Dean Sullivan, founder of Sullivan Studios, has been in the photography business over 30 years and has been in the graphic design business nearly as long. After shooting his first wedding in the late 70s while still in high school, Dean continued through school setting up darkrooms and teaching at other schools in the area. After attending college in San Luis Obispo, he became staff photographer for a local magazine where he quickly became familiar with graphic design -- early 80s old school design utilizing type setting, border tape, layout grids and waxers. He went on to work for a local newspaper and soon started his own newspaper, The Bay News.
One paper became two, then three. For almost 20 years Dean ran a string of newspapers while continuing to photograph professionally; weddings, events, products, hot news stories and more.

Dean retired from the newspaper business in 2007, concentrating on graphic design and photography. “Knowing what the end product will look like, I am able to photograph the person or product just as I need to, with that final product in mind” he said.
Dean has clients ranging from the Central Coast Natural History Association (CCNHA), Cal Poly, Morro Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP), to local Chambers of Commerce, along with hundreds of local business through the county.
He is proud to be among the 5% of professionals nationwide to hold certification from the Professional Photographers of America.
He also teaches photography through the Morro Bay Photo Expo and a local business.
Sullivan Studios is a member of the National Association of PhotoShop Professionals, Central Coast Wedding Professionals (CCWP), Wedding and Portrait Photographers International and more. Dean currently serves on the board of the CCWP, as well as a number of other community oriented non-profit organizations including the MBNEP, and Chamber of Commerce.

Dean is an award winning photographer who was recently chosen from many local photographers as one of three spotlighted in the New Times Bridal Supplement. He also won ‘Bridal Idol’ with Central Coast Bride Magazine.