Hello, I am Gretchen Otero. I am glad you're here!
Stopping time & preserving memories through authentic and natural portraits is my gift to you.
I want to give you all the feels for a lifetime!
Looking at the portraits on my walls and flipping through my albums takes me back to the day, the moment and the feelings I had the day they were created.
I want to give you the gift of a wall portrait that you can swoon over 20 years from now and remember exaclty the way it felt to scratch behind your best gal's ears as she leaned into you and let you exist in that moment again, as if for just a second, she is still by your side.
I want you to see your amazing family portrait of your adorable kids and their childhood dog. I know "that dog" was the baby before the real babies came along and maybe he was even with you before the wedding. Through the artwork we create he'll be with you forever watching over the family as it grows.
I promise I will make it possible to always remember the funny faces, looks of love and unique expressions of the people and pets you love the most.
I like to tell (or maybe warn) people that out of the 16+ years I have been a professional photographer I have very few people that I call clients. Instead, I have made so many new friends who I also photograph. We've created memories together as their pets, children and families grow. We are friends on Facebook. We care about each other outside of our "professional" relationship. Instead of building a list of clients, I have built a list of friends who are often more like family.
I'd love to include you in the Gretchen Otero Photography Family.
Family Life
When I'm not behind the camera, you can usually find me with my husband Eric. We enjoy an active lifestyle full of crossfit, hiking, biking, running and travel. The endless list of opportunities for outdoor exploring and adventures around San Diego never cease to amaze me. For almost as long as I have been a professional photographer I've also been dogmom to a Dachshund named Flash. She is now 16 and enjoys short walks, long naps and waking me up at 4:00 am.
I'm honestly not quite ready to fully update this bio yet. It's with extreme sorrow I mention that our beloved Flashie went to the rainbow bridge at the age of 17. We have a new little pup named Pixel who is full of fun and mischief.
I'd love to hear all about you!
It's your turn!
Are you ready for authentic and natural portraits of the people, pets and moments you want to remember forever.
All you have to do is fill out this quick form and I'll be there to make this happen!
It's your turn!
Are you ready for authentic and natural portraits of the people, pets and moments you want to remember forever.
All you have to do is fill out this quick form and I'll be there to make this happen!
Family Life
When I'm not behind the camera, you can usually find me with my husband Eric. We enjoy an active lifestyle full of crossfit, hiking, biking, running and travel. The opportunities for outdoor adventures in and around San Diego never cease to amaze me. For nearly as long as I have been a professional photographer I've also been mom to a Dachshund named Flash. She is now 16 and enjoys short walks, long naps and waking up at 4:00 am.
My Roots
My career as a photographer began at a small independent studio in Memphis, TN. At the risk of showing my age, I'll say, we shot film. After moving to Mobile, AL I began working for and studying under a Certified Master Photographer. I learned how to manipulate light and life and achieve the visions that existed in my head. I also learned the invaluable skill of making people comfortable in front of the camera. A skill that ranks in importance with technical photography ability. Time passed and I decided to cross into the world of studio management where I acted as both the photographer and manager for one of Mobile's oldest independent studios. Always learning and always exploring has allowed me to continue to grow and build skills year after year.
My Trunk
Fast forward and I've landed here in sunny San Diego. I entered the 9-5 working world thinking it would be a nice change of pace. It was, but it's not my passion. Amazingly, as much as I didn't market myself and didn't pursue a photography career, it followed me here. Friends of friends have sent clients my way, and gradually and somehow unintentionally I have built a photography business in San Diego. I truly believe when something is meant to be, it will happen! I've jumped in feet first and I'm back to my happy photographer self here in San Deigo and it feels so good.
Sidenote: Your dreams and passions exist inside of you for a reason! Follow them and show the world your talents! Anyone can follow their dreams!!
My Branches
I have so much joy in my life and although I am so happy with where I am, I can't help but also be excited about the future of my career in San Deigo.
I am looking forward to serving San Diego as your premier family and pet photographer for years to come. I can't wait to get to know you and your family & watch your children and pets grow. I can't wait to meet your parents for that generational portrait session you've been meaning to do. Just so you know, I'm going to call them Mom and Dad. I am genuinely happy to be your photographer and create memories for you and your family that will be handed down through generations and serve as reminders of these happy days now passed.
When your memories matter, you owe it to yourself to hire a professional.