Name: Nate Torres
Location: Costa Mesa
Services: Portraits & Headshots
Settings: On-Location or In-Studio
Find Me Online: YouTube Channel
Christopher DarganNate was so easy to work with. I am usually nervous having my picture taken. Not the case working with Nate. He engaged me in light small talk so I could calm down. Pics he took I think are the best ever of me. Highly recommend his srvices.CC MitchellNate was a pleasure to work with. He made me feel comfortable and allowed me to have fun with modeling. He was excellent at guiding me and helping with poses. He was professional from beginning to end. I’d love to work with him again in the future. And my photos? They are gorgeous.Adrian AndradeNate really makes it a point to understand what types of photos you're looking to create so that he can make them a reality. During the shoot he's extremely professional, and also just has good vibes and feels like he's one of your friends. This last part was super important for me because it allowed me to loosen up and get out of my head more. He's always happy to help support with pose ideas and even do some coaching to get the best results. Would highly recommend Nate!Spencer ChuangI called up Nate for a photoshoot and he was a complete professional and very courteous. We went over what I was looking for and what type of outfits ill be wearing. His photography skills are top notch and he is real easy to work with. I would defiantly do another photoshoot some time in the future. Highly recommended!Markian BenhamouSuper happy with Nate’s high quality photos! He has very creative concepts, is a pleasure to shoot with, and I highly recommend to anyone.Cosetteworking with Nate has been and is always an absolute pleasure! Professional, very talented and has an amazing vision. Always makes sure a client is happy and has very quick turnaround with editing. Highly recommend!Yoshio KawamuraA hard-working individual who’s trying to make an imprint on the game. I personally shot with him and felt nothing but good vibes from this dude. He’s always willing to put extra work in, and the quality is 100% guaranteed. I cannot stress enough how important it is to shoot with a photographer who is not only great, but also he/she knows what you want to create because it makes a whole world of difference.Alan CNate is a class act. I did a lifestyle photoshoot with Nate and was extremely pleased with how the photos came out. He was very flexible and knowledgable during the shoot. I personally rely on a few specific poses for my shoots, so I was particularly impressed at the numerous additional poses he knew would read well on camera. Highly recommend!
Costa Mesa Photographer
Why Shoot Portrait Photography in Costa Mesa, California?
Costa Mesa, California calls itself the “City of the Arts” due to its penchant to bring in entertainment thanks to its expansive theatre district. Part suburbia, part Californian coastal town, and part retail extravaganza, Costa Mesa is like a virtual Disneyland for adults.
I like to shoot portrait photography in Costa Mesa if I am looking for a concise and clean look. The entire town feels new and innovative. There are plenty of opportunities to capture quiet, introspective moments away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of Orange County.
What You Can Wear for Portraits in Costa Mesa, California?
Costa Mesa is a town whose biggest concern is in entertaining you. It’s full of theatres, unique shopping experiences, and innovative eateries. It’s a pioneer of what is hip and trendy, often being the first to even start a trend.
With that said, I find my Costa Mesa clients most frequently wear something clean and fashionable yet unique. Streetwear is a good choice. Athleisure or anything similar doesn’t often fit with the high-end backdrops you find in the area. However, wear what makes you comfortable and let’s discuss your options if you have any questions!
Best Spots Near Costa Mesa for Portrait Photography
Costa Mesa is full of distinct, clean colors and angles that can easily add a level of sophistication and/or elegance to a portrait. I try to make the clean lines work for me and my models and find places of color and geometry that add something interesting to the backdrop even if they’re artificial.
Coffee Dose
This café located in the heart of Costa Mesa uses a bright and inspiring pallet of pink and white. Stark shadows and high contrast lend an electric, almost sterile quality to the portraits shot here. It’s a great place for authors or business professionals to get candid shots taken, as it lends itself to those qualities while placing my subject around sophisticated surroundings.
Camp Costa Mesa Staircase
Hidden within The Camp at Costa Mesa is a staircase whose every step is tagged with a mantra of sorts. It’s as inspirational as it is artistic. I’ve found that it serves as a unique backdrop for portraits, both due to the message on the steps and from the steep staircase that affords a unique perspective.
The Lab Anti-Mall
If you’re from the OC then you’ve probably heard of the Anti-Mall. It’s close to Costa Mesa and I always provide it as an option when shooting in that location. The Anti-Mall is a hidden gem—a kind of counter-cultural retail experience full of odd stores and colorful murals. While a mall may not be your first consideration when choosing a shooting location, just remember that this is an anti-mall!
Taco Mesa
Let’s grab some tacos and finish an interesting portrait session all before noon! Taco Mesa may have some great food but it’s also home to a bunch of great murals. From the lens, they appear sun-bleached around noon when the sun is at its most intense. Agave and century plants line the graveled ground giving it a distinct desert feel. It’s a great place for bright, even overexposed portraits for clients that want a fun and colorful look.
Why Choose Me as Your Costa Mesa Photographer
Much like the shopping at Costa Mesa, I create a boutique experience with my photography. When you book a session with me, you’re consulting with only me every step of the way. My photography is a one-man show. However, I bring with me plenty of experience and enough intuition to capture those fleeting, one-of-a-kind moments that can make a portrait go from great to outstanding.
While it may be just me, you get a great experience every step of the way. I take great care in making you feel comfortable and honing in on what makes you stand out in the best way. Most of all, I understand that Costa Mesa isn’t just a backdrop or a prop—it’s a living, breathing city. We’ll work together to capture that energy in your photos.
Facts About Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa was incorporated back in 1953—it became its own city to avoid getting gobbled up by Santa Ana, who was looking to annex the area for itself. What else is there to know about Costa Mesa?
The surfing is famous
Huntington Beach virtually surrounds Costa Mesa and is a famous surfing spot for amateurs and professionals alike.
It really is the city of the arts
Some of the theatre work coming out of Costa Mesa has won Tony awards—when they say they’re the city of the arts they really mean it.
Little Saigon
Some of the best Vietnamese food in California can be found near Costa Mesa due to its large population of Vietnamese families.