Meet the Team Behind the Lens

A creative duo (plus a furry assistant) dedicated to capturing your most cherished moments.

Top-rated surprise proposal photographer in California – a groom-to-be on one knee proposing to his partner at a scenic coastal overlook, capturing raw emotion and joy.

Stephanie

Lead Photographer & Creative Visionary


Stephanie is the heart behind the lens, blending her background in fashion and entertainment with a passion for storytelling. Inspired by her father’s love for photography, she has been capturing moments since the days of Kodak film. Now specializing in portrait photography, she focuses on genuine emotions and timeless memories. Based in the South Bay, she loves discovering the perfect locations to bring each story to life.

 Best wedding photography in California – a newlywed couple sharing a joyful moment at a stunning vineyard venue, beautifully captured by a top-rated wedding photographer.

Bryan

Lighting Assistant & On-Set Support


Bryan plays a crucial role in every shoot, assisting with lighting, carrying equipment, and ensuring sessions run smoothly. He also serves as a stand-in model when needed, helping clients find their best poses with confidence. His behind-the-scenes support allows Stephanie to focus on capturing the perfect shot, making each session effortless and enjoyable. Husband to Stephanie.

Award-winning family photography in California – parents and children laughing together in a golden sunset at the beach, capturing love and connection in a natural, candid style.

Shabu

Furry Assistant & Energy Booster


Shabu is an energetic and lovable member of the team who enjoys accompanying the crew on photoshoots. After becoming part of the family, she quickly took on the role of furry assistant, bringing joy to our clients—especially children and families. She’s playful, friendly, and always ready to brighten the atmosphere. However, for those who may be uncomfortable around dogs, the team is happy to accommodate.

Top-rated surprise proposal photographer in California – a groom-to-be on one knee proposing to his partner at a scenic coastal overlook, capturing raw emotion and joy.

Shadow

The Calm Companion In memory of our sweet girl ❤️


Shadow is Stephanie’s loyal companion, always by her side. Unlike Shabu, she had the most calm and collected presence, making her a soothing addition to sessions with children and families. Her favorite food was chicken and go on walks with Stephanie.

Beyond Photography

A Husband-and-Wife Team with a Shared Passion

We’re Stephanie and Bryan—a husband-and-wife duo who believe that life’s most meaningful moments deserve to be captured and cherished. Stephanie is the creative force behind the lens, and Bryan, a software engineer by day, is her biggest supporter in every endeavor. Whether it’s assisting on shoots, scouting the perfect locations, or handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, Bryan is always there to make sure Stephanie’s vision comes to life. Together, we bring a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and teamwork to every session.

As a Chinese couple, our cultural roots play a big role in how we see the world—deeply valuing tradition, storytelling, and the connections that bring people together. Beyond photography, we love exploring new hiking trails, always chasing the best scenic views (and sometimes scouting secret photo spots!). When we’re not outdoors, we’re either enjoying Japanese food or cooking up homemade Vietnamese dishes in our kitchen. Our love for adventure, storytelling, and shared experiences fuels our work—helping us capture genuine, heartfelt moments for the couples and families we photograph.

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Fun things

about Stephanie

Speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, html, css

Born in the States, raised in Hong Kong

Parsons School for Design - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design

Worked as a Fashion Designer, Product Developer, Graphic Designer all before becoming a Portrait Photographer.

Dog lover, hot yoga, photography, design & architecture, black, warabi-mochi, Japan, Zion, spicy fried chicken from Jollibee, mocha with oat milk not from Starbucks, Brown Sugar Hojicha with Boba from Boba Guys, Peroni.

Fun things

about Bryan

BS, Computer Science, UCLA Graduate, Starfleet Academy

Senior Principal Software Engineer, Photography Assistant and Light Guy (TM), aspiring house husband. Got paid to scroll through hundreds of feet of microfilm one summer

Dogs, Smart Home, Pasta Bolognese, Sugarfish, DIY Repairs, Haribo Gummy Bears, blue, Speculative Fiction, Rita’s Italian Ice, Yardwork? Writing. Go Bruins! 🏀 🏈

One great achievement: Made the game winning 3-point shot in a middle school basketball game

Loves cooking. Favorite dish to make: our dog’s handmade meals

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Fun things

about Shabu

Speaks dog

Rescued from Mexico, now lives in Southern California

Vocabulary learned: Sit, treat, ball-ball, high-five, roll-over, wait, stay, do you want?

Life in Mexico gave her trauma with big dogs. Probably had puppies.

Love to play ball-ball. Bark at big dogs. Fart in bed. Rock climbing and hiking. Scared of the ocean and only like flavored drinking water. Love all the homemade treats and meals her hoomans make for her.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Go to full FAQ

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Stephanie is a self-taught photographer whose passion for capturing moments began in the Kodak color film days—when every roll had to be carefully shot before being developed at a photo lab. Those were the days! With over a decade of experience behind the lens, she has evolved alongside photography’s ever-changing technology. Today, she shoots with a high-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera, delivering stunning, high-quality images. While the tools have advanced, her dedication to storytelling and capturing authentic moments remains at the heart of her work.

Stephanie began her professional photography journey in 2020, starting with product photography before capturing a surprise proposal that completely transformed her path. That unforgettable experience ignited her passion for documenting raw, emotional moments, propelling her into the world of engagement and proposal photography. Today, Stephanie Ip Photography is recognized as one of the top Surprise Proposal and Engagement photographers in Southern California, known for capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments with authenticity and artistry.

We work with a diverse range of clients, from individuals to corporations, and we believe every client deserves the same level of attention and care. Each project is unique, and we approach every session with the goal of capturing something truly one-of-a-kind.

Choosing the right photographer starts with understanding the style of photography you love, as every photographer has a unique approach to shooting and editing. Equally important is selecting the right location—knowing when and where you want your photos taken will help you find a photographer who can bring your vision to life. Lastly, building a connection with your photographer is key. Since you’ll be working closely together, finding someone whose personality and approach align with yours ensures a comfortable experience and beautiful, authentic results.

1. What type of photography do I need? Are you looking for a surprise proposal, wedding, engagement, or family session? Defining your needs helps us understand how to best capture your story.
2. What is my preferred style? Do you like bright and airy, dark and moody, or true-to-life colors? Reviewing our portfolio and identifying the style you love can help set expectations.
3. Where and when do I want my photos taken? Location and timing can impact the overall feel of your images. Think about whether you prefer a scenic outdoor backdrop, an urban setting, or something more intimate.
4. What is my budget? Knowing your budget range helps in finding a package that works for you while ensuring high-quality results.
5. How comfortable am I in front of the camera? If you’re nervous about posing, let us know! We’ll guide you through the process to make it feel fun and natural.
6. What do I want to do with the final photos? Are these for a special announcement, prints, or an album? Having a vision for the final product can help tailor the shoot to your needs.

If you’re unsure about any of these, don’t worry! We’re happy to guide you through the process and help create the perfect photography experience for you.

"I found Stephanie in Google maybe a year before our wedding. I personally like her shots because it’s simple and intimate. For a small wedding of 50 people, she made every picture so perfect and meaningful that I had a hard time picking which ones to choose to download in the end for the final photo gallery. Stephanie and Brian were so professional and very kind to choreograph me and my husbands sweetest photos. They taught us how to act naturally while dancing or posing for the pictures. She takes the best pictures. Talent wise she’s one of the best but her vocation and passion to make it more meaningful and intimate is what sets her apart from the other photographers. She creates a story in every picture. thank you so much to Stephanie and Brian. ❤️ Diana and Matthew Nov. 2023"

Diana G.
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