultation to ensure that every single detail embodies your personality and the story you want to tell.

    The Session

    Our sessions are casual, yet fun. We will walk you through every step so you feel comfortable, confident, and totally like you.

    Legacy Frame Art

    From heirloom-quality framed art to albums that will preserve your memories for generations to come, you can choose the best products in which to showcase your images after your session.


Santa Barbara Photography & More

Santa Barbara photographers provide work with fine art quality in photography and over a decade of experience in all photography shoots. Be it your destination wedding or studio photoshoots for couples, then Michaela's keen sense of artistry with excellent technical know-how ensures all your photos capture the beauty in the moment and depth in emotion.

Maui photographers include over six countries' experience in the shoot. A Brooks Institute of Photography graduate from Santa Barbara, her work has been identified by PDN, Sawdust Festival, and The Banyan Art Gallery among others.

“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 ~

SOPHISTICATED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

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, we believe in photography with purpose. Celebrate your journey,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.

Book now :

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.
Her work has also been awarded by PDN, Sawdust Festival and The Banyan Art Gallery in Hawaii.

“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