When people ask me, “What got you into photography?” or “How did you become a wedding photographer?” my answer usually takes me back to the beginning of my photography journey. It’s not just about the how—it’s about the why, the experiences, and the evolution of my craft as a wedding photographer. Let me take you behind the scenes of my journey and share the key moments that led me here.
The Beginning: My First DSLR Camera and the Love for Landscape Photography
My love for photography started way back in high school when I took my first photo class. It was there that I picked up my first DSLR camera, and everything clicked (pun intended!). At the time, I was completely captivated by the beauty of nature and the landscapes surrounding me. The idea of capturing those moments, preserving them, and showcasing the world in a different light was something that just felt right.
I remember dreaming of one day becoming a photographer for National Geographic. I pictured myself traveling the world, photographing sweeping landscapes and rare wildlife. While that dream didn’t exactly pan out, landscape photography will always remain my first love.
Landscape photography gave me the ability to tell stories through vast, open scenes and the natural beauty of our world. It taught me about light, composition, and how the elements can come together to create magic in a single frame. Even now, my landscape photography influences the way I approach all of my sessions, especially weddings.
How I Transitioned into Wedding Photography
So, how did I make the leap from landscape photography to shooting weddings? It wasn’t an overnight shift. In the early days of my photography career, I actually turned down almost every couple that reached out to me. Wedding photography felt intimidating, and I wasn’t sure my style fit the typical wedding “look.” But then, a friend of a friend reached out to me about photographing their elopement in Southern Utah.
I’ll admit, I hesitated at first, but then I saw the locations we had in mind. The landscape was jaw-dropping—surreal, otherworldly, and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The wide, sweeping desert views felt so different from the places I was used to, and I knew I had to be there. That trip to Southern Utah completely changed my perspective.
I’ve always been drawn to wide shots in photography, whether it’s capturing the vastness of nature or a couple standing in front of an epic backdrop. I love incorporating the landscape into my work—showing how small we are in comparison to the world around us, but also how beautiful and connected we are to it. That trip sparked something in me, and I realized that I wanted to explore more weddings, especially with couples who also wanted to embrace the beauty of nature and unique locations.
Why I Love Wedding Photography
Wedding photography is special because every single wedding is unique. No two couples are the same, and no two weddings are ever the same. The emotions, the setting, and the moments that unfold throughout the day all come together to create a one-of-a-kind story. That’s what I love most about being a wedding photographer—capturing those raw, beautiful moments while also blending in the stunning landscapes that make each wedding location so special.
From the stunning mountain views of the North Cascades to the surreal desert landscapes of Southern Utah, I have had the privilege of capturing weddings in some of the most breathtaking locations. What excites me is that I get to incorporate my love for wide-angle shots and natural surroundings into each wedding I shoot. It allows me to offer my couples something different—a fresh perspective that truly highlights their love story in the context of nature’s beauty.
From Landscape Photography to Family Sessions: An Evolution of Style
The photos you see here are some of my earlier landscape shots taken in Maui, Hawaii, when I first got my hands on my Sony camera back in 2016. These were some of the first steps in my journey, and they represent a time when I was learning how to capture the world through a lens. It’s fascinating to look back on these images and see how much I’ve grown and evolved as a photographer.
One of my favorite things about wedding photography is that it’s not just about the couple. I get to photograph entire families, and I love incorporating that same wide-angle, landscape-driven approach into family sessions. Take a look at the family session I did in the North Cascades of Washington. The landscape was absolutely stunning, and I was able to use my wide-angle style to capture the family within that epic backdrop. It quickly became one of my all-time favorite shots. To me, it perfectly blends the love between family members with the powerful beauty of nature.
Above is Maui, Hawaii in 2016 and below is the North Cascades, WA in the summer in 2024.
Why Wide-Angle Shots Are My Signature Style
Wide-angle shots have become my signature style over the years. Whether it’s a wedding, an elopement, or a family session, I believe in capturing the full experience—the couple, the landscape, and the moment they’re in. A wide shot allows me to showcase the incredible surroundings that make each location so special, while still focusing on the emotions and connection between the people in the frame.
This style isn’t just about showing off the scenery; it’s about telling a bigger story. By incorporating the landscape into the shot, I’m able to show how the couple fits into the world around them. It’s a subtle reminder that love, just like nature, is vast and expansive.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re planning a wedding, an elopement, or a family session, and you want a photographer who can capture both the intimate moments and the grand landscapes, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create something unforgettable together—whether it’s in the mountains, the desert, or anywhere in between.
