What motivates you as a photographer?
CJ shares his top 3 motivations to take photographs.
C.J.
17 hours ago
A Photographer's Style
This post is about my style of photography and why I edit photos the way I do.
C.J.
Feb 5, 2020
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Read the Latest From the Blog
"Our family was talking about how great he was to be around for months after our wedding ...The photos turned out amazing - we couldn't have been happier with our experience."
- Megan & Paul
Tahoe Sailing Charters
"If you are in the Lake Tahoe area, this is your photographer!'
- Ryan & Grace
Tahoe Engagement Photos
"We absolutely LOVE all our photos! CJ was amazing! He was so much fun to work with and made the entire process easy."
- Kristen & Ken
Valhalla Elopement
Offerings
Investment
Weddings & Elopements
From intimate lakeside ceremonies to full-day celebrations. Includes timeline planning, location scouting, and high-resolution gallery.
Couples & Engagements
Celebrate your connection with an adventure session. We'll hike, explore, or just hang out by the water at sunset.
Family Sessions
Posed and unposed, playful sessions for families who want to remember the feeling of this season of life.
Headshots
For business. modeling, or fun, spruce up your first impression with the professional look you deserve.
More
Senior portraits, corporate events, real estate and more.
Common Questions
1 / Do you travel outside of South Lake Tahoe?
Absolutely! While I am based in South Lake Tahoe, I love traveling to Reno, Carson City, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite, and the bay area. Travel fees may apply for locations more than 50 miles away.
2 / What is your turnaround time?
For portrait sessions, you will receive your proof gallery within 2-3 weeks. For Weddings and elopements, the typical turnaround is 4-6 weeks. I always aim to under-promise and over-deliver so it's not uncommon to receive galleries faster than that, and I always send a few "sneak peeks" within 48 hours!
3 / Do you help with elopement planning?
Yes! I'm not a wedding planner, but I provide extensive location recommendations, vendor referrals (officiants, H&M, flowers, etc), and help craft a timeline that ensures we get the best light for your photos.
The Experience
Inquire
Fill out the form. I'll reply within 48 hours to schedule a chat.
Plan
We'll secure your date and I'll help with locations and timeline.
Shoot
We explore Tahoe. No stiff poses, just you being you.
Delivery
Receive your edited, high-res gallery within 4-6 weeks.
Let's Start Your Adventure
Whether you're planning a grand celebration or a quiet elopement in the woods, I'd love to hear your story.
At CJ Varela Photography, we deliver outstanding photography services across Reno, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and more. Our mission is to skillfully capture the beauty of your special moments, from breathtaking landscapes to treasured portraits. You can trust us to provide high-quality images that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your photography experience!
"The mountains are calling..." - John Muir
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