About Encinitas Studio
Photography that feels as effortless as life on the California coast.
Whether you're celebrating your wedding day, documenting your family, building your brand, or launching a new campaign, your photographs should feel like you—beautiful, genuine, and timeless.
At Encinitas Studio, every session is built around creating images with purpose. The kind you'll proudly hang on your walls, share with the world, or use to grow your business for years to come. My approach is relaxed and collaborative, giving you the space to be yourself while I focus on the light, composition, and the moments that often happen between the poses.
My clients aren't looking for ordinary photographs. They want images that tell a story, feel elevated without feeling staged, and capture the personality behind the people, families, and brands they represent.
That's exactly what I love creating.
Meet Your Photographer
Katie Doner - Founder/Photographer
More than two decades behind the camera.
My journey as a photographer began while studying Fine Arts in college, where I developed a deep appreciation for light, composition, and visual storytelling. More than twenty years later, those same artistic principles continue to shape every photograph I create.
Over the years, photography has taken me on adventures I never could have imagined. I've photographed more than 150 weddings, toured the West Coast with the New Zealand reggae band Katchafire, documented performances by artists including Miami Horror, and created imagery for commercial campaigns, fashion lookbooks, restaurants, hotels, magazines, political campaigns, and lifestyle brands across the country.
Whether I'm documenting the emotion of a wedding day, capturing the energy of a live performance, or creating imagery that helps a business tell its story, my approach remains the same: find authentic moments, work with beautiful light, and create photographs that feel timeless.
My work has been featured in publications including Cosmopolitan, Richmond Magazine, Edible Seacoast, Edible Reno-Tahoe, and numerous regional and national publications. Every assignment, every destination, and every client has helped shape the photographer I am today.
Now, all of those experiences come together here in Encinitas, where I create thoughtful, story-driven imagery inspired by the beauty and laid-back spirit of the California coast.
Inspired by the coast. Guided by connection.
Encinitas isn't just where I work—it's the lifestyle that inspires everything I create.
The easy mornings, salty air, golden sunsets, and creative spirit of our coastal community naturally influence the way I photograph. Whether we're walking along the beach, exploring local trails, creating imagery for your business, or documenting one of life's biggest milestones, I want your photographs to feel effortless, natural, and unmistakably Southern California.
Every client deserves an experience that's enjoyable from beginning to end. I'll help with location selection, wardrobe guidance, natural posing, and creating an environment where you can relax and simply enjoy the moment. When you're comfortable, the photographs become something much more than beautiful. They become honest.
Every chapter deserves to be remembered.
Life moves quickly, but the moments that matter deserve to last. Whether we're documenting your family, creating imagery for your business, or celebrating one of life's biggest milestones, my goal is always the same: to create photographs that you'll treasure for decades. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
What types of photography do you specialize in?
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Encinitas Studio specializes in editorial portraits, personal branding, commercial photography, fashion campaigns, lifestyle imagery, family portraits, senior portraits, actor headshots, musicians, artists, restaurants, hospitality, and weddings. Every session is designed to create authentic, elevated imagery that tells your story.
Where are you located?
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Encinitas Studio is based in beautiful Encinitas, California, serving North County San Diego and destinations throughout Southern California. We also travel for commercial assignments, editorial projects, and destination weddings.
Do you have a photography studio?
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Most sessions take place outdoors or on location to capture natural light and authentic environments. Mobile studio equipment is also available for professional headshots, branding sessions, and commercial productions at your office, business, or event.
What should I wear for my photo session?
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After booking, you'll receive a detailed styling guide with wardrobe recommendations based on your session type. Whether you're planning a branding shoot, family portraits, or fashion editorial, we'll help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully and reflects your personality or brand.
How far in advance should I book?
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Portrait sessions are best booked 4–12 weeks in advance, while weddings and commercial projects should be reserved several months ahead whenever possible. Peak spring and fall dates tend to fill quickly.
Do you help with posing?
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Absolutely. Most clients aren't professional models, and they don't need to be. I'll guide you through natural posing and movement throughout your session so you feel comfortable, confident, and look like yourself.
Do you travel for photography sessions?
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Yes! Encinitas Studio photographs throughout San Diego County and frequently travels for commercial campaigns, destination weddings, editorials, and creative projects. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Will my images be professionally retouched?
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Yes. Every delivered image receives professional editing for color, lighting, and overall polish. Portraits also include tasteful retouching that maintains natural skin texture and authentic features without looking over-edited.
How long does it take to receive my photos?
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Turnaround times vary by project. Portrait sessions are typically delivered within 2–3 weeks, while weddings and larger commercial productions may require additional editing time. Rush delivery is available for select projects.
How do I book a session?
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Simply fill out the contact form with your project details, desired date, and vision. We'll schedule a consultation, discuss your goals, and create a photography experience tailored specifically to you or your business.