Hi, my name is Willa Kveta, and the work that I do and the people I work with, are soulful and deeply connected. As a Photographer and Guide, I help my clients open up and tap into a deeper level of self expression, expansion, and connection.
I'm inspired by the raw and real shit. I've never been interested in small talk. Fake perfect smiles don't do it for me either! Ever since I was a child with my first camera, photographing intimacy has always been my passion. I want to get in there, and actually SEE, YOU! My job is part photography and part psychology, and I love it! I hold space for women to be seen and tap into their goddess selves, and for my couples to be their most vulnerable and uncensored selves in front of my camera, and this partnership is what inspires every creative fiber in me!
In my personal realm, I am deeply spiritual and always striving for personal growth and expansion. I am a mother to 14 year old twin daughters (I was told by a medium that we were sisters and medicine women in a past life - which based on our relationship in this life, deeply resonates) and I cherish this sacred role with all my heart. I’m a joy seeker, I laugh a lot, and I live for deep connections & honest communication. I was also Latina in a past life and I learned to speak Spanish in this life while traveling for a few years in Central and South America after high school. Costa Rica is my heart's second home, so much so, that I've planted roots and purchased a plot of tropical jungle paradise. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest (on an island) with loving parents and Waldorf education, I currently live in the American Riviera (aka Santa Barbara, CA), and feel most at home on any beach, but especially in the tropics. I can't remember a time that I didn't climb trees (and that's still a thing I do), play in in the mud (literally as a kid...and now figuratively as an adult in my garden), and cherish Mother Earth so deeply.
With love, Willa Kveta
…..Full time Photographer since 2003. Photographing people since 1995. Learner of life since 1981…..
Capture of me by Maia Hinton
1 / 10
"Every vendor we hired had nothing but amazing things to say about Willa! After seeing her website and speaking with her, I knew we had to hire her for our wedding. She has an infectious and positive energy, it is obvious she LOVES what she does. She was extremely flexible, she helped us tailor our photo package within our budget. Willa has such a wonderful personality that will make you feel comfortable and beautiful. We would recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking for a wedding photographer."
1 / 10
2 / 10
"My husband and I cared a lot about our photographer's energy because you spend so much time with that person (you even have to leave the party to go spend time them) and Willa delivered in every way. She was excited for us, and also incredibly calming when we were running behind schedule - my fault, not hers! She laughed with us, encouraged us, made us feel SO comfortable, and maybe even shed a tear or two with us. We felt so at ease in front of her camera. We would give her 10 stars if we could!"
2 / 10
3 / 10
"Hi Willa, I wanted to reach out and thank you again for capturing our wedding so beautifully. Specifically I wanted to thank you for capturing our guests. I think some photographers would rush through getting quick shots of guests “just to have them” but we are so grateful for your care and attention to all our photos. Your amazing talents capture more than you may know and the “basic” photos can have just as profound an impact as the rest. Thank you again for sharing your talents with us."
3 / 10
4 / 10
"Willa is a magical photographer that can convince even the shyest of wallflowers to shine with her dynamic personality and contagious laughter. I have historically hated being in front of the camera, but she made it so fun and relaxed that I really enjoyed myself - and the result was a series of lifestyle shots that radiate the best parts of me and have already received more positive feedback than anything else in my social media portfolio! Thanks Willa!"
4 / 10
5 / 10
"Willa was not only the best photographer, but she was also such a great person to work with. Planning a wedding is not the easiest thing and through my stressful days, Willa was on the phone with me, calming me down and reassuring me that everything was going to be just fine. She was true to her word because everything was above and beyond my expectations. She really captured us, our family and our beautiful wedding setting so well. We were blessed to have found her and eternally grateful."
5 / 10
6 / 10
"You cannot ask for more! Willa is a true romantic that genuinely loves her profession and this really comes through in her photography. Her passion for her work and for representing each couple's love and story enveloped us every moment we had the pleasure to work with her. She is professional, flexible, focused, and supportive of the couple's vision they want captured. She is an absolute joy! I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone for their wedding or engagement photos. Thank you a million Willa!"
6 / 10
7 / 10
"Willa was an absolute dream to work with! We were doing a lot of research on photographers and came across her website and fell in love with her work. From the moment we met her, we KNEW she was the perfect person to photograph our big day. The pricing was so reasonable for the quality of service we received. The amount of love and care she puts into every "job" is very obvious. All of our friends and family have been amazed by the quality and beauty of our photos."
7 / 10
8 / 10
"It is truly impossible to describe just how much my husband and I love Willa, both as a photographer and as a person in general. Not only are her photos some of the most beautiful I've ever seen (seriously, look at her Instagram feed), but she is honestly one of the most genuine and kind people I've ever met. From our very first telephone conversation with her, she just put us both at ease. It was like talking to an old friend. And for two people who aren't huge fans of being photographed, that was key."
8 / 10
9 / 10
"Willa is hands down the most incredible wedding photographer in Santa Barbara (and in my opinion, all of CA). She was incredible to work with, and we genuinely loved our entire experience with her. My husband does not like his photo taken, but when he met Willa, his attitude completely shifted and we ended up loving it. She made us feel so comfortable and was incredibly creative. If you want the BEST photos, capturing true moments, and work with an absolute gem of a woman, you have come to the right place."
9 / 10
10 / 10
"Willa is great. So professional and prepared. Which was good because my now husband is not the most patient of men, especially when having to dress up and pose for pictures. But Willa managed him beautifully and got the job done! The photos were exquisite! We couldn’t have been happier with them. The main problem we are having is picking the best ones for our album. It’s so hard because there are so many that we love!"
10 / 10