Couples & weddings
Engagements, elopements, and full wedding days — honest moments framed with intention and warmth.
From first look to last dance, every frame is quiet when it should be and alive when it matters.
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Turlock, CA · California photographer
Photographyworth booking for.
Couples, portraits, brands, and gatherings across California — planned with care, directed gently, and delivered as images you'll actually want to live with.
What I photograph
Sessions built around your story
Pick a path that fits — or start with a note and we'll figure out the right session together.
Portraits
Personal, family, and professional portraits that feel like you — refined, natural, and timeless.
Studio polish or open air. Guided enough to feel easy, free enough to look like yourself.
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Commercial & brand
Brand storytelling and product work with a still-life sensibility and a human heart.
Campaigns, product, and team imagery that elevates your brand without looking stiff.
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Events
Community gatherings, brand events, and celebrations documented with a calm, editorial eye.
I move quietly, cover the room, and come back with the frames that tell the night.
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Across California
Real sessions — City Hall marble, Yosemite mornings, coast light, and tables set for the night.
How it works
From first note to final gallery
- 01
Tell me about the day
Share the occasion, people, location, and vibe. A short note is enough — I'll follow up with the right questions.
- 02
We'll shape the session
You'll get availability, a clear path for the shoot, and guidance on light, wardrobe, and place so nothing feels rushed.
- 03
Shoot, edit, deliver
I direct gently on the day, then deliver a curated gallery of images you'll want to live with — and share.
From the studio roll
@stevenlelhamphotography
Renita and Jason on the City Hall staircase — couples photography by Steven Lelham in San Francisco City Hall
Renita and Jason walking up the City Hall stairs — couples photography by Steven Lelham in San Francisco City HallEmmanuel and Marrien under a weeping willow — couples photography by Steven Lelham in California
Emmanuel and Marrien engagement portrait — couples photography by Steven Lelham in California
Family portrait on a wooden bench — portrait photography by Steven Lelham in California
Family session portrait — portrait photography by Steven Lelham in California
In-studio Christmas mini session — portrait photography by Steven Lelham in Studio
The Joseph family — portrait photography by Steven Lelham in CaliforniaBoy laughing on a dirt path — portrait photography by Steven Lelham in California
Vivi and Elie wedding cake — couples photography by Steven Lelham in Stanislaus County, CA
Vivi and Elie wedding details — couples photography by Steven Lelham in Stanislaus County, CA
Vivi and Elie wedding portrait — couples photography by Steven Lelham in Stanislaus County, CA
Vivi and Elie wedding reception — couples photography by Steven Lelham in Stanislaus County, CA
One photograph, farther than a studio
76 millionviews
A drone frame of a California track team, published on Unsplash and downloaded 417 thousand times. Three photographs in all — and this is the one the world kept.
Blog
Latest notes
Why people book
A calmer way to be photographed
Personal, not production-line
Small calendar. Full attention. Your session is planned around your story — not a fixed shot list.
California light, anywhere you need
Central Valley home base with work from Yosemite to the coast, City Hall, and private venues.
Images that feel true
A still-life eye for composition, and a soft spot for real expression — never stiff, never overdone.
From the people in the pictures
Five stars, said plainly
5.0 on Google from 8 reviews · 5.0 on Yelp from 17 reviews.
“He has been able to capture every moment that means the most. Especially for those special surprises, like a proposal. Showed up on time and was ready to roll when the time came.”
“Steven gave us the idea of going to Yosemite National Park. He devoted an entire day of his summer, driving a total of five hours, and never made us feel rushed — then developed and framed photographs for our engagement party.”
“He did my engagement pictures, yearly family pictures, and a lot of pictures and video for my business. If I could leave more than five stars I would.”
Meet Steven
Directed gently.
Composed with care.
I specialize in light, form, and place — and I have a soft spot for capturing my community in creative ways. From Yosemite ridgelines to San Francisco City Hall, every California session is personal.
You don't need to know how to pose. You need a photographer who makes space for real connection — and frames it so it lasts.
Good to know
California photography, answered plainly
Straight facts for anyone looking for a photographer in California.
- Who is Steven Lelham?
- Steven Lelham is a photographer based in Turlock, California. He photographs weddings, portraits, events, and brands across the state — including the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Yosemite, and the California coast.
- Where in California does Steven Lelham photograph?
- Home base is Turlock in California's Central Valley. Sessions regularly travel to Modesto, Sacramento, San Francisco City Hall, Sausalito, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Yosemite National Park, Newport Beach, and private venues statewide.
- What kind of photography does Steven Lelham offer?
- Couples and weddings, personal and professional portraits, commercial and brand work, and events. The approach is directed gently and composed with a still-life eye — images meant to feel true, not stiff.
- Does Steven Lelham travel for California weddings and sessions?
- Yes. Turlock is the studio home base, and travel across California is part of the work. Yosemite, San Francisco City Hall, the coast, and destination venues are all regular locations.
- How do I book a California photography session?
- Send a note through lelham.com/contact or email steven@lelham.com. Include the date, place, and what you want photographed. Replies usually arrive within 24 hours with availability and next steps.
- Does Steven Lelham photograph San Francisco City Hall weddings?
- Yes. San Francisco City Hall is a regular location in the work, along with other Bay Area venues such as Sausalito and the Legion of Honor.
- Does Steven Lelham photograph Yosemite elopements and sessions?
- Yes. Yosemite National Park is a regular place in the work — engagements, elopements, and portraits under valley and ridgeline light.
- How much does a photography session with Steven Lelham cost?
- Every day is scoped to the people, place, and hours — not a single price for every session. Send the date and what you need photographed; the reply includes availability and a clear next step, usually within 24 hours.
Ready when you are
Let's put a date on the calendar.
Share a little about the day, the people, or the brand. I'll reply with availability and a clear next step — usually within 24 hours.
Usually within 24 hours · Based in Turlock, CA