meet your San Luis Obispo portrait photographer.
about robin godfrey | Central Coast
Since I was a kid, I loved photography.
I don’t remember my mom telling me where we were going.
I just remember walking into this huge office in Manhattan — lights everywhere, a backdrop, the quiet hum of something creative about to happen.
I can’t believe she ever imagined I’d become a model or even me.
But suddenly, there I was in front of a camera. Snap. Snap. Snap.
And it wasn’t just fun — it was fascinating.
It wasn’t only the posing that caught me.
It was the setup, the guy behind the camera, the way the whole thing came together. I loved changing clothes, the rhythm of it all.
The images from that day were in black and white. I’m glad about that — it set the tone for everything I’d create later.
Black and white felt natural. Honest. Timeless. It stripped away the noise so you could just see.
I never became a model, and that’s perfectly fine.
I became the one behind the lens instead.
And honestly, that’s where I was meant to be — wherever that may be.
I’ve studied this craft in my own way—through years of self-driven exploration and the privilege of learning alongside some of the best photographers in the industry. That combination of intuition and experience shapes everything I do. When you work with me, you get me—from the first laugh we share to the final image in your hands.
my mission
To remind you of your own power and beauty. To create art that outlives trends and becomes legacy.
No filters. No bullshit. Just you, me, and the light.
I see the world differently, and that’s exactly why this works. While others chase trends, I chase truth. While some make content, we’ll make art.
ready to see yourself differently?
I live and work on the Central Coast of California, but I also travel wherever the story takes us—whether it’s a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, a sun-drenched terrace in Paris, or a hidden gem halfway across the world.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, navigating a transition, or simply ready to step into your power, I’m here to capture it. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
black & white artistry
"I approached this session from a very analytical perspective—I'd researched photographers extensively and was drawn to Robin's artistic vision and professional approach. What I didn't anticipate was how deeply personal the experience would become. I was navigating a significant career transition at the time, and Robin somehow captured not just my image, but this sense of possibility I was feeling. Her process is remarkably intuitive; she creates space for authenticity to emerge naturally. The resulting portraits have become more than photographs—they're visual anchors that remind me of my own resilience during a transformative period in my life."
— Dr. Jennifer K., Santa Barbara
personal philosophy
I DON'T MAKE PRETTY PICTURES. I MAKE POWERFUL ONES.
I approach portraiture like the directors of classic cinema—where lighting, composition, and raw emotion collide to tell stories that stick with you.
Black and white photography strips away distraction. It cuts through the noise and speaks directly to something primal in us. In this visual language, your true essence emerges with striking clarity.
No filters. No bullsh*t. Just you and the light.
“Just as the moon and stars cycle through their phases, every woman deserves to be seen in all her forms. Portraiture is where art, light, and your story become a constellation—where every unique phase, every angle, every flicker of spirit is honored. In this space, you are not just seen—you are celebrated as the universe you truly are.”
portraits wherever you dream
i see the world differently-
and that’s exactly why it works.
featured in bold journey magazine, may 2025. →