With the talent, experience, and artistic eye for capturing all the unforgettable moments of your wedding day, Mike Danen brings a fresh, artistic sensibility to wedding photography. With over 20 years of experience, Mike is considered the Top Wedding Photographer in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and joyfully documents some of the most beautiful weddings in the Monterey Bay Area. With his unobtrusive and relaxed approach, Mike creates gorgeous portraits, wedding album collections, and wedding films that become treasured family heirlooms.
Available by appointment at: mike@mikedanen.com
www.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.
Sent on 11/04/2011
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!
Lauren Lee · Married on 04/20/2019
Top wedding photographer in Northern CA
The sheer talent possessed by Mike is nothing short of awesome! He went above and beyond to get every shot. He raced around to capture every moment, and somehow managed to make each photo beautiful! Mike offers direction when needed (portraits), but also manages to disappear so you don't even realize you're being photographed (after the first few minutes, at least). I have never felt so comfortable in front of the camera, and my wedding photographs are gorgeous!
Sent on 04/25/2019
Anna Stein · Married on 03/23/2019
Loved my wedding photographer in Santa Cruz!
Mike Danen and his team are extremely talented and easy to work with! Our wedding photos are absolutely STUNNING and our wedding video is breathtaking! Mike and Martin were amazing to work with and made us feel so comfortable throughout the entire day. I have been a bridesmaid many times where the photographers didn't direct or know how to pose the bridal party (which can make for awkward moments and a delay in the schedule) and this was the exact opposite! Mike is so professional and experienced. They not only captured beautiful candid shots and video, but Mike took gorgeous posed shots that look very natural. We used them for our engagement photos, wedding photos, and wedding videography and we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out - look no further and book Mike Danen Photography! You will be so happy you did!
Sent on 03/27/2019
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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