Simple Sophistication
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only
Gilmore Studios was established back in 2002 in Newport Beach, CA by husband and wife photographers, Brian and Jennifer Gilmore. They started out as wedding photographers but as their couples grew into families, the portrait side of their business took off. Today you could say they specialize in people. From fine wedding photography, commercial and events to family, children and newborn photography, Jennifer and Brian love capturing all stages of life for their clients.
We are located in TWO locations. A residential neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA and the border of Queen Creek and Gilbert, AZ. Our small Newport Beach studio is part of a 1/2 acre garden. We get the benefit of having studio space as well as an outdoor garden to photograph our clients. Our studio in Arizona is residential and perfect for branding & headshot sessions.
Brian Gilmore is a commercial, wedding & portrait photographer at Gilmore Studios. Brian runs the social media, blog, and marketing department at the studio.
Jennifer Gilmore is the owner/founder of Gilmore Studios and a photographer. Jennifer runs the daily tasks of the studio and keeps the business running.
Jennifer has always had a passion for photography. After earning her degree in psychology, Jennifer got a job as a wedding photographer's assistant. Jennifer worked hard practicing her skills and was soon asked to be the lead photographer at a wedding.
Filled with nerves and excitement, Jennifer called Brian (her boyfriend at the time) and asked him to be her second shooter. Brian had never touched a professional camera but agreed to help. To their surprise, they made a great photography team and continued to work together.
As they developed their camera skills, the photos got better and better. Later that same year, Brian shot as a lead photographer for this same company! Before they knew it, they were getting married and starting their own photography business together. That was back in 2003 and they never looked back.
Today, they have photographed hundreds of weddings (over 500) and even more portraits together. As their brides and grooms grew into families, the portrait side of the business would also grow. Their newborn, family, and kids portrait business took off and they have enjoyed photographing thousands of clients & friends over the years.
Ever photographed a Dr. Seuss–themed session and felt like the props might take over? 🎩🎂
Here’s what works: simplify the setup. Bold themes like this can get busy fast, so I stick to a clean background, a few playful pieces, and let the one-year-old steal the show (which they always do!).
This little guy lit up the studio—curious, wiggly, and full of personality. And once the frosting hit? Pure joy.
#DrSeussCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #1YearOldSession
How do you photograph a six-month-old who just learned to sit up—and have a cute theme for February? 💘👶
Here’s the trick: keep the setup soft and simple—think pale pinks, creams, and textures instead of bright reds and bold props. At this age, babies are the focus (as they should be), and too much clutter takes away from those sweet little expressions and wobbly balance moments.
#sittingup #ValentineThemed #GilmoreStudios
Get our Client Appreciation Halloween date on your calendar! October 12th (Sunday) our complimentary Halloween mini for clients that have used us within the last year. Start thinking of your kiddos costume for this fall and be ready for October 12th!
#FallBackdropSession #MiniSessions #GilmoreStudios #fallphotoshoottips
Ever tried photographing a cake smash where the theme has a lot going on? 🎂🪵 How do you keep it cute without it feeling cluttered?
Here’s what I’ve learned: with bold themes like lumberjack plaid and rustic props, less is more. Focus on a few statement pieces (like a mini axe, wood slices, or a log cake stand), then balance it out with neutral tones behind the baby. You want the setup to support the story—not steal the spotlight.
And always make room for the mess. 😉 A little frosting in the flannel? Totally worth it.
#CakeSmash #LumberjackTheme #GilmoreStudios
From the first smiles to that first handful of cake… it’s a milestone worth celebrating big. 🌈🎂
Tip for photographers: I love using printed backdrops and adding props to the foreground. Makes it easier to have lots of different options for my clients ❤️
#CakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #RainboThemed
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ
Session by appointment only
