About Hugo Benson

My name is Hugo Benson, and I have been passionate about photography since I was fifteen years old, when my parents gave me a 35mm Minolta camera for Christmas. It was the best Christmas present ever. I fell in love with my new camera "in a flash."

Family was my favorite subject from the beginning. Photographing the emotions and happiness of the people around me made me realize that what I really loved was photographing people and the experiences that bring them together.

I opened my first photography studio in Ensenada, Mexico, in 1989. Since then, photography has taken me through many different areas, including portraits, commercial photography, fashion, modeling, weddings, quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteens, and social events.

Today, after more than 37 years behind the camera and more than 500 weddings, quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteens, and portrait sessions, I am still in love with what I do.

Experience & Photography

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with the Photography Workshops of the University of Baja California Extension Center in Ensenada and Clavijo Model Agency.

My work has been exhibited in individual and collective photography exhibitions, including Fotoseptiembre, Espuma en el Centro de la Rosa, the Anniversary Exhibition of the Ensenada City Gallery, the First Photography Festival of Baja California, and Ensenada Photographers at CECUT in Tijuana.

I have received awards and recognition in photography competitions including Digital Composition at the San Diego Fair, the Baja California Biennial Universitaria, the National Black and White Photography Contest by Kodak Mexicana, and Inter-CETYS Cultural. My work has also been selected for several Photography Biennials of Baja California.

I have taught photography at CETYS High School and Centro Universitario de Tijuana – Campus Ensenada. I was also the host of the photography television program Estudio EFE in Ensenada and worked as a cameraman for Piloteando, Behind The Wheel television program in Los Angeles, California.

My photographs have been published by the Association of Ensenada Journalists, in the Baja California Image Book published by the State Government, and in specialized publications covering fashion, weddings, and quinceañeras. My Quinceañera photography has also been published in specialized magazines including: Quinceanera Magazine, QB Magazine, Mis Quinces Magazine, My Quince Magazine, 15&16 Magazine, and Princess Magazine.

I also hold a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey – Campus Ciudad Obregón, Sonora.

Photography Today

Photography has changed dramatically since I first picked up that Minolta camera, and I have continued evolving with it.

I continue to expand my knowledge through specialized courses and ongoing education in photography software and digital imaging. This allows me to keep improving my post-production techniques and incorporate new tools into my creative process.

Today I combine decades of photographic experience with creative direction, professional lighting, post-production, and new technologies including AI-assisted imagery when appropriate. I believe technology should expand what a photographer can create, not replace the experience, vision, and connection behind the camera.

Whether I am photographing a quinceañera, a wedding, a portrait, or a commercial project, my goal remains the same: to create photographs that preserve not only how a moment looked, but how it felt.

Beyond Photography

I am passionate about baseball, cycling, and photography itself. I am always looking for the next photograph and the next adventure to enjoy with my wife and daughters.

After more than three decades, I still feel fortunate to make a living doing something I truly love.

Hugo Benson's Happy Package

$1,750

The Happy Package is the photography service most often chosen by the families I work with. The idea is simple: I accompany you through practically the entire day of your Quinceañera and take care of the photography from beginning to end.

Before the Quinceañera

Approximately 10–15 days before the celebration, I speak with your family to help organize the schedule for the day.

We discuss the timing needed for hair and makeup, photography, transportation, the ceremony, portraits, and the reception so that the photography fits naturally into the day's schedule.

The Day of the Quinceañera

I am there to document the complete story of the celebration, including:

- Photography at home during preparation,

- The church ceremony,

- Portraits of the quinceañera, court, and family

- Arrival at the venue before the guests to photograph the decorations, tables, cake, and other details while everything is perfectly prepared

- Reception and Celebration,

- Important moments and details throughout the event.

My job is not simply to take photographs!

After more than 37 years of experience, I know that small details can make a big difference in a photograph.

Being attentive to those details can also help make the day less stressful for the family.

What you Receive:

- Up to 12 hours of photography coverage.

- All photographs in high resolution

- USB drive with your photographs

200 - 4x6 prints

2 - 11x14 prints

4 - 8x10 prints

- Photographs available for viewing approximately 10–12 days after the event

- Private online gallery to share with family and friends. Option for family and friends to purchase photographs directly through the gallery. You can see an example of the private online gallery here: Sample Online Gallery

Investment: $1,750

The Happy Package is the service most often chosen by families because it allows me to be present throughout practically the entire day and take responsibility for documenting every important stage of the celebration.

My goal is not simply to give you photographs from your Quinceañera. It is to give you a complete visual story of the day — the people, emotions, details, and moments that you will want to remember for years to come.

If you have any questions about the Happy Package, please feel free to contact me at: 

(619)608-7186