Wesley D Photography · Family Photographer · Orange County
Hey, I'm Daniel Wesley.
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 afternoon.
the notes in the margin are me. the ones from the cats are also me, legally.
01
Maternity
slow. outside, or at home with the dog.
02
Newborn
the quietest thing I do.
03 · A Picture Book, or a Side Quest
Family
toddler that runs? good. I'm faster.
04 · The Main Character, or the Origin Story
Seniors
yes, even if it's “cringe.”
05 · The Double Feature
Couples
the last real photo of you two was a parking lot selfie.
Also
Weddings
the chapter before all the others.
Six Weekend Dates · 2026
The Weekend Matinee.
Fifteen minutes, twenty-five photos. For those fifteen minutes I'm the guy on the tarmac waving the batons and you just follow me. Six weekend dates at three spots I keep going back to, October 11 through December 5.
$295
See the DatesWhat it's 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.
The Crew
You'll mostly get me. Mostly.
Katie
My Partner
Chats with everyone and always leaves them smiling. Also guilty of singing show tunes in the car on the way to sessions.
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.
Noodles may or may not have edited this photo.
About Daniel Wesley
Photos that feel like your actual family.
I come from a family of elementary school teachers, so connecting with kids and following their energy comes pretty naturally. I'll give you gentle direction and a few prompts to work with, but the goal is always real moments and real connection, in a session that feels a lot more like play than work.
I went to film school, which is why I'm always chasing the frame right before or right after the one everybody else takes. That's where your family actually lives.
I grew up in Phoenix, in a house my mom ran. At family gatherings I was always the one who stayed at the table with the women and the little ones instead of heading out to the grill. Still am.
which is probably why this job comes easy.
Get to Know MeKind Words
From people who were nervous too.
Let me start by saying I HATE having my picture taken. Not with Daniel! He made me feel so comfortable and eased my nerves. I wasn't looking forward to the shoot, but looking back I'm really glad I did it. He made me feel and look so good.
CM
Daniel actually went to the beach the day before to scope out the location and make sure he knew exactly where the lighting would be best. That level of dedication and attention to detail made such a difference, and it absolutely shows in our photos.
Sierra Gsell
Five stars. Would have preferred more tuna. Sat on the keyboard during editing and nobody thanked me.
Noodles · Editor in Chief
You Made It To The Bottom
Congratulations, you scrolled.
That's farther than most people get, and I'm oddly touched. Since you're already down here, you may as well tell me what you're planning.
Jump Right Into BookingI usually reply within a day. No phone call, we plan in writing.