Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey Photographer

Emotive Photography for Love Stories, Personal Portraits and Boudoir in Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, California.

Crafting one-of-a-kind photography experiences that go beyond just pictures. They capture emotions, connections and moments you'll cherish for a lifetime.

WHAT SETS ME APART FROM THE REST

BRANDING →

MONTEREY * BIG SUR * CARMEL BY THE SEA * BEYOND

SERVING

Hi there, I’m Erin

Monterey, California Photographer

Your session curator, expert location scout, wardrobe stylist & photographer.

I don’t just take photos,

I create an experience that’s uniquely yours. Whether you're planning a spontaneous elopement on the cliffs of Big Sur, looking to celebrate your love with a dreamy engagement session in Carmel or want to feel empowered in your skin through a Monterey boudoir session, I'm here to create images that feel like you. Serving Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and beyond., I focus on capturing what makes your story special. My goal is to make you feel confident, connected and completely in the moment, so you walk away with memories that last a lifetime.

Couples.

I help couples plan and capture unique, one-of-a-kind engagements and/or elopements in the Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel, California areas and beyond.

Couples * Elopements * Small Weddings

Individuals.

I help individual clients curate and capture incredibly special photography sessions in studio and along the stunning coastline of the Monterey, Carmel by the Sea and Big Sur.

Boudoir * Maternity * Bridals * Portraits

ABOUT ME

Why Clients Love Working With Me

Because your story deserves to be told with authenticity, artistry, and care. I help you feel relaxed, confident, and seen — whether we’re hiking to a Big Sur overlook or helping you pick out what outfits to wear.

Clients often describe my style as editorial, emotional, and cinematic, with a calm and friendly energy behind the lens.

Capturing

Couples

Natural, editorial-style images that capture the moment you say yes

Elopements

Documenting wildly romantic, soul-filled ceremonies in Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey

Boudoir

Empowering, confidence-boosting portraits in my Cannery Row studio or outdoors on the coast

Branding

Clean, expressive portraits for creatives, couples, and local business owners

As seen on

Testimonials

•

Testimonials •

Testimonials

•

Testimonials •

"Erin not only captured absolutely gorgeous photos for our engagement session and wedding, but she also stole our hearts during the process! What a beautiful soul inside and out! We couldn’t have picked a better wedding photographer - If you are searching for the best wedding photographer who is kind, talented and easy to work with this is your girl! We love you Erin!"

Whitney + Douglas
"Erin is a VERY talented photographer from the moment we met I felt like I have known her for years . She is a true artist very fun and passionate . She makes your whole experience so special with your LOVED ONE . If you want a photographer that is glowing with love and joy she's your girl. She will make you very comfortable in front of the camera and she WILL CREATE artwork for you to treasure FOREVER . Her work and personality is beyond 5 stars!!"

Tristin + Billy
"Omg Erin!!! Over the past year my husband & I have done many shoots with her & love every experience! She’s an upbeat, talented, & creative person that will get down & dirty just to get the right angle. You can tell that she puts her whole heart in her work to make her clients happy. She’s also the type of photographer that will get you out of your shell when you don’t know what to do with your hands!! I would recommend her to anyone."

Montanna + Cameron
Erin is an amazing human and her work falls nothing short of incredible! She has this beautiful energy about her and you can’t help but smile when she’s around. She moves around and isn’t afraid of the uncomfortable to capture moments that take your breath away. Her editing style has a golden, moody tone/feel and it’s just the best! Matthew and I met Erin when she came out to Southern California and she did our engagement shoot. I wish she was based out this way to capture more of our journey! If you ever have the opportunity to work with her, we highly recommend it!

Lindsay + Mathew
"I loved working with Erin. From engagements to the wedding she made everything so easy and so fun!! Pictures turned out so unique and beautiful. Amazingly different from every other photographer I’ve worked with before. I love everything about her vibe!!!! 10/10 recommend"

Brittney + Mark
"The best wedding photographer! Erin is a MIRACLE WORKER! Her edits are unlike any photographer you’ve ever seen. She knows exactly what she’s doing. I had a wedding with a party of 32 (11 bridesmaids/ 11 groomsman/ 5 house party/ 5 ushers) & I couldn’t believe how amazing each picture she took was. She just blew my mind!! And she got all my pictures back within TWO weeks of my wedding date! 3 of my friends who got married didn’t get theirs back until 3 months after. Pick her as your photographer! You will not regret it!"

MK + Nick
Erin is absolutely the best wedding photographer! She has the ability to make you feel 100% comfortable while capturing some of life’s most amazing moments. Her willingness to go above and beyond is priceless! From pre-wedding thoughtful gifts, popping champagne, laying on the ground to capture the perfect photo, laughs, dancing and more! Erin made our wedding more special in every way possible!"

Crystal + Josh
"Erin was absolutely wonderful to work with! She took pics of me & my bf for our first photo shoot together & made it super easy & fun! If you’re looking for a photographer with a eye for the perfect picture & a passion to help your memories last a lifetime, give her a call! Extremely happy with our photos and can’t wait to shoot again soon!"

Candice + Justin

Item 1 of 8

Every package includes.

FUN LAID BACK EXPERIENCE
PLANNING CONSULTATION
WARDROBE CONSULTATION
PERSONALIZED SESSION PLANNING
EXPERT PERMIT ADVICE
EMPATHETIC, FRIENDLY POSING
ONE OF A KIND SESSION DESIGN
CUSTOM TIMELINE CREATION
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO ACCESS
UP TO DATE EQUIPMENT & INSURANCE
ARTISTIC HAND CRAFTED EDITS
CONVENIENT PRINT ORDERING
UNIQUE SESSION IDEAS
SCOUTING STUNNING LOCATIONS

Item 1 of 14

01

STEP ONE

Fill out my contact form with a few details about your session or event. I’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours with availability, next steps, and answers to any questions you have.

02

STEP TWO

Once we decide we’re a perfect fit, I’ll send over a contract and invoice. A signed agreement and retainer officially reserve your date on my calendar.

03

STEP THREE

After booking, I’ll guide you through the planning process with helpful tips, guides, and timeline support to make sure your session feels relaxed, fun and true to you.

Let’s create images that honor your story, your connection, and this beautiful place you’ve chosen to celebrate it.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

(I promise not to blow your phone up.)

(###)

###

####

How did you hear about me?

What session type are you interested in?s

Month you are interested in booking.

City & State you are inquiring about.

Location you'd like to shoot.

My studio

In your home

Airbnb/Peerspace

Outdoors

Other

Describe your dream session vision.

What questions can I answer?

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly! I can't wait to hear from you!

FAQs - Big Sur California Photos

I specialize in engagements, elopements, boudoir and portrait photography, capturing love stories, confidence, and authentic moments.
I’m based in Monterey and Carmel, California, but I frequently shoot in Big Sur. I love traveling for elopements and destination shoots—let's chat about your dream location!
My style is a blend of documentary and editorial, capturing authentic moments.. I focus on natural light, moody edits and creating a relaxed atmosphere.
For elopements and weddings, I recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance. Portraits and boudoir sessions typically book 2-3 months ahead. However, last-minute openings may be available!
My packages include a set number of hours, high-resolution edited images, a private online gallery and location & wardrobe guidance. Some packages also include a custom timeline and vendor recommendations.
Yes! I have extensive knowledge of some of the most stunning locations and can guide you through the necessary permits to ensure a smooth experience.
To book, simply fill out my contact form, and I’ll be in touch to discuss details. A signed contract and a retainer fee are required to secure your date.
Yes! I offer flexible payment plans for most packages. Let me know what works best for you!
My typical turnaround time is:
- Portraits & boudoir: 3-4 weeks
- Elopements & weddings: 4-6 weeks
You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can download your high-resolution images.
Yes! You can order professional-quality prints, albums, custom books and wall art directly from your gallery.

Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey Photographer

Crafting one-of-a-kind photography experiences that go beyond just pictures. They capture emotions, connections and moments you'll cherish for a lifetime.

ENGAGEMENTS →

PROPOSALS →

ELOPEMENTS →

BOUDOIR →

BRANDING →

MONTEREY * BIG SUR * CARMEL BY THE SEA * BEYOND

Monterey, California Photographer

I don’t just take photos,

Couples.

Couples * Elopements * Small Weddings

Individuals.

Boudoir * Maternity * Bridals * Portraits

Why Clients Love Working With Me

Capturing

Couples

Elopements

Boudoir

Branding

As seen on

FUN LAID BACK EXPERIENCE

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

STEP THREE

Let’s create images that honor your story, your connection, and this beautiful place you’ve chosen to celebrate it.

FAQs - Big Sur California Photos

What types of photography do you specialize in?

Where are you based and do you travel?

What’s your photography style?

How far in advance should I book my session?

What’s included in your packages?

Do you help with location scouting and permits for shoots?

How do I book a session?

Do you offer payment plans?

How long does it take to receive my photos?

How will I receive my images?

Do you offer prints and albums?

See my latest work here.

Erin Venable Photography

* Explore *

Photographing Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel California and beyond.