pete cohen lead photographer los angeles transcend photography

Greetings from

behind the lens

Nice to meet you! I’m Pete, a photographer and storyteller based in Los Angeles, California. I've been looking through camera lenses for over a decade, crafting images that go beyond the surface to tell a deeper story. Nothing excites me more than turning your memories into lasting works of art.

My Philosophy

Every photoshoot is a chance to connect, get to know your story, and capture the moments that matter most to you. My creative work is fueled by a deep commitment to excellence, so I strive to be as invested in capturing your moments as you are.

The art of photography goes so much deeper than technical details. It’s about embracing spontaneity, having fun, and bringing creativity into every frame. Every photograph is created with intention, ensuring you feel just as excited about the experience as you are about receiving the final photos.

A man wearing a dark shirt sits outdoors at a table, with sunlight illuminating his face and arm. He has a tattoo on his left arm, and trees are visible in the background.

Man and woman sitting on curb, woman resting head on man's shoulder, both with tattoos, wearing casual clothes.

Close-up of an electronic keyboard with black and white keys, control buttons, and a display screen.

A man sitting at an outdoor café table with a vintage camera beside him, wearing a jacket, black and white photo.

lead photography transcend photo pete cohen

Lead Photographer - A person wearing a brown jacket with a hood, standing outdoors near a modern building. The scene is illuminated by sunlight.

Lead Photographer - Black and white photo of a man with a beard and tattooed arm leaning against a stone wall, looking to the side.

Lead Photographer - A man standing on a sidewalk, wearing a gray shirt and brown pants, with trees and a street in the background.

Black cat sitting on carpet by a window with vertical blinds, next to a skateboard.

Person sitting on a bench holding a camera in a sunlit courtyard, surrounded by trees and buildings.

My Story

My creative journey was sparked at a young age by music, learning several musical instruments, playing in various bands, and even spending some time at Berklee College of Music. This eventually drove me to pick up a camera and discover my true calling behind the lens. I began Photographing concerts and portraits for friends and artists, allowing me to bridge my creative passions while also helping others in my local music scene.

In 2015, I had my first opportunity to shoot a wedding. That experience forever changed my appreciation for photography, turning what was once an interest into an undeniable calling. I discovered that it isn’t just about perfect images; it’s about creating a narrative through connection and emotion and preserving life’s most important moments.

Man leaning against a stone wall outdoors with arms crossed, wearing a gray shirt and displaying a tattoo and wristwatch.

Wherever your story takes you, I’d be honored to help tell it.

INQUIRE

“Pete made sure to get anything he could to tell the full story of the day.”

— m+t

A Little About Me - Answers to Your Questions

I got my first DSLR camera in 2010 while living in Boston, where I began experimenting with street photography. Over time, I got into portraits, shooting concerts, and photographing cars for friends in local auto clubs.
In 2015, I began to photograph weddings, and that’s when I truly realized photography was my true calling. Since then, photography has been a defining part of my journey, shaping how I experience the world around me.
Most would describe my style as a blend of documentary and editorial. I strive to capture life’s spontaneous moments as they naturally unfold, infusing them with the polished, intentional aesthetic of editorial photography. Each photograph tells part of a story, combining the raw realness of life with the artistry of carefully crafted composition.
My approach is about naturally guiding moments in front of my lens to authentically capture their natural charm. It’s no secret that when people feel comfortable, their true selves emerge effortlessly—that’s why even the smallest connection makes all the difference in creating authentic images.
Explore my galleries to experience my style of photography for yourself!
My passion is not just lights and lenses— It’s crafting stories. My background as a creative director, designer, and musician helps me approach every project with a unique perspective and a keen eye for storytelling. I’ve had the privilege of working on a number of incredible projects, from the corporate hustle of global creative advertising agencies to collaborations with independent artists and brands—all with the goal of crafting compelling stories that truly resonate. I bring a mix of creativity, professionalism, and passion whenever I arrive at a shoot, and with that, I’m able to turn ideas into compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression.
When we work together, you’re getting more than just a skilled photographer. You’re getting a collaborator and a guide who gets your vision and understands the power of storytelling and emotion. The difference is in taking the time to connect and learn what makes your story unique. This makes it so easy to create the most honest images that reflect who you are. I stand out because I’m always chasing the real moments, and my unique experience has given me the tools to find them and capture them in perfect focus.
Every client is different and every story deserves to be treated uniquely. My approach is all about blending fun, authenticity, and creativity. Plus, I’ll always work to make sure you feel at ease in front of the camera. No stiff poses or forced smiles allowed.
When I’m not holding a camera, you can find me either exploring in nature or trekking around the city. It’s also likely you will find me relaxing at home with my amazing girlfriend Laura and our two cats making homemade pizza.
I spend a fair amount of time behind either a piano or drum kit whenever I get the chance. Music has always been a creative outlet for me. Over the years it has offered more ways to tell a story and gain a new perspective.
Along with music, I also have a passion for graphic design. I have worked with hundreds of brands to create eye catching visuals and tell engaging stories. Find more of my work at petecohendesign.com.
Over the years I have had the privilege of touring the country playing music in a number of rock bands.
I’ve been a guitarist, a vocalist and a drummer for several groups, opening for artists like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Animals As Leaders, Between the Buried and Me & more.
Out of all of the places I have been to, New York City still sits at the top spot for my favorite place. Growing up in Connecticut, I was always a quick train ride to Grand Central Station so I spent a ton of time exploring endless blocks and discovering as many hidden gems as possible. There is just something about the atmosphere of NYC that stands out over any other place on the planet. It’s also a GOLDMINE for anyone as interested in street photography as I am. You can find photos of my NYC adventures in my Lifestyle Gallery.
Pizza of course! I grew up in what has been officially declared as the country’s best place for pizza, New Haven Connecticut, so yes, I’m a bit of a pizza snob. If you’ve ever had the privilege of eating “apizza” at Pepe’s or Sally’s, you know what I mean.
I’ve also recently began experimenting with making my own pies at home, trying to recreate the perfect East Coast. Its a work in progress..
At the end of the day though, there really is no such thing as bad pizza, that’s why it will forever be my #1.