Read Reviews
We put together some of the kind words we’ve received over the years, just for you:
Reviews from Couples:
From the first email exchange we had with Austin & Dara, it was a love-fest! They are the most professional, kind-hearted, artistic, and passionate photographers (and people) you will ever meet.
They have a beautiful quality about their profession and that same quality is demonstrated in every aspect of their lives. They are so much more than photographers.
I guarantee if you hire this amazing duo, you will gain two amazingly artistic, creative, hilarious, and talented photographers (& friends). I can’t say enough good things about them — We could not have made a better choice for our photographers!
- Elissa V.
I’m just going to say it because we all already know it: Austin and Dara are the s!$t. Hands down, they are the best photographers around. Hiring them is the best wedding-related decision you will ever make (besides saying “I do!”).
No ifs, and or buts about it, these two define top-notch photography, AND, they are awesome people to boot. My husband and I were married on August 13th and we are still getting rave reviews about our pictures.
A & D, you are both truly talented and amazing people and your love for the people you work with and the work that you do is evident in every single pixel of every one of your amazing photographs. Anyone who doesn’t sign up to have you photograph their wedding is crazy…or blind. You are both able to completely and fully capture life exactly as it’s happening and exactly as it feels, which is totally key for a wedding. Nothing is forced, nothing is awkward. It’s just all love. Seriously, you two are the BEST!
- Jessica B.
In a field full of photographers taking one-dimensional bland photos, Austin and Dara’s photos have a depth and feel that you don’t find in many images. Their images are full of emotion and keep you clicking on to the next one wanting to see more… We met with a lot of really great photographers but after meeting with Austin and Dara we knew they, as a team, would be a perfect fit… They are so passionate about their work and really enthusiastic …
- Peter C.
Austin and Dara are AMAZING! They are fun, talented, and they love what they do. I cannot say enough good things about our experience with this husband and wife team of photographers. They bring all of themselves to the plate offering their artistic abilities, love of life, and genuine love for their fellow human beings. They have done a great job of creating a service that not only offers a great end product, but a personal touch that makes sure all your t’s are crossed and your i’s are dotted so that you not only receive great images but you have a whole bunch of fun while your getting them.
Thanks again Austin and Dara.
With great thanks,
- Israel and Angelina
I can honestly say the best decision I made in planning my wedding (other than to marry my husband) was having Austin & Dara Photography. They are not only amazing photographers, but also amazing people. My husband would have passed out without Austin’s guidance and support. I would have lost my mind without Dara! Austin and Dara were with us for over 10 hours and never seems like anything less than amazing. If I had to do it all over again I would pick them every time!
- Rebecca V.
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! Going with you to get our engagement pictures done was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Thank you for your amazing quality and hard work! The photos look amazing, truly exceeded our expectations!
- Daniel I.
They are more than photographers, they are storytellers. When you are planning a wedding It’s nice to have at least one vendor that you don’t have to worry a thing about. Thanks Austin & Dara!
- Nicole O.
Wonderful! We can’t say enough good things about Austin & Dara. They photographed our October wedding in Santa Barbara. If you are getting married in Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, definitely hire them.
They made everyone feel comfortable during the wedding and took amazing photographs. We were adventurous, taking their cues for shots and trusting their vision. It paid off. They both have an artistic eye and the ability to see shots. They listened to what we wanted and delivered that and more. Our wedding and engagement photos were stunning.
We thought we were splurging on the photography given our small wedding, but it was well worth the price. At the wedding, we had a slideshow of some of the photographs and all our guests raved. Hire them immediately.
- September R.
… I am tearing up (in a good way). The
pictures are so beautiful. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness,
generosity, and just being amazing people and amazing photographers.
- Rachel B.
Here’s what my friend CJ said when she saw our engagement photos that Austin and Dara took: “What brilliant, captivating, romantic photography! I love it! They did an awesome job of capturing the feel and fun the both of you have and the images actually capture the spark and chemistry that is so obviously your magic – I LOVE it! 
”
I couldn’t say it better myself. Austin and Dara are talented and FUN to be around. After our engagement shoot, I consider them great new friends that happen to be photographing our wedding. Can’t wait.
- Kristie B.
During the wedding planning process, you really get to know certain vendors in particular. The photographers, specifically, you will be spending a lot of time with before, during and after your wedding day. It’s important to choose photographers that are sensitive to your own vision for the whole experience of your wedding day and aren’t just going through the motions or doing their 4000th wedding and have lost a little of the personal touch. Working with Austin and Dara was a fantastic and personal experience for this bride and groom and their pictures were outstanding, exactly what we had been hoping for: modern, creative, exquisite use of sunlight and scenery. Their eyes for great pictures are trustworthy and the experience of working with them was professional, yet personal, just what a bride and groom need, especially ON that wedding day. We could not be happier with our pictures of that special day. We highly recommend this married team of photographers, and their little daughter Aliyah just couldn’t be cuter.
- Paige W.
Because I am a photographer as well, I knew that our pictures needed to be perfect… and they are. The magical moments Dara and Austin catch on film are the product of the atmosphere they create as photographers. My husband and I have never had so much fun, laughed so hard and kissed so much — and the photos are amazing! We’ve decided that we want them to be at every occasion we may have in the future! Thank you so much!
- Meg S.
Austin and Dara are talented beyond words and deliver a product that is truly worth the money. We booked them for a complete wedding package including 11+ hours of wedding day coverage and an engagement shoot.
Not only are the photos top-notch but they are a source of support and strength throughout the whole crazy day. Dara would whip out emergency items out of her tool kit all day that had me in awe (double-stick tape, pins, this concentrated breath mint droplet thing) and she was just a calm, fun person throughout. Also, she takes AMAZING, up-close shots of you and your loved ones’ facial expressions. Austin is equally talented and goes the extra mile, climbing into trees or laying stomach-down on the carpet or floor, for the perfect shot.
From a mechanics perspective, they were always very prompt in responding to emails and requests, even reviewing my day-of timeline and giving helpful notes.
In terms of value for the money, I don’t know ANYONE else who provides a gorgeous, 50+ photo slideshow OF the wedding that they display for your guests AT the wedding (!) and then upload to their website/Facebook almost immediately (!!!) This alone should make you want to hire them right now. Words can’t express how awesome it is to get the immediate gratification of stunning professional photos while you and your guests are still riding the wedding high.
A&D get our highest recommendations!
- Neda
Austin and Dara are a married couple that photograph together. D and I knew we wanted a casual outdoor setting with a light feel for our e-session. While snooping through their website we discovered that their whimsical style was perfectly aligned with the approach we envisioned.
Upon meeting them for the first time in their Santa Barbara home, Daniel and I were instantly at ease. They have a remarkable way of making you feel as though you’ve known them forever and are only just now picking up wherever your friendship left off. They make a great team as they feed off each others creativity and they have such positive energy you inevitably have a blast, no fake smiles necessary!
Most importantly, they are as professional as they are fun. Austin and Dara were extremely responsive and timely. For any of you brides or brides to be out there, you know this is nothing short of a blessing.
- Rosie G.
I’m not sure I can put into words how truly amazing the duo is. They have not only such good hearts and this really beautiful feeling whenever they are together, its really their easy breezy attitude and fun they have along with you that made them truly the best to work with.
This truly is the most important decision you will make because you’re day flies by so fast and can hardly remember all of those beautiful moments until someone, Dara & Austin, capture them. And not just capture but capture them in the perfect light, perfect frame…perfect…We had SO much fun re living our day through their lens.
Now for their photography! I can’t say enough. As someone who is in the business of getting their picture taken I was SO impressed. Its something you are going to HAVE to spend good money on. This isn’t a question. We are all on the penny saver mind set I think for a very long time if not forever but I’m telling you (not that they are crazy expensive) but the cost is worth every single nickel and dime.
I just can’t really say enough about the kind of people they are and especially on your day you want people who are good people and fun and lovely. I had my big moment of stress before the big moment with trying to make sure things were ready and I’m telling you, looking at Dara and having her around made me so much less stressed. Its like having your good girlfriend around.
I found them at a friends wedding and I will recommend them to anyone and everyone. Helped made our day so special and I have the pictures now to prove it! xo
- Kelly Z.
Got married at The Granada in Sept. and Austin & Dara were our amazing photographers. They’re amazing people too, and you’ll really be truly lucky if you get the chance to work with them. Their photos are absolutely beautiful — you probably already know that –but they really are warm, professional, fun, engaging, encouraging, and just a joy to be around.
They were incredibly easy to work with, did so much to reduce our stress and shot absolutely gorgeous pictures. Like the wedding, the engagement shoot not only produced great pictures, but was quite simply just a ton of fun as well. They really posses an impressive blend of being casual and incredibly professional at the same time. We really couldn’t be happier or recommend them any more highly.
- Clayton C.
BOOYA! Weddings are so much fun, you’ve gotta have a fun wedding photographer to keep it going. Austin & Dara were all about and making us and our guests comfortable in front of the camera so we got pictures of our awesome day where everyone was enjoying themselves instead of stopping to smile for the camera. We had so much fun at our wedding and Austin & Dara helped capture it and add to the whole experience! Thanks!
- Kenny H.
These are two of the most loving, and caring individuals you’ll ever meet. Austin and Dara get as excited about your engagement shoot and wedding as your are about it. They are as passionate about their clients as they are about what they do. Austin and Dara really try to capture the intimacy and love between two people as creatively as possible, without being a slave to specific photographic techniques, or positioning. They really bring such open hearts and open minds to the Wedding experience that I can’t imagine choosing anyone different.
-Naoise T.
Austin and Dara photographed our engagement shoot just last fall and then recently photographed our wedding. Words cannot express how much we have enjoyed getting to know them and having them with us on the most amazing day of our life. They made it so much more enjoyable; we couldn’t have asked for better photographers on our wedding day! They really strive to get to know you so they will know how to get just the right pictures, capturing different emotions into the pictures. They’re always on their toes not wanting to miss a perfect moment. They both are fun-loving, comfortable to be around, and quite impressive with their professionalism. Our guests, our wedding party, and our family absolutely loved them! It’s so neat to see a husband and wife working side by side and loving what they do.
- Daniel & BryAnne
Finding a wedding photographer was a long ordeal for us, and we feel very lucky that we ended up finding Austin & Dara. After the wedding day is done and over with, it’s the memories and photos that last….so we really wanted to make sure that our photos were going to be great! After many late nights and hours of scrutinizing different wedding photographers all over Santa Barbara and beyond, we happened to find Austin & Dara and just loved their fresh and modern style.
We couldn’t be any happier with our photos and received rave reviews from our family and friends as well. Besides their great work, they were wonderful to work with….very professional but so friendly and super personable.
They also put together a wedding album for us that will definitely be bringing back wonderful memories years from now. We’re designers ourselves and very particular about how things look visually…and Austin & Dara were wonderful in listening and working with us to get the album just right and the way we wanted it. Thank you guys so much!!
- Alicia & Jason
Dara & Austin were the best team we could have picked for our engagement photos. They were very friendly, professional, and very relaxing. We did some family shots first w/ my 2 little ones, then Dara watched them while me and my love went and took couple shots. They were great shots. They provided us with a quote, and references to other photographers so we could shop around. They were the best, and the most communicative as well. I really can’t describe how great an experience this was. I told my girl that we should get these done every year based off this experience.
- Jeremy T.
From the minute we met Austin & Dara we knew that we wanted them to shoot our wedding. Before meeting them, we checked out their blog and fell in love with their style and thought that their work was spectacular. Since our wedding was small (only 12 people!), it was important to us that we have a connection with all of the people involved, including the photographers. When we met them, we loved their warmth, energy and pretty much everything about them. They clearly have a passion for what they do and it shows — their work is excellent and we couldn’t be more pleased with the pictures from our wedding. Everyone that has seen them is so impressed and asks how we found them! We highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend Austin & Dara — not only because of their unbelievable talent & ability to capture the moment, but because they are wonderful people who you just want to hang out with and have at your wedding anyway!
- Kellie
They always say a picture can tell 1000 words: well there are no words to express Austin and Dara’s photography. Beautiful Images taken by beautiful people. My wife and I are so grateful Austin and Dara were able to photograph our wedding. A day to remember.
- Michael J.
Reviews from Wedding Vendors:
I was impressed with Austin & Dara as soon as I met them. I worked a wedding with them last Summer and had the good fortune to get to know them as fellow photographers and people. The only thing more impressive then their kind demeanor, fun spirits, and joy is their photography. I continue to be amazed and what has prompted me this very moment to write this review is the ridiculous images I saw them produce at a Yosemite wedding recently (ask to see them if you haven’t). I recommend them whole-heartedly and without reservation.
- Jaime M., Owner/Operator | Lensley Automatic Photobooth
Austin & Dara are the most amazing, down-to-earth photographers I’ve ever met. It was a pleasure meeting you both!
Wow, this couple is beautiful; and they do beautiful work! I recently worked with them at a wedding in Paso Robles. Even 6 months pregnant, Dara is still working hard to make her clients’ day special. Both her and Austin are wonderful. They know how to capture “the moment” without being intrusive…
I look forward to working with them again and will happily refer them to anyone looking to photograph their special moments in life.
- Lisa O., Owner/Operator | Smile Lounge Photobooth
I recently worked alongside with Austin + Dara Photography at a wedding in Santa Barbara, Ca. It was a breath of fresh air when I see photographers of their caliber. I have seen their photographs and have fallen in love with them; not to mention the ease and professionalism that they display while at your wedding. They are creative and are always trying to capture all of the memories of your big day. I highly recommend them to anyone for any occasion, and can say that you will be impressed with your photos.
- Brian Armstrong, Videographer | Streamline Productions
I love working with Austin and Dara Curtis! They are total professionals and strive for perfection in everything they do. Having them both at an event is wonderful as well because they both have a passion for a different aspect of photography, which means the client gets stellar photos! When they partner with me on an event I know that I’m in for a great night! Not only do they do amazing work, they are fun, smart, energetic and friendly. It’s hard not to have their vibe rub off on you and the guests! And the best part, they are so in love with each other that it just spills over into their work. I can’t wait until the next time a bride books them for a wedding!
- Melissa Sylvester, Wedding Planner | Rincon Beach Club and Catering, Inc.
What fabulous luck I had finding Austin and Dara! As a wedding planner working in an area far from my normal vendors, I was very worried about finding the perfect fit. From the moment I sent Austin and Dara’s website to the bride she was completely in love with their work. I feel that Austin and Dara were the perfect photographers both in style and in personality, to capture this special day for a bride and groom who are very dear to me. They truly gave this couple a gift they will treasure for the entirety of their lives together!
- Jessica Winthrop, Wedding Planner | Cavallo Point Lodge
Austin & Dara, the photos are absolutely amazing, more than I could have hoped for. I really appreciate it!
- Justine Hosseini, Hairstylist | Underground Hair Artists
Reviews from Parents:
Austin and Dara just finished photographing our daughter, Rachel’s and her husband, Andy’s wedding. It is hard to convey how delighted we were with the experience. These two are both as professional and as warm as they come. Their experience and guidance gave us a great sense of confidence and their personalities actually added to the overall ambiance of the event…from the wedding preparations to the reception!!
They were even nice enough to shoot a family picture when we accidentally ran into them the day after the wedding at a campground in Yosemite. We were also incredibly impressed with the creativity of the photos, for example shooting Rachel’s wedding dress in the wood paneled elevator at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite…not to mention the lengths they went to to get the right shot. Imagine a photographer running down the road through a traffic jam at Yosemite to get just the right shot of the bride and groom in a meadow under Half Dome which they climbed on one of their first outings. THANK YOU SO MUCH, AUSTIN AND DARA!
- Deborah B.
- Norma N.
What a fantastic job you did. The photos are really wonderful! They both catch the mood and tell the story
- Mahala W.
Thank you so much, dear hearts! The photos are LOVELY and we’re so pleased! Thanks for your hard work!
- Linda R.
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