About Stanley Wu Photography
I am a Los Angeles photographer who specializes in capturing graduation portraits, weddings, proposals & engagements, and professional headshots.
Introduction
Welcome! My name is Stanley, and I am the artist behind Stanley Wu Photography. My professional journey started back in 2014, beginning with graduation portraits and wedding photography. I quickly discovered a deep passion for photography and knew right away this was what I wanted to do for life.
In 2017, things got even more exciting when I opened my first physical studio in Playa Vista. Fast forward to 2021, I'm now based in El Segundo, where I have my current studio space with a beautiful view overlooking LAX. A big milestone for me was in 2018, when my partner, Esther, joined the business. We're a husband and wife photography team now, and it's been an incredible journey working side by side.
I've continued to hone my skills in portrait and wedding photography, capturing those timeless moments and emotions. Esther, with her amazing eye for detail, primarily focuses on wedding photography and offers day-of coordination, making sure every aspect of the big day is picture-perfect.
Together, we're committed to bringing your stories to life through our lenses, making every moment unforgettable. Welcome to our world of photography!
Mission & Values
I love working with people and helping them look their best. Through my years of experience, I've found that being photogenic is simply an attitude you wear. For me, that’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of photographing people. If I could help somebody feel great about themselves and how they look, I would have done my job successfully. It’s easy to say that you’re amazing just the way you are, but it’ll be more convincing to simply show you the beautiful results from our shoot!
The Transformative Power of Photography
I am also a strong believer in the incredible power of photography to transform and nurture positive body image. I am here not only to help people craft beautiful images but also to create a safe and empowering environment where individuals feel celebrated and confident in their own skin.
Through skillful composition, lighting, and genuine connection, I aim to showcase the unique beauty of every individual I photograph. I believe that by embracing diversity and highlighting the inherent beauty in every body, I contribute to a culture of self-acceptance and empowerment.
My goal is to capture moments that not only reflect the outer beauty but also celebrate the inner strength and uniqueness of each person, fostering a sense of confidence and appreciation for oneself.
Visit the following pages to read more about my philosophy, shooting & editing style, along with my inclusivity statement.
About Stanley
Raised in San Francisco and now calling Los Angeles home, I never imagined photography would be my path. Yet, from the first time I held a camera, I was completely captivated. My initial venture into photography was through landscape photography, capturing nature's awe-inspiring beauty through mountains, lakes, sunsets, golden hour, blue hour, and the Milky Way galaxy. This soon evolved into portrait photography, where I discovered my signature technique of blending portraits with natural landscapes and architectural cityscapes, crafting a unique vision of environmental portraits that seamlessly combine the two disciplines.
As my experience grew, photographing not just dozens but hundreds upon thousands of individuals, I started to observe the profound impact of my work. It wasn't just about taking pictures; it was about uplifting spirits and enriching lives. This insight has transformed into my mission: to be a catalyst for positivity, celebrating the diverse beauty and stories of life through my photography.
Fun facts:
- My favorite national park is Death Valley National Park with its beautiful dunes and awe-inspiring night views of the galaxy. Going towards my secret hideout there requires an armored vehicle, otherwise you'll have a 50% flat tire rate. Don't ask me how I got that statistic.
- I graduated UCLA with a degree in Economics, minor in Philosophy, studied Filmmaking, and taught myself Photography - ironically, in reverse order of the time I actually spent on them in college.
- It's the photographer, not the camera - so they say. Actually, this is true, but that hasn't stopped me from amassing a crazy epic gear list. Honestly, the reason why I became a photographer is just to play with camera gear and click buttons.
- I drive an EV and named it 'Blue' – because, with my immense creativity, what else would you name a blue car?
- I like cats, so we got a Shiba Inu - they're basically cats, right?
About Esther
Esther's true passion lies in working with people, a trait that shines through her extensive experience in event planning, coordination, and management. With over a decade in the field, Esther brings a treasure trove of expertise and insights to every project. She thrives on the thrill and imagination of the planning process, finding immense joy in seeing ideas come to life and hard work culminate in success. Outside of her professional realm, Esther's creativity doesn't rest. She engages in various pursuits, including interior design and meticulously planning her next global adventure.
About Penny
Penny is our newest intern. She occasionally works as a cheerleader at shoots, a package inspector (making sure Stanley's new camera acquisitions are up to par), and office assistant. Although she's a bit catty when it comes to seeing dogs, Penny is a people person, always ready to socialize. She promotes a positive outlook on life, something we value at the company - she always has a smile on her face to help everyone up in case they are having a ruff day.
In other words, Penny is our lovely Shiba Inu and Esther and I are lucky to have her as a part of our family!
Getting in touch
For inquiries or to book a photo session, please click the link below and fill out the inquiry form, I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Vaccination & Masking
It's no longer a public state of emergency, but in case you'd like to know, here is our policy:
We are fully vaccinated against Influenza and COVID-19, with booster shots included. We always comply with any local or federal masking mandates. We also respect your masking preferences – we can wear a mask to your shoot or event if preferred, even if there is no government mandate. Just let us know before the event. Your comfort and safety is our priority!