Meet Beth Legg | Wedding & Elopement Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beth Legg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beth, what do you attribute your success to?
In one word: trust. In many word… I’ve intentionally built my brand with a lot of heart and transparency because I want people to feel safe with me. I value connection over profit, and I like to think that approach is felt by the wonderful people I get to photograph. Yes, I’m hired as a photographer – but I genuinely view my job as so much more. I’m a planner, a sounding board, an advocate, a calm presence, and sometimes the person giving that hard truth with the right intentions.

My ideal clients aren’t looking for someone to show up, introduce themselves, and then start photographing. They want someone who they can be vulnerable with, someone who sees and supports them – and that’s especially huge for me as an LGBTQ+ person serving people in the queer community. Trust is the foundation of everything I do from communication, support, and all the way to gallery delivery.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply rooted in connection. Every session is unique and collaborative, tailored to the person, couple, or family I’m photographing. I offer gentle direction, but my goal is always to help people feel like themselves in front of the camera rather than feel like a model in my own vision. I’m most inspired when couples invite me into a place that feels personal – their home, their favorite trail, their neighborhood bar – and we build something from that energy together.

Visually, I love playing with light, shadows, and backdrops that reflect real life. I get especially excited about photographing the in-between: post-sunset glow, hands holding their person, and soft movement that reflects a larger dynamic. I also find so much joy in experimentation and am honored when clients put their trust in me to experiment and create art.

Like many professional photographers, I didn’t start my career in photography. I’ve worked in nonprofits, policy, and product management – but photography has always been with me. I fell in love with photography in the late 2000s and photographed my friends in high school and college, photographed side sessions during my 9-to-5 life, and went full-time in 2023. The transition was a leap, and I didn’t always feel confident and sure. This industry can feel saturated, and at first I worried that carving out a niche might turn some people away. But it’s actually been the opposite. Being specific, intentional, and values-forward has helped me attract the people who seamlessly align with me – couples who value authenticity, trust, and a wedding day that doesn’t feel like a big production.

What I want people to know about my brand is that your love is worthy of being celebrated exactly as it is in the setting that’s most natural to you, and I will honor your identity and connection in the process. We don’t have to force a beach session just because it’s beautiful there. I promise I will also see the beauty in your favorite spots too. My job is to help people feel seen, supported, and authentically reflected in your photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, first I’d overthink what best friend we’re talking about… but let’s say they’re all visiting and we’re doing a bit of everything. I’d plan the week around exploring different parts of San Diego: La Jolla, Coronado, Barrio Logan, South & North Park, Hillcrest & Bankers Hill, East County for hiking, and maybe Temecula if we’ve got wine fans in the group.

◦ Best burger, might go multiple times during the week: Key and Cleaver
◦ Nice dinner out: Kettner Exchange
◦ Beach outings: early morning Sunset Cliffs stroll, dog beach with my pups at Coronado, and sunset at La Jolla tide pools
◦ Amazing South Park food: Carbon Angela’s Kitchen and required ice cream stop at Stella Jeans
◦ North Park breweries: Pure Project, Mike Hess, and Modern Times
◦ Balboa Park day: Picnic + art + people and dog watching
◦ East County day: Mission Trails, Iron Mountain, and Lake Cuyamaca for a peaceful sunset stroll
◦ Barrio Logan art crawl (if the timing happened to work – if not, stroll around their art stores anyway): Plus tacos, of course
◦ Downtown day: Waterfront Park and happy hour at La Puerta
◦ Night out: bulgogi food at Steamy Piggy, Comedy show at Mic Drop, then going out to Gossip Grill if we were all caffeinated and ready to dance

And of course, some downtime at home with slow mornings and patio time with my dogs, who are naturally their nieces and want to take part in the fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel endlessly grateful to my wife Paola for encouraging me to follow my dreams and believing in me when things feel hard. It’s a bit of a cheesy answer, but it’s my truth so I will brag about her. Making the leap from a full-time product management career to the unknowns of building a photography business was intimidating, and having a partner who celebrates my wins – and supports me through the “What am I doing? Am I cut out for this?” spirals – helps me stay grounded.

I’m also grateful to the mentors and creatives who’ve helped me grow not just technically, but mentally. Shoutout to Heather Nichole, who taught me that mindset and self-belief are just as valuable (if not more) than any specific gear, experience, or marketing strategy.

Website: https://bethleggphotography.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bethleggphotography

Image Credits
Beth Legg Photography