With the talent and artistic eye for capturing unscripted, unforgettable moments, Mike Danen brings a fresh, artistic sensibility to wedding photography. He joyfully documents some of the most beautiful weddings in the Monterey Bay Area. With his unobtrusive yet fun approach, Mike creates gorgeous collections and wedding films that become treasured family heirlooms.
Available by appointment at: mike@mikedanen.com
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Recommended by 100% of couples
J · Getting married on 02/14/2020
I did a ton of research on wedding photographers and interviewed several of them to make sure I was picking the right one for our wedding day. When we finally met with Mike Danen and were able to discuss his practice, his art, and his prices, we knew that he was the right one for us.
Based on his calm flexible personality alone, we could tell how he would not only be a pleasant presence for us on one of the most important days of our lives, he would also produce amazing artistic images that we would cherish forever. Based on his portfolio, it was apparent that he was super talented and had a very unique approach to wedding photography, often producing images that could belong to an art or fashion magazine (as a former model, I found this to be especially appealing). Moreover, his prices were the most reasonable I had seen for his extremely high caliber work.
Signing a contract with him on the spot, my husband and I felt secure with our choice. When the time for our engagement shoot approached, we were both excited and nervous about how everything would turn out. Knowing he was really good, we wondered how he might capture us. As could be expected, the day turned out wonderfully; Mike gave us all of the time and scenarios we could want, completely flexible with his schedule.
This was all in spite of the fact that he had injured himself in the course of our shooting due to some rather jagged rocks in one location. Afflicted leg and all, he insisted that he could continue despite our concern for his comfort. Notwithstanding the injury, he still produced amazing images that day -- which were so awesome, we couldn't resist using our favorite ones in a photo guest book for our wedding reception.
Now knowing firsthand beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mike was a photographic superstar, we were already excited in anticipation of our future wedding images. When the big day finally came, Mike showed up early and stayed late with his assistants, covering every artistic scenario and giving us way too many awesome photos to choose from -- a blessed curse, if you will. Notably, he and his team were able to capture all matter of awesome moments without interfering with our events or encroaching upon our space. Bottom line: they were very subtle but VERY effective.
Now we are left with the task of narrowing down our favorite images to incorporate into our wedding album -- a task that is nearly impossible when an fabulously talented artist like Mike Danen gives you way too much strikingly awesome material. Indeed, Mike was seriously one of the best investments we made for that day. Without him, we may not have been able to commemorate the details of our wedding nearly as well. I highly recommend!
Terry Galvagno · Married on 03/03/2019
Best wedding photographer in Monterey
I cannot rave enough enough about the talent, care, and personal touch of Mike and his team. He takes his time, getting to know you, and has amazing skills. As a result, the quality of his work is simply stunning. Mike is able not just to capture moments, but to distill them in such a way as to capture their beauty and soul. After our experience with Mike shooting our wedding, we will Never work with anyone else but him. You will not be disappointed.
Kim Tanaka · Married on 02/16/2019
Absolutely, hands down, the best wedding photographer
Absolutely, hands down, the best decision we made for our wedding, was hiring Mike Danen. We got married in Monterey and Carmel Valley, and photography was our highest priority. Mike was referred by a good friend, and I loved his artistry, customer service, and personal touch. I really felt cared for, like his only concern was that I had a perfect wedding day. He doesn't approach his business like a typical business person. Mike always does more than you expect, and worked behind the scenes with our other vendors to make sure everything went smoothly. During our wedding day, we hardly saw Mike, unless we looked for him, and somehow he was always there! He captured the beautiful and emotional moments, and my friends and family loved him. Mike is truly the best, and we cherish our photographs and wedding album.
8 Endorsements
I have been able to work with Mike Danen for well over 10 years and he is truly one of the finest photographers in the area. It's always a joy whenever I can work with Mike at an event because things just go much smoother when you can work with someone who works just as hard as you do. Hope to do many more events with Mike!
Mike is a great photographer. He captures every special moment at a wedding and is able to really tune in to the couple's uniqueness that brings out the joy that they share on this most important day. He's very calm, personable, and has a great sense of humor - very easy to work together with. He's also a good listener - so a couple can be assured that he will take the photos that are really important to them. He can also provide expert guidance and suggest shots that are unique.
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