Meet Teresa LoJacono | Photographer

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

Hi Teresa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The job is just as much about people skills as it is about photography.

Yes, photographers need to understand light, composition, and gear—but on a wedding day, they’re also navigating family dynamics, calming nerves, managing timelines, directing large groups, and blending into emotional, often high-stress moments without disrupting them. Being a great wedding photographer means being a therapist, timekeeper, creative director, and friend—all while staying artistically sharp and emotionally present. The emotional labor behind the lens is massive, and most people never see it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say my photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I’ve been immersed in the world of photography for over 20 years, but it all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens.

I studied art and photography through both undergrad and graduate programs, eventually moving from a small rural town in California to New York. There, I dove headfirst into the fine art and contemporary world—collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums. My perspective was deeply shaped by critical theory and contemporary art, and over time, I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life.

At first, my work focused mostly inward. I often turned the camera on myself to explore the poetry of everyday existence. But eventually, I became curious about photographing others and documenting fleeting, honest moments in the lives of strangers.

That curiosity led me back to California—this time to San Diego—where I was ready for a fresh start and a new creative direction. That’s when I found weddings. I knew if I was going to step into that space, I had to do it differently. I wanted to move away from the overly posed, overly perfect traditions that have defined wedding photography for so long.
My goal became to strike a balance between the essential storytelling moments and the raw, unscripted energy that makes each day unique.

Weddings are full of side stories—small, in-between moments that often go unseen. I see it as my role to capture those with honesty and intention, so couples can relive their day fully, not just the big moments, but all the ones they didn’t realize were unfolding around them.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced my share of doubt, burnout, and trial and error. But I’ve learned that clarity comes from showing up consistently and staying curious. That your unique perspective is your strength. And that doing things your own way, especially when it takes longer to get noticed, is always worth it.

What I hope people take away from my work is that real stories matter. Honest photography has the power to preserve a feeling, not just a moment. And when you create from a place of curiosity and connection, it always resonates.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough question. San Diego is such a rad city with so much to do and seriously good food.

If I had to choose a few favorite food spots:
Hane Sushi
Yakitori Taisho
Rocky’s Crown Pub
Grand Ole BBQ
Margaritas at Cafe Mayahuel
Blue Water
Ono Grinds Island Grill
The Lafayette

Dream Day Itinerary:
Start the morning in North Park with a coffee from Inspired Coffee Roasters, then hop on bikes and head toward Balboa Park.

Wander through the new botanical garden, then stop at Panama 66 and take a walk through the sculpture garden.

Next, cruise over to Hane Sushi for a chirashi bowl (trust me, worth it).

Back on the bikes—ride through Little Italy, then follow the waterfront path to Seaport Village.

At this point, you’ll probably want a fish taco and beer, so pop into Hess Brewing nearby.

End the day back in North Park with takeout from Ono Grinds Island Grill and a cold one at Fall Brewing.

OR

Spend an entire day at The Lafayette. Lounge by the pool, unwind at the spa, enjoy incredible food and cocktails, bowl a few frames, play some shuffleboard, have a traditional Oaxacan dinner, and dance the night away at the club. You truly don’t have to leave.

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?
Absolutely—I truly believe that no one gets to where they are alone. I’m incredibly grateful to my family, teachers, mentors, photography educators, and the friends I’ve met along the way. Each of them has played a part in shaping not just my career, but the way I move through the world.

I believe our individual success is deeply connected to the people we cross paths with—the relationships we build, the lessons we learn, and the shared moments that leave a mark on us. Every small decision, meaningful conversation, and unexpected encounter has helped lead me to where I am today.

It’s easy to look at our achievements as personal wins, but when I zoom out, I see a beautiful patchwork of influence, encouragement, and community. So this shoutout goes to every person who believed in me, challenged me, or simply walked alongside me at some point.

Website: https://teresalojacono.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlpweddings/

Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/5obWMhr3s