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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I have various lighting systems and light shapers. I evaluate the people and persons in relation to the environment, and determine the best use of angles and lighting. I like to interact with my clients and pose them in a manner that is comfortable to them. I start with a basic pose and then look for something more unique. My goal is to make people look their best.
I love photographing people, places and things in a creative way. I love to paint with light. And, I love working with editing software to gently add a more powerful impact to the image. I want to make people think "Wow" when they see the final product. I want clients to be proud of their portraits.
I have a portable studio that I use in my home and on location for events and home portraiture ($125 - $150). I am working on renting studio space especially for large groups. For professional headshots I prefer that people come to me ($125), but I can travel for extra compensation ($150 - $200). People often want portraits at the beach. That is a difficult environment and I charge a minimum of $300.
I am fully vaccinated and use masks when necessary. I follow all CDC guidelines for safety.
I offer online consultation.
Overview
Hired 83 times
Serves Santee, CA
Background checked
1 employee
28 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 7:00 pmMon8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Square cash app, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2018
Services offered
Headshot type
Photoshoot location
Photo studio
Outdoors
Office
Home
Physical copies
Physical proofs and prints
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
40 reviews
5
95%
4
5%
3
0%
2
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Molly C.
Jun 23, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
WONDERFUL!!! Dan came to our rental home in San Diego to take a family photo of 19 people (including very young kids). The photos he produced made us look fantastic due to his equipment and techniques. During the contracted 1.5hrs, we got the priority large family shot, then moved on to the smaller families, couples and even some headshots for the young adults. All were terrific!
Dan was extremely good in communicating from the very start: promptly responded with the quote; reviewed our rental home location via google maps for viability of the space; sent a contract; and then kept me informed throughout his final edits/processing of the images which were completed within 5 days.
Really appreciated having access to all of the photos in our gallery on his website to download at no additional fees. His process made it easy for our large family to download them for sharing online or printing.
Highly recommend! Dan is the REAL DEAL- not a flake or newbie!!
Details: Reunion • Fewer than 25 guests • Outdoors • Digital or online download • Flash drive
Wedding and Event Photography
Cynthia L.
Dec 9, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Dan to restore a picture that was stuck to glass, torn, and discolored. He did an outstanding job. Looks exactly like the original, but with no damage. This picture was very precious to me and I thought there was no way I would have it back to its original condition. Dan proved me wrong. His service is professional and prompt. I would highly recommend Dan.
Details: Restoration • Photos (prints) • 1-50 • Color • Cracks • At the pro’s location
Dan Ituarte Photography's reply
Thank you, Cynthia. I really enjoy restoring these precious memories back to original condition or better. I realize how important they are. Thank you for the kind review.
Photo Editing, Scanning and Restoration
R. H.
Jun 24, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dan did a super job at providing me some great photos for my LINKEDIN profile. He is prompt, professional, and persistent - he will work with you to get just the right shot.
I don't normally send in ratings - but I felt like Dan did a super job that warranted some good feedback - and lets other folks know that he is your guy for this kind of work.
I would recommend him very strongly and I will use him again - and again!
Headshot Photography
Scott S.
Jun 12, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dan was a true professional. We were arranging a promotional shoot out of state, so some of the logistics got a little difficult at times, but Dan was very patient, and the photos turned out great! Would definitely hire again.
Portrait Photography
Patricia W.
Dec 31, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dan was an ideal partner in my project. He is professional, kind, attentive, and provides a lovely piece of work.
Details: Restoration • Photos (prints) • 1-50 • Color • Fading • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dan Ituarte Photography's reply
Thank you Patricia. I apprecIate the review.
Photo Editing, Scanning and Restoration
Credentials
Background Check
Daniel Ituarte
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Event Photography: I charge $150 for a one hour photo session. For 2 hours or more I charge $125 per hour (i.e. 2 hours cost $275). This includes post processing, a DVD or flash drive if requested, and an online password protected gallery with free downloading from my website. I do candid shots, portraiture, group shots and photo booth (if requested).
Portraiture: I charge $150 for a 1 hour for sessions with portable studio equipment, and $100 per additional hour. My price includes post-processing a DVD and an online gallery for viewing and downloading.
Photo Restoration: There are various degrees of damage and required restoration. It can take a half hour to several hours to repair some images. I need a good description of the damage or a snapshot from a phone in order to make an accurate estimate. But, generally I charge reasonable prices. For minor work I charge as little as $15. For more extreme damage I charge $25 per hour. I can generally make all repairs in one to three hours. I remove dust, dirt, fingerprints, tears, holes, etc. I also restore missing body parts such as eyes, ears, fingers and hands. For samples of my work go to the restoration gallery in my website for Dan Ituarte Photography.
If you simply need prints, slides or negatives digitized I recommend going to a company like Video to DVD on 3737 Camino del Rio S., San Diego. They have reasonable prices for large quantities of scanning.
For all other types of photography I generally charge $125 per hour.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When a customer contacts me they usually have questions about specific photography they want done. If it is something that I have done before I send more samples to preview. I discuss specifics needs. I alway work with a simple contract to ensure that the terms are clear between me and the customer. I include location of the photo shoot, price, time and contact information. I have a lot of photography gear, and the more information that I have about customer needs, the better I can prepare for the myself and equipment to meet those needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an art degree in photography as well as a masters degree in GIS imagery. I also have bachelor and master degrees in marine biology and chemistry. I am a retired marine biologist. However, my second chosen career is art photography. I have been taking classes and workshops continuously since 1988. I continue to experiment with light and equipment as well as Lightroom and Photoshop to improve the quality of my work. I have been working professionally for 25 years.
