San Francisco based (but always current passport holding) professional photographer, Misti Layne, specializes in authentic, storytelling, deeply contrasted and documentary wedding photography, meaningful and intimate family and personal portraiture, connecting and authentic portraits for professionals and corporate events from the standard conference to the eclectically crazy and adventurous event.
Lastly, on a more personal passion, vibrantly live and loud music shows and their creatively passionate musicians. It's a relationship that I treasure. Storytelling photography is about the in-between, unintended images as well as the intended. The split second moment in a photograph of you and yours is captured and the story secured and ready to be shared, forever.
Lastly, on a more personal passion, vibrantly live and loud music shows and their creatively passionate musicians. It's a relationship that I treasure. Storytelling photography is about the in-between, unintended images as well as the intended. The split second moment in a photograph of you and yours is captured and the story secured and ready to be shared, forever.
Services
Why Misti Layne (beyond the cool name) when there are so many professionals and amateurs with nice cameras to choose from? Images tell a story and they are there for me to find. It is about me watching, listening, learning and being at the ready for the instant THE image hits me and I push the button.
I have been taking photographs since the wee age of four. Yes, you read that correctly. I was a flower girl in a wedding and because I was being a little well, pissy, someone gave me a camera to get my mind off of things. It worked and from that point on I was all smiles.
Thankfully, my mom recognized and nurtured my new-found interest in photography by giving me her little Instamatic, leftover from the 1960's, pulled from a box in the attic like a rare treasure.I began shooting with that Instamatic and elating with every push of the button, knowing I had captured a moment in time forever.
Thankfully, my mom recognized and nurtured my new-found interest in photography by giving me her little Instamatic, leftover from the 1960's, pulled from a box in the attic like a rare treasure.I began shooting with that Instamatic and elating with every push of the button, knowing I had captured a moment in time forever.
I'm just at the airport about to board my flight home but have taken a look through these photos and just want to say they are PERFECT! Absolutely what we wanted, thank you so so much! It has been a delight to work with you, thank you so much. We can't thank you enough for your professionalism and all your hard work on our wedding day.
Oh, if I had been wiser in my youth! I would have realized far sooner that combining my camera and love of music and musicians would have led to an earlier career in live music photography. Alas, I took a very long and very indirect path. I did, however, eventually get there and I love being in the crowd, the noise and all the rest.
The world has changed a bit recently as you may have noticed. We all have experienced a change in our lives with maybe some challenges and some successes and new found passions or hobbies. Maybe and likely a bit of it all. The planet has forced us to take a breath and maybe take note of what is most important in the world and to us.
Reviews (21)
Tiffani Hughes
Jan 05, 2021
Report
Misti is a true photography professional. She will not stop until she gets the high quality images that represent her commitment to excellence. She is determined and you will find her climbing in bushes, adjusting locations and waiting it out for the perfect lighting. She approaches photography like a true artist and we are so happy to have chosen her to work on our project earlier this year.
Maddie M.
May 27, 2020
Report
Misti is a true photography professional! She has a real eye for lighting and photo details while having the ultimate patience. She notices and captures details that many would not. She is willing to wait, crawl around on the ground, in the bushes and adjust until finding the perfect lighting, hair placement and spot. She is also a really fun and down to earth human I thoroughly enjoy working with. Highly recommend for portrait, wedding, life or site photography.
Jazmine K.
Apr 10, 2019
Report
Tina L.
Sep 04, 2018
Report
Misti photographed our wedding in Napa in 2011. I had interviewed several SF photographers before deciding.?She was fantastic in every way and a fantastic photographer. She took some amazing shots we will treasure for the rest of our lives. She is caring, fun, genuine and a talented professional. We went back to her to get our album and photos several years later and she remembered us and our album turned out just beautiful. We would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone for any photography needs and we would use her again in a heartbeat. She is worth the price you pay for her as you get a high
Natasha Miller
Jan 04, 2018
Report
Kajal P.
Jan 05, 2017
Report
Mimi H.
Jun 29, 2015
Report
As can only be expected from her name, Misti is incredible. We started with a list of very strong wedding photo vendors recommended by our coordinator (who was incredible!) and there was not a photographer in there that we didn't like. However, we were drawn to Misti because her photo work appeared to just be a notch above all the rest. The pictures were a little clearer, a little brighter, and the moment was a little better.
After we retained Misti, we had a fun time exchanging emails with her, explaining what we need, going through details, and her working with our coordinator to go through
After we retained Misti, we had a fun time exchanging emails with her, explaining what we need, going through details, and her working with our coordinator to go through
Natasha M.
Nov 08, 2013
Report
I have known Misti for years, but was only recently able to work with her.
She was AMAZING shooting a band up at the Fairmont Penthouse in San Francisco. 10 eclectic and beautiful musicians (The415s.com) and a short time frame. The photos are PERFECT, actually better than I imagined.
Then she shot my CD cover and the photos are amazing. I can't wait to work with her again and will certainly be referring her to our wedding clients as well. Misti's a gem!
She was AMAZING shooting a band up at the Fairmont Penthouse in San Francisco. 10 eclectic and beautiful musicians (The415s.com) and a short time frame. The photos are PERFECT, actually better than I imagined.
Then she shot my CD cover and the photos are amazing. I can't wait to work with her again and will certainly be referring her to our wedding clients as well. Misti's a gem!
Emily S.
Jun 17, 2012
Report
We are so thankful for every intimate memory Misti and Gina (her 2nd photographer) captured for us to enjoy and reminisce over for years to come!
On our wedding day, Misti brought sanity, sassiness, and a loving appreciation for each perfect and perfectly imperfect moment. She is a masterful photographer and an absolutely lovely friend. From our first meeting (at which my hubby got down on one knee and formally asked her to be our photographer) to our brilliantly fun shoot at Stern Grove to our big, emotionally wonderful wedding day in Napa, Misti has been a gift to us!
We can't wait to
On our wedding day, Misti brought sanity, sassiness, and a loving appreciation for each perfect and perfectly imperfect moment. She is a masterful photographer and an absolutely lovely friend. From our first meeting (at which my hubby got down on one knee and formally asked her to be our photographer) to our brilliantly fun shoot at Stern Grove to our big, emotionally wonderful wedding day in Napa, Misti has been a gift to us!
We can't wait to
Sara T.
Sep 08, 2011
Report
Misti is fabulous! Misti did our wedding and engagement photos and my husband and I couldn't be happier.. Her warmth, enthusiasm and energy is contagious and it makes you glow in the pictures, truly!
Our pictures turned out so wonderful and there was a nice variety of portaits vs candids. My husband hates getting his picture taken, but after our engagement pictures with Misti he told me what a great time he had!
So, I couldn't recommend Misti enough. I can't wait to have another occasion arise again so I can work witih her!
Our pictures turned out so wonderful and there was a nice variety of portaits vs candids. My husband hates getting his picture taken, but after our engagement pictures with Misti he told me what a great time he had!
So, I couldn't recommend Misti enough. I can't wait to have another occasion arise again so I can work witih her!
Amy T.
Jul 19, 2010
Report
Misti is, quite simply, wonderful!
After viewing her pix online, I knew she had talent and after meeting her, my fiance and I knew she was the perfect photographer for our wedding. She's friendly and open and easy to talk to and we all clicked right away.
At the wedding she was great, got tons of pictures, even of the people who are typically difficult to photograph. She made everyone feel comfortable.
When we got the pictures after, we were amazed! They were all so fantastic! We're still going through them now trying to put together the album and I'm not sure how it
After viewing her pix online, I knew she had talent and after meeting her, my fiance and I knew she was the perfect photographer for our wedding. She's friendly and open and easy to talk to and we all clicked right away.
At the wedding she was great, got tons of pictures, even of the people who are typically difficult to photograph. She made everyone feel comfortable.
When we got the pictures after, we were amazed! They were all so fantastic! We're still going through them now trying to put together the album and I'm not sure how it
T. W.
Jul 07, 2010
Report
I heart Misti Layne. She is stellar; her photographs speak for themselves; they make you stop and think. Take a look at her website. My words could not adequately describe what I feel about her work.
She was the last (and cheapest) of three photographers we interviewed, and as soon as we met her, we knew she was the one.
When looking at her albums, we felt as if we knew what the weddings were like: a Mexican wedding in a beautiful Catholic church, the wedding party in deep reds; a small wedding in Cape Cod-like setting: you felt you got a sense of what the wedding was like, w/o having to know
She was the last (and cheapest) of three photographers we interviewed, and as soon as we met her, we knew she was the one.
When looking at her albums, we felt as if we knew what the weddings were like: a Mexican wedding in a beautiful Catholic church, the wedding party in deep reds; a small wedding in Cape Cod-like setting: you felt you got a sense of what the wedding was like, w/o having to know
Kate C.
Jul 06, 2010
Report
Misti did a great job at our wedding. She was unobtrusive, easy to work with, and got us proofs withing a few weeks. The whole process was super easy, and she was willing to accommodate our weird contract requests. After she saw that there weren't a lot of photos (small wedding that happened very quickly), she made us a DVD slideshow free of charge. She also agreed to postpone our "engagement" shoot until sometime next year because we couldn't get our act together before the wedding. Thanks, Misti!
P.S. Not sure what Natalie is so crazy over. Misti was very professional
P.S. Not sure what Natalie is so crazy over. Misti was very professional
Joshua Z.
Jun 03, 2010
Report
There are lots of photographers out there, but Misti is a true professional. As a businessperson, I really respect when I get to work with people who are clear, honest, and upfront with pricing and deliverables - and that's Misti. Beyond the basics, she's fun to work with!
I've chosen Misti for years for my business photography, and she's always done a phenomenal job of making me look good! I've happily referred her to friends, clients and colleagues, all with great results.
I've chosen Misti for years for my business photography, and she's always done a phenomenal job of making me look good! I've happily referred her to friends, clients and colleagues, all with great results.
Amy V.
Aug 13, 2009
Report
Apparently I'm not the only person who thinks they're the most un-photogenic person on the planet. So finding and trusting a professional photographer to take head shots for marketing materials, web site, etc. was quite a project. After poring over Yelp reviews and photographer web sites, I found Misti. The Yelp raves about her were clue #1. Her gorgeous web site was clue #2. Her prompt response to my inquiry and friendly, authentic energy were clues #3 and #4. Willingness to accommodate my schedule and location: #5. But the whole "photo session" thing, and the permanence of
Ali M.
Aug 10, 2009
Report
My wife and I recently had our Big Fat Indian Wedding. It was a full 4 day affair and we were so blessed to have Misti as our photographer.
We originally were only looking for a photographer for 2 of the 4 days but after meeting with Misti and looking at more of her work we knew that the investment was well worth it and we didn't want to have her miss one minute of the wedding.
My wife and I are very non-traditional and we were seeking an artist for our wedding photographer. We're both very into artistic, funky and stylish art and we immediately fell in love with Misti's work
We originally were only looking for a photographer for 2 of the 4 days but after meeting with Misti and looking at more of her work we knew that the investment was well worth it and we didn't want to have her miss one minute of the wedding.
My wife and I are very non-traditional and we were seeking an artist for our wedding photographer. We're both very into artistic, funky and stylish art and we immediately fell in love with Misti's work
Carla P.
Apr 08, 2009
Report
After looking through numerous and numerous websites of headshot photographers in San Francisco, I ran into Misti's. Something about her work just stood out to me. After corresponding with her through email for a few days, I decided to hire her as my headshot photographer.
I'm really glad I made the right decision.
Posing for headshots can be really intimidating and uncomfortable, but Misti made the experience a completely success. She was really warm, gave great direction and had really great energy. It actually turned out to be a really fun experience and can't wait to do it
I'm really glad I made the right decision.
Posing for headshots can be really intimidating and uncomfortable, but Misti made the experience a completely success. She was really warm, gave great direction and had really great energy. It actually turned out to be a really fun experience and can't wait to do it
Kristin S.
Feb 19, 2009
Report
Misti Layne is magic. Misti did a photo shoot with our two year old son in a style called essence images - basically the exact opposite of a stiff posed photo. It was perfect because it not only captured our son's playful, active, and curious spirit as he was doing his thing, but because getting our son to sit still for a photo would be nearly impossible.
We met at the park and she snapped away while he fed the birds (Misti was thoughtful enough to bring the bread), climbed the stairs, and played in the sand. The photos are just precious - black and white and very dreamy. Every time
We met at the park and she snapped away while he fed the birds (Misti was thoughtful enough to bring the bread), climbed the stairs, and played in the sand. The photos are just precious - black and white and very dreamy. Every time
Jane M.
Jan 14, 2009
Report
See my previous review below. We paid $1,200 for wedding album we still don't have 7 hyears later and Misti has no qualms about keeping that money!! so unethical. Turns out, I was preggo at my wedding and got pregnant again when my first born was only eight month old. Contacted Misti to try to get our album done than and was quoted $1,000 more. My husband lost his job shortly thereafter and asked again for the refund. No luck. Here we are - 7 years later. We paid $1,200 for an album. Misti refuses to refund it - and this is after we paid $3,500 to have her at our wedding. We still have no
Rachel R.
May 07, 2006
Report
Misti is a wonderful, excellent photographer. She has a lovely manner that will put you at ease. Her fun conversation will elicit genuine smiles. She had the patience to shoot my 5.5 month old baby. I look forward to an opportunity to work with her again!
She made me feel good about posing when I had a poochy belly from the pregnancy, lumpy chest from my nursing pads, and was exhausted from being up all night with the baby. That takes some serious skills!
Some of the digital pictures I got came out with a skin tone that is a bit too pink. It was the first thing my husband noticed.
She made me feel good about posing when I had a poochy belly from the pregnancy, lumpy chest from my nursing pads, and was exhausted from being up all night with the baby. That takes some serious skills!
Some of the digital pictures I got came out with a skin tone that is a bit too pink. It was the first thing my husband noticed.
Sue U.
Aug 31, 2005
Report
The boyfriends daughter needed some head shots and Misti did an incredible job. We had so many excellent poses from which to choose, and the shoot itself was a breeze! The best thing about the whole experience is Misti's wonderful personality!! Her great attitude and experienced eye helped bring out the best in her subject, and in the end that's what it's all about.
UPDATE: She did some professional portraits and photos of my office that turned out wonderful. Because of her experience photographing people in all kinds of situations, she was able to find the best angle for
UPDATE: She did some professional portraits and photos of my office that turned out wonderful. Because of her experience photographing people in all kinds of situations, she was able to find the best angle for
