Lori Steed, Founder

Specializations: travel photography, winery tours, custom art prints, available light portraits, product/stills, candids, events/experiences, people in action, children, animals, nature landscapes

Bio: capturing images since the 70’s, BS Applied Art & Graphic Design, Cal Poly SLO,
California Central Coast native, loves to travel

Favorite Photographer(s): Steve McCurry, Ansel Adams

Why I photograph: When I see a portrait that captures the essence of that human being with their expression, it feels to me, their soul has been captured in that photograph. It’s as though I can connect to that person through the image, it’s so real. If I can give that gift to others through the use of a camera, I will have achieved my purpose in life.






Our Photography Partners and Associates

Essence Captured is currently accepting photographer’s portfolios. Please use the contact us page to express interest.


Patrick Ibarra

Specialization: weddings, architecture, sports, action, artistic, creative

Bio: Born in the U.S., raised in Mexico, and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. Fluent in Spanish and English. Experienced in Photoshop retouching and digitial and film image processing.

Favorite Photographer(s): Colleen Rosenthal

Why I photograph: It's in my heart. I love it.