He is the worlds best family and children's photographer. We cherish the photos he has taken over the years

I found myself walking down the "seedy" part of Minna with my crew. Then the guys and I were in the Transbay terminal looking very out of place. From that to dancing in an apartment on Broadway with my daughters. Moments later I was kissing this sexy woman in a stairwell. Before we knew it we were standing in the middle of Franklin & Broadway with people honking and cars driving by. And that was only the first 2 hours of the day. This is a wedding day with Craig Merrill as your photographer. And you will enjoy every minute of it. 2500 pictures taken, 400 keepers, and about 200 first class top-notch quality shots. And you get all of them on CD's. Craig likes B&W, Reservoir Dogs, and spontaneity. Only 4 stars because one of the 14 CD's was blank and I still haven't received it. When I get it, he goes to 5 stars - instantly. read more

Warning : If you're the controlling type, you should really avoid this guy. If, however, you like the 'unorthodox' and can be a little loosey, goosey with the process, this guy can provide great results. My situation: 4 days before Mother's Day and a $200.00 budget. My Goal: Obtain some great black/white photos of my 5 yr old son and I. After some research, I realized this was easier said than done. Most places charge $500-700 just for the sitting alone. Yikes! So, after some Yelp sleuth work, I found Craig. He had 2 good reviews and 1 scalding, so, I approached the situation cautiously. That day, I talked with his wife (and business partner) Grace, with our conversation ending on 'I think he can work something out; he's pretty flexible'. Well, she was right. Craig called about 2 hours later. We discussed my ideas, agreed on a price, and scheduled the shoot for that night. I dub Craig's shooting style and business manner as 'unorthodox' because as one reviewer touched upon, he works out of his house, has a gregarious personality and is a little light on the 'formal business 101 - etiquette'. These things, however, I found to be perhaps his most enduring qualities. Grass roots and then some! That night, Craig shot us in his 'basement/poker room'. Granted, it could use some tidying, however, it was presentable. As the session began, his persona took over and Craig turned into a photo-shooting machine. He spat out funny-talk making my son laugh hysterically, calmed him with a soothing tone for more thoughtful shots, and even got me loosened up a little bit (see controlling type statement). After 30 minutes and 260 shots, I felt we had covered adequate ground. I was eager to see the finished product. Later the same evening, he gave me a CD with all the shots and by early the next day, I had made my choices. In his refreshingly, boisterous manner he calls the following evening, "Come on over, Man. The shots are ready for pick-up!" They were great. He took some artistic liberties and delivered my vision via 21 black/white shots with my son. To his word, we were able to stay under budget. I was pleased. The results on Mother's Day: My son's mother with tears in her eyes saying "Thank you!! This is the best present ever!" Thanks, Craig and don't change a thing!!! read more

Look no further, Craig is as good as it gets. If your looking for a funky fun wedding photographer, Craig is it. His creative eye brings a different and unique flare to wedding photos. We have had TONS of compliments on our wedding photos - everyone is like "wow those are the most beautiful photos"- and trust me its not cause we are the most photogenic. He is worth checking out. http://www.merrillphotographics.com/ read more

Craig is the man! He is the rock star photographer who combines a frankly crazed and silly approach with an artist's eye for composition, and a generous helping of perseverance. I've watched him fill up a huge memory card on his camera in search of the right moment, and the results were phenomenal. We have been customers of Craig's since before our daughter was born, and she's nearly 10. I hope he's around to shoot her wedding. If you're looking for a quiet, dignified, stuffy studio, look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you want someone who's willing to shoot anywhere and capture people at their best, then call Craig. Now. Tell him I sent you. read more

Darn - I wanted to be the first to review! I have been using Craig for years. He's done several versions of my "family" photo shoot. He's great with the kids and he is reasonably priced. He also did my wedding and we were both pleased with his photos. Nice local guy with a great eye for photos and great personality read more

WOW! Our family was looking for a photographer that could do a group and still make it fun for the kids. We hit the jackpot with Craig! From shooting the entire group to breaking it down to individual families Craig caught the essence of who we are. Thanks Craig, you are amazing! read more

What a fun and creative guy this is!!! He really helped set the tone for our wedding. So many people asked where I found him. He helped bring the "fun" out in my wedding guests! He likes doing some stuff that you wouldn't normally find in your traditional wedding album. We still have the "classic wedding photos" but so many fun candid shots which really captured the day. He took over 1800 photos, and I STILL keep looking at them over and over! Would definitely hire him again!! read more

Great photographer, great guy. This guy can make any baby laugh. Kids love him. Wish I had known about him before my wedding. Great baby photos! read more

Merrill Photographics - Photographers Near Me - Alameda, California

My wife Lauren and I met with a number of photographers while planning our wedding; each time flipping through what seemed to be an endless pile of albums with the same stock wedding photo over and over; you know, the one with the wedding party lined up and smiling at the camera. We left each of these meetings/interviews exhausted, uttering the same tired expression, "I guess that will work." Untill we met up with Craig, we just did not know any better. Like all other aspects of wedding details such as selecting the bride's dress, the venue, the food, the music, etc., you should not have to think to much about it, you just know when its right. Only a few minutes into our meeting with Craig, we knew it was a good fit; there was no doubt that he was going to be our photographer. His work was different from what we had seen up untill then. It was alive, exciting, and full of true emotion. Each album was unique, and brought to life the story of what occured on that day. His work clearly exemplifies that he tailors his talent to match the personalities of his clients. In our meeting with him, we tossed ideas back and forth and quickly became partners in a new and exciting project. Lauren and I left that first meeting with a much needed renewed enthusiasm. Our first photo session with Craig was for some fun engagement photos at a location of our choice. Although the main point of this photo shoot was for him to observe and learn more about the way Lauren and I interact (so as to ensure he would know how to capture our best on the big day), it was an amazing day for Lauren and I to just relax and have fun with each other in front of the camera. Not only did these shots quickly became some of my favorite of us, but I'm pretty sure our couple-friends are jealous of them. On the big day, Craig was on his game. While I did not really notice him, the disc of photos he sent us afterwards shows that he clearly didn't miss a beat. One would think that there was multiple photographers from start to finish, from Lauren receiving the flowers I sent her while she was getting ready with her girls in the early afternoon, to shots of all of us maybe getting a bit out of control in the wee hours of the nite. In addition to the disc, Craig also put together a professionally bound book of his photos of us, our friends, and our relatives that tell the story of our day in the best way that I would like to remember it. I hope that flipping through a copy of this book will inspire and renew the enthusiasm of Craig's potiential clients, as the books of other newlyweds did for Lauren and I. Thanks Craig. We'll be in touch with you when it comes time for family photos. Greg and Lauren read more

I met with Craig at his home. My mother and I stood on his door step for several minutes knocking with no answer. Finally his wife answered and was very rude. We waited on the doorstep while she got Craig. Craig was very nice and charming but unprofessional. For example... he was not prepared for us. His portfolio consisted of a pile of dusty frames stashed in the corner. His family was in and out slamming doors, he cut us off when we asked questions; it was not a very relaxing environment for possible new clients. Despite all of these things I decided to go ahead and book Craig because he had some cool ideas and like I said he was nice energetic and charming. I sent Craig $500 and in return he said that he would send me a contract. After three emails and four phone calls I finally received my "Contract". What a joke it was. Craig's contract consisted of a dirty receipt with jammed in the corner a description of my wedding. It had the wrong location, date and time. At this point I was fed up with Craig. I contacted him again via email to let him know that I needed a more professional contract that described what was included in my package, what would happen if he couldn't show up ext.. Two weeks went by with out response. Finally I decided to end my relationship with Craig and emailed me letting him know my disappointment and dissatisfaction. I asked him for my $500 back since we did not have a written agreement or contract in place. I also sent Craig a certified letter with all this information. Craig sent my letter sent back unopened return to sender. He also left me nasty emails and voicemails, telling me that I would never get my $500 back. He called me a brat and said that karma would get me in the end. Again this guy called himself a professional. In the end I did not get back my $500 and it worked out great because I ended up finding an amazing photographer who rocked....check him out for your self www.joelflory.com. read more

Craig is the best you will ever find! He's so talented, creative, puts you into the best mood for picture taking. His work is classic, timeless yet current. I have worked with Craig for almost 20 years and I can identify a 'Merrill' photograph when I see one! read more

Craig did a set of family photos for me, some indoor, some outdoor. They're easily the best shots we've ever had. He has a great understanding of how to best use light and his gregarious nature will bring out the natural fun side of you. read more

My wife and I married in July 2010. It was pretty much a do-it-yourself wedding, since we sourced, interviewed, and selected all the service providers (photographer, florist, caterer, deejay, bakery, etc.) ourselves. We were pleased with everyone, but Craig and his services stand head and shoulders above the rest. When we first met him, I knew he was the one to shoot our wedding. Overall, he is genuine, wacky, funny, serious, competent, sincere, focused, self-assured, and a real character. Sort of reminded me of myself, which is probably why I knew he would be a good fit. Being a fellow Alamedan didn't hurt either! Craig knew right off the bat that we would want the traditional shots of a Catholic wedding for family. But he also knew, and this is what sealed the deal, that we have another side to us which he knew just how to capture. Yea, we got the interior church shots and they are wonderful. But the women got a photo shoot at Crab Cove and it showed off their beauty and grace in a natural setting. The guys got their moment in the sun in a seedy, dive bar in Oakland that was as gritty and as real as the subjects. Fantastic shots that show the bonds between my son, the best man, and me. And if that weren't enough? As part of the package, Craig suggested and included a photo booth at the reception. An inspired choice and the source of some of the best shots of the day. It allowed everyone to just let loose and indulge themselves on our special day. For Christmas, I shared several of the shots with the families who posed and they absolutely loved them. Wish I wrote this review sooner, but we just picked up our pictures in November believe it or not. Between the honeymoon, work and letting the dust settle, it took a while. In sum, I will tell you this: Everyone chosen as a provider for our wedding was done so, in large part, on the basis of chemistry and their vibe working with us directly. References and a portfolio of work are one thing. But the right attitude and approach? Priceless. And Craig has it in spades! I can't speak highly enough about him as a person and as a photographer. read more

Craig is an excellent photographer who knows how to bring out the "best" in people. His eye for lighting, angles, etc. is superb due to his years of experience. (My profile picture here is by Craig!) It's also a fun adventure to shoot with him--you might find yourself in an abandoned warehouse, a dock, in tall grass or under a bridge! He's creative, super-energetic , loves what he does, and gives you excellent results! read more

Craig is the best! I love his style and attitude. We used him for our daughters quinceanera that was 10 years ago, since then we use him for our annual family pictures. He is able to capture true personalities of my 4 kids. Prices are reasonable, his response time is quick and he turns around finished prints super fast. Can't say enough about him . read more

I first met Craig when I was in my best friend's wedding and fell in love with his personality and knack for getting people excited to take pictures. I told my mom that night that, "when I get married, Craig Merrill is going to be my photographer." Fast forward two years later, the day after my now husband proposed, I called Craig to see what his availibilties were and literally planned my wedding around him. I just got our album yesterday and am thrilled that I made that decision. Thank you Craig, you did a fabulous job and I will never forget you!! read more

I was referred to Craig by a good friend who suggested I consider him for our upcoming wedding. When I spoke to him on the phone I immediately felt an instant connection as Craig has a gregarious outgoing personality. Shortly after our call, we visited his studio/home in Alameda and was very impressed with his portfolio. He comes from the fashion world and can make an ordinary person look like runway model. His photos of various bride looked as if they should be on the cover of Bridal Magazine and his groomsmen photo resembles the poster of the Quentin Tarantino movie, Reservoir Dogs. On the wedding day tensions were high and Craig managed to capture everyone is their best element. He stayed to the very end of the reception after a long day of shooting... Very shortly after the wedding we were invited to review the photos and Craig turned over the entire disk with all of the images. A few weeks later he sent us a coffee table book that he put together for us. We absolutely love it .. Two years later we are heading back to have our one year old daughter photographed. I strongly recommend Craig for any of your photographic needs. read more