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San Diego Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer
EMOTIVE + love + Connection
Hi, I’m Christel!
Hey, I’m Christel! I’m a San Diego Lifestyle Photographer (based in Carlsbad) that specializes in families, couples and weddings. I want my clients to leave every session feeling like they’ve gained a new friend. My style is laid back, emotive and fun. I pour my whole heart into my work and aim to showcase your most authentic self. Your final gallery will not consist of stiff poses, instead my sessions are crafted in a storytelling style to capture the true essence of your love and connection.
“It’s less what the eyes see and more what the soul feels...”
What clients in San Diego are saying…
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Christel was our photographer for our beach elopement ceremony in Coronado and she was amazing! Before the ceremony date we talked about family plans and ceremony details to make sure we were all on the same page. She wrote up a rough schedule that worked with our ceremony events and gave us some recommendations on photo locations near our ceremony site. She is the sweetest person and an absolute joy to have around on our wedding day. She made us feel so at ease and comfortable taking photos with our friends, family, and as a couple after the ceremony. She gave us some preview photos soon after the wedding and they were beyond gorgeous. Once we got the full album we were in love with every single picture Christel took. She had an eye for all our ceremony details and made sure to capture every moment possible. We couldn’t be happier with our wedding day experience with Christel and the photos she gave us! I would 100% recommend her photography for any and every occasion!
-Shay
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"Christel is AMAZING!!! I knew from a friend’s portraits that I wanted her to be our family photographer - I love her natural style of capturing families in an authentic way, the tone and feel of her photos, and that she perfectly captures the candid moments I truly love. Then I met her, and she is just so friendly and sweet, encouraging and professional. We have a toddler and she was so patient with his needs, and allowing space for time outs and whatever our family needed to make the session stress-free and enjoyable. We can be pretty awkward but Christel eased any nerves and anxiety we had. I have complete trust in her and will absolutely ask her to do our family photos again (time and time again!) in the future. You will love love love Christel and the photos she’ll bless you with."
-Joanna
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I'll start by saying Christel herself is one of the most kind, adorable, and patient humans. Arriving at the location (Lake Hodges is so beautiful!) the kids were exhausted before even one photo was taken. Yet somehow she was able to turn their attitudes right around and you'd think they were the happiest little humans in front of a camera. She captured the lighting and colors along with silly faces and smiles far above any expectations. On the business front, she is organized with her timing and communication leading up to the shoot and the photos were turned around quickly. Photography was meant for her!
-Lara
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We've done family sessions with Christel twice, and will certainly return for more. Before finding Christel we bounced from photographer to photographer, often chasing promotional deals. I wish we would have found Christel years earlier. Her photographs are beautiful and she's personable and easy to shoot with (kids love her too). It seems impossible to get a family picture with both kids smiling and looking at the camera, yet every year, Christel sends us a gallery full pictures with happy, smiling kids. We've also referred friends to Christel, who were equally as thrilled with their experience and final product. Worth every penny!"
-Dan
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“Christel continues to amaze us with her ability to capture us and these special moments especially with a wild toddler in tow. She is incredibly talented and we are forever grateful for her. She has been there from the very beginning and created these treasures that are so special to us.”
-Trisa
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I am BLOWN AWAY by our family photos. This was our first session as a family of three and Christel is incredible!!!!! She made our shooting time relaxed and carefree and it felt like we were just having a fun beach day! The photos themselves are above and beyond my wildest dreams! Her style and way of capturing details and colors is stunning. We are so excited to look at these forever. We already cannot wait to do another session next year!!
-Colae
LET’S BE FRIENDS!
Follow me on Instagram: @christel.tran.photo