Meet Aubrey Rae Jones | Southern California Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aubrey Rae Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aubrey Rae, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For a long time, I avoided any risks. I was afraid to more outside my comfort zone. I had a fear of failing and, honestly, a fear of being embarrassed if I didn’t live up to the expectations I placed on myself. That kept me from taking chances for many years of business. I would overthink the “what ifs”. What if it didn’t work, what if people didn’t value my work, what if I’m too old now or even, what if things went really well and I couldn’t keep up with the demand? By staying in that mindset, I was actually stifling my business and holding it back from growth.

Over time, I realized that progress doesn’t come without a degree of risk. When I started pushing past that fear and leaning into opportunities, even when they felt uncomfortable, my business began to transform. Every risk I’ve taken in the last few years has brought growth and clarity. I’ve learned that it’s not about predicting every possible outcome, it’s about trusting yourself to handle challenges if and when they arise. Looking back, the biggest shifts in my career came when I decided to take risks instead of letting fear keep me still.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is rooted in creating images that feel both vibrant and timeless. What sets my work apart is my ability to blend true-to-color editing with a relaxed, natural approach that allows people to feel at ease in front of the camera. I want couples and families to look back on their photos years from now and feel the same emotion they experienced in that moment, not a forced pose, but something authentic and elegant.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve grown into my business by staying true to my style while constantly leveling up. It hasn’t always been easy. For a long time, I let fear hold me back, fear of failing, of not being “enough,” or even of succeeding faster than I could handle. But once I started leaning into mentorships, surrounding myself with other creative entrepreneurs, and taking small but intentional risks, I began to see real momentum.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are that growth doesn’t come without discomfort, and that consistency is everything. Every email, every edit, every client interaction is an opportunity to build trust and create something meaningful.

What I want the world to know about my brand is simple: I believe your story deserves to be told with care, beauty, and intention. Photography isn’t just about pretty pictures, it’s about crafting a legacy of images that will outlive trends and feel effortless and elegant for decades to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best parts about living in Southern California is how much variety we have, the beach, the mountains, and even the desert are all just a short drive away.

For my family, with two daughters who are 13 and 10, we love spending time at the San Diego Safari Park, the Zoo, or SeaWorld. We actually have passes, so those are our go-to day trips. It’s always fun to walk around, see the animals, and enjoy the atmosphere.

After a full day like that, we usually head up to Carlsbad for dinner at Harbour Fish Café. Their fish tacos are the best, and pairing them with a local beer while looking out over the ocean is the perfect way to wrap up the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have influenced my journey, each offering vision or wisdom at just the right moment. Some of them I’ve never even met, I’ve simply watched their journeys unfold on social media, and it gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going.

The first person I’d recognize is my dad. He always encouraged me to dream big and never doubted that I could build a career in photography if I was willing to put in the work and not give up. That steady belief has carried me through so many stages of my business.

Another big influence has been an East Coast photographer I’ve followed online for years. She started her career in her forties, and watching her thrive reminded me that age is not a barrier. As I near that stage of life myself, I sometimes wondered if brides would want to work with me, but her example proved that you can excel and be respected at any age.

Most recently, the women behind the Level-Up Co. have been instrumental. Their mastermind has completely shifted my mindset, helping me pinpoint weak spots in my business and reminding me that I still have so much untapped potential. That community has been invaluable in pushing me forward.

Website: https://www.aubreyrae.com

Instagram: @aubreyraejones