ABOUT

Around here we take photography and fun very seriously.

Because in a fast-paced world we believe in capturing the unscripted moments in-between. The big belly laughs. A smile shared across the room. Groovy dance moves under twinkling lights. You know, the good stuff.

Poses are a dime a dozen. We’re here to capture the emotions that move you.

Behind The Lens

A collective of pretty cool folks with more than 10 years of experience capturing weddings and events on the Central Coast of California.

Blake Andrews

Photographer & Founder of SLOtography

Blake Andrews is admittedly addicted to photography. When he was 14, Blake won a camera from the local newspaper and the rest was history. Photography quickly became his means for documenting life: the people, places, and moments to remember. And sunsets, lots of sunsets.

A true local, Blake was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. Despite traveling and photographing amazing places around the world, he’s yet to find a better place to explore and photograph than SLO.

Officially speaking, Blake began his career as a professional photographer in 2008. Since then, he’s had the pleasure of capturing more than 200 San Luis Obispo weddings and countless events and portraits. Like a true photographer, Blake can’t imagine anything more fulfilling than capturing special occasions and connections with a medium that can be enjoyed forever.

Blake describes his approach to photography as “organic” (namely ‘cause it’s a hot term right now), focusing on comfort and fun so you can relax and be yourself. Sound like your style? Get in touch—Blake is always happy to help in your hunt for a photographer!

James “J-Lest” Lester

Photographer & Instagram Legend

James Lester is a bit of a legend on Instagram. A reputation that initially caught our eye at SLOtography. That, and his incredible images. After some time spent with James, you’ll find that his photos are just a piece of his total awesome-ness.

Growing up on the Central Coast, James was captivated by the world’s natural beauty from a young age. So when he picked up a camera in 2015, his appreciation for the natural world took on an even wider angle.

Fast forward to today. James has spent the past five years honing his craft: capturing magnificent landscapes and dozens of weddings both with SLOtography and on his own.

Working with James you’ll quickly realize he is, first and foremost, a friend. Of course, he is professional each and every step of the way—but he also believes a casual and relaxed vibe yields the best photos (and we couldn’t agree more!). With James behind the lens, you can unleash that unbridled smile and let your natural light shine.

Aside from taking photos, you can find James climbing rocks (usually fake ones in the gym), maintaining his musical chops, practicing yoga (keyword: practicing), and eating vegan food. Yeah, he’s one of those guys 😉

James Lester

Photographer & Magic Maker

James Lester is a bit of a legend on Instagram. A reputation that initially caught our eye at SLOtography. That, and his incredible images. After some time spent with James, you’ll find that his photos are just a piece of his total awesome-ness.

Growing up on the Central Coast, James was captivated by the world’s natural beauty from a young age. So when he picked up a camera in 2015, his appreciation for the natural world took on an even wider angle.

Fast forward to today. James has spent the past seven years honing his craft: capturing magnificent landscapes and 100+ weddings both with SLOtography and on his own.


Working with James you’ll quickly realize he is, first and foremost, a friend. Of course, he is professional each and every step of the way—but he also believes a casual and relaxed vibe yields the best photos (and we couldn’t agree more!). With James behind the lens, you can unleash that unbridled smile and let your natural light shine.


Aside from taking photos, you can find James climbing rocks (usually fake ones in the gym), maintaining his musical chops, practicing yoga (keyword: practicing), playing video games and searching for the best food in the world.

Dustin Wise

Videographer Extraordinaire

Dustin Wise: the man with the movie camera. Dustin has filmed some pretty rad stuff, from surfers in the arctic waters to the remote Indian coastline and climbers who create gourmet meals while hanging beneath the peak of El Capitan in Yosemite. He even documented creators of artisan tree houses once.

Truth is, Dustin is an adventurer at heart, following his video camera wherever it takes him—from the wild outdoors to scenic San Luis Obispo weddings. Together Blake and Dustin have shot around the world, including Maui and New Zealand. Although, they can agree the Central Coast is someplace special.

Despite all the cool stuff on Dustin’s resume, he’s a humble and approachable dude in a 6’5″ frame who occasionally enjoys strumming his ukulele in the park.

Robin Ayers

Videographer & Climbing Enthusiast

Robin enjoys rock climbing, birding, and capturing real & raw moments with their video cameras and audio recorders.

 

They grew up here on the Central Coast and this is where they discovered their passion for film and the outdoors. Robin’s film career began in the 4th grade with stop-motion LEGO films. Later, they discovered how rewarding it is to capture real human moments and that’s where their excitement for film really took off. Robin has been working with SLOtography since 2016.

 

Robin travels throughout the West coast chasing good weather and good climbing ~ however, they always find themself back on the Central Coast. Robin is happy to travel wherever to film a celebration.

 

Robin Ayers

Videographer & Climbing Enthusiast

 

Robin enjoys rock climbing, birding, and capturing real & raw moments with their video cameras and audio recorders.

 

They grew up here on the Central Coast and this is where they discovered their passion for film and the outdoors. Robin’s film career began in the 4th grade with stop-motion LEGO films. Later, they discovered how rewarding it is to capture real human moments and that’s where their excitement for film really took off. Robin has been working with SLOtography since 2016.

 

Robin travels throughout the West coast chasing good weather and good climbing ~ however, they always find themself back on the Central Coast. Robin is happy to travel wherever to film a celebration.

 

 

CAITLIN HECK
TESTIMONIALS
LOVED EVERY SECOND!

My husband and I loved every second of our experience with SLOtography! With Dustin as our videographer, we felt entirely comfortable and at ease as he captured the most special day of our lives. He was professional and punctual, and brought both light and laughter to our wedding day! Having a video of our wedding day is the best gift we could have given ourselves and I am thrilled we were able to do it with SLOtography.

Caitlin Heck
CAITLIN HECK
Chelsea K
TESTIMONIALS
MADE US FEEL SO COMFORTABLE!

James is not only a photography genius, but also an incredibly kind and down to earth guy! His work is unparalleled and I was so lucky to have him photograph both my engagement shoot (for which he drove to SF for) and wedding. Not only did he manage to make my husband and I comfortable in front of the camera, he made my entire wedding party feel great. His style strikes the perfect balance of being easy-going and yet offering helpful direction, and his photos are complex, romantic, and timeless. Our house will be covered in wedding pictures because he gave us so many gorgeous shots we couldn't possibly just choose a few!

Chelsea K
Chelsea K
Marisol
TESTIMONIALS
GREAT TO WORK WITH!

The entire SLOtography team was great to work with and worth every penny to capture the moments of our big day. So many family and friends felt the team captured the moments and atmosphere that slipped by us as the bride and groom. We really enjoyed working with James and the SLOtography team. Our family is growing and would definitely make the drive from LA to SLO to have James take our family photos.

Marisol
Marisol
Katie G.
TESTIMONIALS
INCREDIBLE!

We hired Blake to take photos at our wedding in Harmony Town and he was incredible, from the beginning to the end! Working out the logistics was a breeze, and we were able to talk about what kind of shots we wanted. Not only is Blake funny, he is REALLY sweet and all of the guests and wedding party felt completely comfortable around him which was really important to us. Personally, I felt like he was a member of our family already! He was patient and great with our group. The photos turned out SO beautiful! He is really creative and it shows in our photos. We love Blake and cannot recommend his services enough for your next wedding or event! Thanks Blake!

Katie G.
Katie G.
Rebecca S.
TESTIMONIALS
I WOULD HIRE THEM AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT!

Blake and his team were exactly the team we needed for photo and video. They were always quick and clear with communication in the planning stages. On the day of our wedding we really enjoyed having them around. Not only did they take amazing photo & video, they were also polite, professional and fun guys to be around. We planned our wedding to be fun and unique and Blake, Dustin and James definitely played an important role in that. I would hire them again in a heartbeat!

Rebecca S.
Rebecca S.
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EQUALLY WED

HEY WEDDING LADY

PRIDEZILLAS

TACARI WEDDINGS

Capture your unique story in a brilliant way.

We’d love to hear about your upcoming event.

Let’s create something real and beautiful together.

515 Broad Street, Suite B

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

 

blake@slotography.com

 

San Luis Obispo, CA
Wedding & Event Photographer

 

Good people. Good places. Good things.

@slotography

515 Broad Street, Suite B

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

 

blake@slotography.com

 

San Luis Obispo, CA
Wedding & Event Photographer