For nearly three decades, Terri Rippee has been doing more than a San Diego Photographer, she’s been telling stories, preserving legacies, and helping people see their best selves. As a photographer specializing in both professional and personal portraits, Terri’s work spans from headshots for entrepreneurs and corporate teams to family portraits that capture generations.

“I help clients promote themselves and their businesses by showing the truth of who they are. My goal is to help them attract the people they want to connect with and to show them the true them.”

Terri’s calendar is also filled with long-standing family clients, many of whom she has photographed from birth through high school graduation.

“I’m doing a senior portrait session tomorrow for someone whose newborn session I photographed. That’s pretty awesome. I’m so thankful for my clients and the relationships we’ve built.”

From Graphic Design to Full-Time Photographer

Terri’s love of photography runs deep—her father and grandfather were both passionate hobbyists, and she still has their cameras today. After studying graphic design, she worked for years at a printing company, where her understanding of printing processes sharpened her eye for composition and how images would be used.

Although her boss, a photographer, advised her to keep photography as a hobby, Terri began shooting for friends, weddings, and events. As the printing industry changed, her photography business grew, built on her distinctive style, approachable personality, and genuine enjoyment of her clients.

“If someone doesn’t like my style, that’s okay. The clients who hire me like that it’s fun, and they like how I bring out their personalities in the photos.”

Freedom and Fulfillment—With a Side of Hard Work

For Terri, the best part of being her own boss is flexibility.

“I can go mountain biking on a Thursday morning if I want to. I can’t imagine clocking in and out for a job after doing this for so long.”

But owning a business isn’t all freedom and fun.

“I work literally all the time, and my least favorite part is the computer work. People think you just take pictures and you’re done, but there’s so much that happens afterward.”

Still, the moments behind the lens keep her inspired—especially working with clients who start out shy.

“I love seeing their transformation during the shoot. They get more and more confident, and by the end they’re having a great time. That’s magical to me.”

Support, Growth, and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Terri credits her studio partner and her BNI group, where she’s been a member for over 20 years—as key pillars of her business success. She’s currently focused on enhancing the “front end” of her client process, ensuring every person who walks into a session feels prepared and excited.

Her ultimate goal?

“I want clients to love their pictures and even fall in love with themselves all over again.”

If she could go back and give her younger self advice, it would be simple:

“Don’t try to do everything alone.”

As a self-described perfectionist, she admits this is still a work in progress—but one that has served her clients well.

“I’m grateful for the inspiring women I’ve met through the Twine community. It’s powerful to be surrounded by people who believe in what you do.”

Ready to Let Your Best Self Shine?

Whether you need a professional headshot that captures your personality, brand photography that attracts your ideal clients, or a family portrait session that feels authentic and fun, Terri brings nearly three decades of experience to help you look and feel your best. Her approachable style, technical skill, and eye for genuine moments ensure you’ll not only love your images—you may even see yourself in a whole new light.