The 5 Best Event Photographers in San Jose

Bay Area residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to shutterbugs, especially those creatives who specialize in event photography. There’s always something exciting going on in San Jose and neighboring areas, whether it’s a large-scale convention or an annual festival. No matter if you’re hosting a corporate workshop, a end-of-year holiday party, fashion show, or something similar, there is a dizzying array of talented San Jose event photographers ready to capture the moment.

1. Liz Caruana Photography

Boasting a robust background that consists of nearly two decades working on set, Liz Caruana is a gifted San Jose event and branding photographer with a sharp eye for connection and captivating moments in time. A transplant from Toronto, she describes herself as having “the energy and speed of a cheetah,” so you can bet she’ll keep up with the pace of your event, even if it’s a massive corporate convention. Along with a talent for background composition and capturing minute details, Liz has the people skills to complement any occasion, as her photography clients have ranged from young professionals to CEOs and celebrities.

2. Susan J. Weiand Photography

While Susan J. Weiand is a professional photographer who aims to document the day’s events in their entirety, she admits that the emotional element of the craft is far more important than simple documentation. In her own words, “The most satisfying part of my job is doing that well enough to see the expression of joy on a client’s face when they see my work.” It appears Susan has a penchant for mixing wide-angle views into her work, carefully choosing lenses to emphasize different aspects of the subject she’s focused on. She’s exceptional at isolating stage lighting and employing vibrant colors in her impressive work — it’s no wonder she’s among the most insightful San Jose event photographers.

3. Murray Bowles

If you’re putting on a house show, wrestling competition (even if it’s only arm wrestling), or some other private event, Murray Bowles would easily blend into the scene, producing dynamic images that encapsulate the essence of the event. Employing a photojournalistic perspective in his shoots, he deftly captures authenticity and undistilled emotion — the grins, the exhaustion, and the dances of joy. When he’s not behind his camera, he’s writing software, playing viola, or taking a ride on his bike.

4. Scott & Carolyn Dinn of XtremeSportsPhotos

Scott and Carolyn Dinn are the photographer couple behind XtremeSportsPhotos, one of San Jose’s premier youth sports photography agencies. Having been in business since 2009, Scott Dinn started taking freelance jobs in the Bay Area and found he had a talent for capturing shots of hockey, lacrosse, football, and baseball tournaments in the area. In 2011, his wife Carolyn, who was working as a portrait photographer at the time, joined Scott and helped steer his business firmly towards sports photography. XtremeSportsPhotos offers collages, photo booths, sports portraits, and game-day coverage in a punchy, vibrant style that shows your young athletes in the crucial moment of their game-winning plays.

5. Helen of Beautifly

One of the most notable San Jose event photographers you’ll ever work with, Helen of Beautifly specializes in design, event planning, execution, and full photography coverage of themed parties for children, adults, and even corporate businesses in the area! Helen’s list of themes run the gamut from Alice in Wonderland and tea parties to Gossip Girl-inspired celebrations. Makeup, face painting, costumes, and photography are all part of the package. Who says dress-up parties are only for children? In her 15+ years of experience as a makeup artist, Helen knows adults have just as much fun cutting loose and playing pretend when allowed to!

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