Wesley D Photography · Family Photographer · Orange County
Hey, I'm Daniel.
Family photos that feel like your actual family.
I photograph families around Orange County in a way that feels easy, natural, and actually fun for your kids. Most parents show up a little unsure and leave saying “that was way easier than we expected.” That sentence is more or less the whole business plan.
Taken about forty seconds after somebody said “I don't wanna.”
Chapters
Pick your chapter.
the notes in the margin are me. the ones from the cats are also me, legally.
01 · Family
Family
toddler that runs? good. I'm faster.
02 · Maternity
Maternity
slow. outside, or at home with the dog.
03 · Newborn
Newborn
the quietest thing I do.
04 · Seniors
Seniors
yes, even if it's “cringe.”
Also on the shelf
What a family session is actually like
The first fifteen minutes.
I say hi to the kids first.
Before anybody is asked to stand anywhere. Usually there's a question about a dinosaur or a sibling grievance, and we sort that out.
You get a frame on the back of the camera.
Three or four shots in, I'll turn the screen around. It's the fastest way to stop worrying about how you look, because you look good.
Then we mostly just walk.
I'll point you toward the light and hand you something to do. The photos you'll love happen in the twenty seconds after the one you were posing for.
things I will actually say out loud
- “Everybody look at the person who's most likely to get in trouble.”
- “Dad, on three, tell her the worst joke you know.”
- “Whisper something in Mom's ear that she's not allowed to repeat.”
- “Okay, the rule is nobody smiles. Nobody. Not even a little.”
- “Run at me. No, faster.”
The last one is how I end up with grass stains. Worth it.
Six Weekend Dates · 2026
The Weekend Matinee.
Twenty minutes, twenty-five photos. For those twenty minutes I'm the guy on the tarmac waving the batons and you just follow me. Six weekend showings at five spots I keep going back to, October 11 through December 5.
Kind Words
From people who were nervous too.
Kristina Mitchell
This was our family’s first time getting professional photos taken, and Daniel made the whole process easy, fun, and stress-free. He was incredible with our two energetic little ones and even managed to get our teenager to enthusiastically participate.
Jessica Prenovost
Daniel made taking pictures with a 4 month old and 3.5 year old a breeze. He was fun, creative, and very easy to communicate with. I love so many of the photos he was able to capture.
Kristin Kajikawa
Easy to book online and a fun family photo shoot. My boys thought he was hilarious! Will definitely be doing our pictures with him again!
Noodles would like it noted that at no point was there tuna.
Noodles may or may not have edited this photo.
About Daniel Wesley
Photos that feel like your actual family.
My mom taught first grade, so being around kids never felt particularly foreign to me. I give families enough direction that nobody is wondering what to do, then leave room for the strange, funny little things kids do when nobody is trying to make them behave.
I studied film, which is probably why I'm always looking for the frame right before or right after the obvious one. That's usually where your family actually lives.
Supporting Cast
The people (and cats) behind the scenes.
Katie
My Partner
Chats with everyone and always leaves them smiling. Also guilty of singing show tunes in the car.
Noodles
Editor in Chief
Strong opinions about who makes the cut, so read your session guide and dress to impress.
Samantha
from Accounting
Ask when your deposit is due and she'll tell you right meow.
Okay. Your Turn.
Ready when you are.
Tell me who's coming, roughly when, and what your family is actually like. That's enough to get us started.
I reply within a day. Noodles remains unavailable for comment.