Lucia Kiel is a true artist and extremely talented in her craft. I wanted some maternity photos taken to capture my third (and final) pregnancy. I saw all of the stunning photos on Lucia's website and quickly told myself that mine would never turn out that beautifully. As much as I wanted this special time documented, I was feeling lessthan-beautiful, with my splotchy skin, grown-out-roots, and a flaky, red, hormone-driven rash that was slowly taking over my face. Plus, at 34 weeks pregnant, I doubted that I had anything flattering to wear. And I am really awkward when it comes to taking serious, non-smiling photos. I almost backed out. But Lucia reassured me that she would work with me to make my insecure, pregnant self shine. And she did. I arrived at her studio, where she had several maternity outfits of her own for me to choose from to wear. Her hair and makeup artist worked wonders, making me feel confident and beautiful and pretty darn glamorous, and soon we were snapping away. I still felt totally awkward doing the serious photos, but powered through. And wouldn't you know? When we met together a couple of weeks later to view the photos, the serious ones were some of my favorites! She worked her magic (which is really a LOT of hard work and pure talent!) and produced some jaw-dropping pictures that I will treasure for a lifetime.

We could not be happier with our daughter's Senior Photos! Lucia is very supportive and brought out the natural beauty in our daughter, Summer, in both black-and-white as well as color photos. As one of Lucia's first participants in Lucia's "Senior Model Program," Summer had SO much fun with getting her hair and make-up done for a local boutique shoot. In addition, Summer opted for a studio shoot for her Senior photos and had an amazing time! Lucia really captured Summer's character and beauty. As parents, Lucia helped us choose a package that really suited our needs. We can't wait to see the Graduation Announcements... Thanks for everything Lucia!!!

I recently did a portrait session with Lucia and I cannot describe how incredible it was. From start to finish she made me feel gorgeous and at ease.Once this I particularly appreciated about her was her involved posing - she really knew how to place each part of my body to make the shot as flattering as possible, which was great.I love how airy and ethereal her images are and I'm so pleased that I took some "me" time and did this shoot. Lucia is truly GREAT photographer!

Lucia is everything you could want in a photographer. She is so kind and caring and really wants you to feel beautiful and confident. Lucia expertly poses you to look natural, finds beautiful locations to take your photo, and is so encouraging throughout the whole process. She really is the best!!!

Lucia is absolutely amazing and creates really gorgeous images. I loved working with her and will definitely do more shoots with her. I wasn't feeling well during the shoot but she was extremely patient and kind and made me feel really comfortable. The images that she shot of my husband and I looked like pieces of art and we had a hard time believing that they were our images. Adore Lucia and her work!

I needed a portrait for my website and a magazine article, and being new to Santa Barbara, searched though the many photographers. I came upon Lucia's site and was immediately drawn in by the natural and beautiful feel of the images and the completeness of the packages. And, truly, all that I did was show up and the fun and magic began. The hair and makeup artist took great care in making me up according to the look I wanted, and she used really high quality products. I brought my own clothes and jewelry and Lucia and I together selected my 3 'looks.' She guided me through the process, helping me to pose in ways to bring out my best. The shoot was a lot of fun, from inside shots against artful backdrops to some outside in an olive grove. She was able to meet my needs for a quick turnaround for the magazine article, and we met later on to review the rest of the shots. I could not be more thrilled with the photos! Truly beautiful, memorable images of me to last a lifetime. Lucia is a very talented portrait photographer who loves what she does and it shows!

I've always felt really awkward in front of a camera, but Lucia has this incredible gift of making portraits and photo shoots a very calm and happy time. She is unbelievably talented, and has the knack for capturing a person as the best version of themselves. When I saw my portraits for the first time, I was blown away by how beautiful they were, but I was still able to see myself in them — something I don't think every photographer can capture. She is so so so so kind and thoughtful. Everyone who has seen my senior portraits has literally freaked out and have said that it is the best portrait they've ever seen.I totally agree :)

Lucia is so talented, works efficiently but takes the time to make you feel comfortable. She poses beautifully and the quality of her images speak for themselves. I would recommend her a thousand times - everyone should have professional artistic portraits done at least once in their life. I will cherish the images of and with my mother forever!

I was looking for a photographer for my daughter's senior portraits and happened upon Lucia's website. I was immediately awed by her photos. From the moment I contacted her, throughout the whole process, it was a fabulous experience. Lucia really cares about taking time to make sure everything is perfect. We were stunned at how beautiful the portraits turned out. I would not hesitate to recommend Lucia!!

Working with Lucia was such a treat! I'm so glad I made the decision to have my maternity portraits done, it was the only time I have ever had a professional shoot and Lucia made me feel relaxed and special at the same time. The hair & makeup experience was great too, I felt transformed but still me, if that makes sens- wish I had that on my wedding day! Lucia and I came up with lots of fun ideas for the shoot and i felt like she listened to what I wanted and helped create it. She also suggested some different kinds of poses and looks that turned out amazing. Would highly recommend- and have already to friends and family in Santa Barbara. My sister came for her maternity shoot just a few months after mine!

Lucia and her team are amazing and magical! My daughter did a session with her and from start to finish the experience was perfect. Lucia's artistic vision is exceptional. She is also great at making the person being photographed comfortable. She was able to "read" my daughter and know when she needed a short break or to do something different. By doing these things she was able to quickly get my daughter re-engaged and enjoying the shoot. I highly recommend Lucia!

Lucia took the best shots we've ever seen of my daughter and our mom/daughter shots. Not only GORGEOUS we didn't know we were, but captured our personality. And it was the most fun experience. Don't wait to do this!Lucia has the unique ability to see you as YOU think (or wish) you are. She captures your personality, not just a photo - and that's why I think everyone looks photogenic when Lucia's lens is turned on them. If you think you look bad or ok in some photos, you'll look AMAZING in all her photos. The thing is, she knows your best shot and then she gets you to turn on your charm. Truly, you can't go wrong.