Washington DC Wedding Photographers

ALLISONSHELLEY

Based Out Of: Washington DC

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Asia, Europe and South America Bio: In her twelve years as a professional photojournalist, Allison has photographed weddings as far away as Argentina, as unique as at a campground in the aftermath of a hurricane, and as simple as a backyard barbeque. Every one has its own adventurous, funny and joyful tale to be told. Limiting the number of weddings she photographs annually to a dozen allows Allison's visual acuity to remain sharp, her approach energetic and fresh, and her time devoted generously to each client.

As a current staff photographer at the Washington Times and past director of photography for Education Week newspaper, she has learned to turn both mirth and misadventure into moments while photographing top issues: the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, Venezuelan/Colombian border tensions, the effect of HIV-AIDS on Kenya's youth, cutting edge science in Antarctica's dry valleys, the political dissident movement in Cuba, the aftermath of the Virginia Tech tragedy. This work has been honored with awards from numerous organizations, including the White House Press Photographers Association (WHNPA), National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Society for News Design (SND).

JAYPREMACK

Based Out Of: Washington D.C.

Also Serving: Maryland and Virginia

Bio: Growing up in the world of news photography has shaped Jay's outlook on weddings. His father, a television news photographer passed on valuable lessons which led him to where he is today.  Working as a full-time freelance photographer, his typical clients include those who are aware of the impact and importance of images which provide a visual narrative of the events as they happen and who want a strong bond with their photographer. His work at newspapers including the Boston Globe, Denver Post, and Washington Post, among others, has given him a strong foundation to build on.  He shot his first wedding in 2000 and has not looked back, shooting over 25 weddings in 2007.

Jay spent the past three years working for the Washington Post as a Photo Editor. During that time he worked with some of the best photojournalists in the country and gained insight into the inner workings of a top-rated major metro print organization and is adept at understanding the impact of strong images. His photos have appeared in The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Denver Post, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Times, Atlantic Times, Fayetteville Observer, News Photographer Magazine, on ABC.com, and have been distributed by the Associated Press, Newhouse News Service, Religion News Service and ZUMA Press.

CARLBOWER

Based Out Of: Washington D.C.

Also Serving: Maryland and Virginia

Bio: I have an ongoing interest in Latin America and continue to work on personal projects there. I've worked for Newhouse News Service in Washington DC, The Providence Journal, The Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph, The New Orleans Times-Picayune, and the Helsinki News. I was a finalist for the 1995 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography, winner of the Clarion Award for Excellence in Communications and the Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council. Personal projects have been shown at the Washington Project for the Arts, The Ellipse Arts Center and the 505 Gallery. Former clients have made me a recommended photographer in Washingtonian Magazine's annual wedding guide for the past several years and in The Knot's 2007 national Best of Weddings guide.

JESSICACHRISTIAN

Based Out Of: Washington, D.C.

Also Serving: Virginia and Maryland

Bio: Jessica segued from her studies in graduate school in photojournalism to shooting weddings. After many years spent in Los Angeles in the film business, Jessica is heavily influenced by not just photojournalism but also the cinema. Capturing emotion and the human story are at root of her work. Further, Jessica's father is a painter so she has a lifetime of exposure in the visual arts.

JENNIFERCHASE

Based Out Of: Washington DC

Also Serving: Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New York City

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Caribbean, Mexico and Europe

ALEXAGARYSHEV

Based Out Of: Washington D.C.

Also Serving: Maryland and Virginia

STEPHENVOSS

Based Out Of: Washington D.C.

Also Serving: Maryland and Virginia

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Mexico, South America, Asia, Caribbean and Europe

MAXORENSTEIN

Based Out Of: Washington D.C.

Also Serving: Pennsylvania and Maryland

Bio: Since shooting his first wedding while a sophomore in high school, Max has taken his passion for photojournalism and applied it to telling the story of a couple's wedding day. His images have appeared in publications throughout the country including NY Newsday, The Morning Call, The Washington Post, the Star Ledger, the Miami Herald, and the Jersey Journal.

JONATHANMCBRIDE

Based Out Of: Lititz, Pennsylvania

Also Serving: Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and New York City

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Europe

TRACYTIMMESTER

Based Out Of: Virginia

Also Serving: Maryland and Washington DC

Bio: I have been photographing weddings for over four years, but my passion for photography began when I borrowed my Dad's light-leaking Konica during my middle school years. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida in 2002, and I immediately moved to London with my best friend. We lived and worked in a pub for six months and my time over there was amazing! I spent every morning and day off touring the city, taking pictures, and absorbing as much culture as possible, and since returning to the States, have pursued photography with lots of enthusiasm and passion.

My introduction to wedding photography began in 2003 when I assisted and second shot for a local Virginia photographer. The education and experience were invaluable, but I quickly learned that I did not like my mentor's stiff, traditional style. As soon as I could, I broke off on my own and began Timmester Photography so that I could pursue a more natural, documentary-style of photography. I now dedicate myself to being as creative as possible, always documenting events (and portraits) in a natural, unobtrusive way. I also eagerly attend several photography seminars a year, including PhotoPlus Expo in NYC, PartnerCon in Chicago, Susan Stripling's workshop in Virginia Beach, and Bambi Cantrell/Jerry Ghionis semniar in Washington, DC.

MARYKATEMCKENNA

Based Out Of: Silver Spring, Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Caribbean

Bio: At age ten I entered a 4-H photography competition and lost miserably. I kept shooting, getting better every day, and I haven't put the camera down since. I grew up in small town Indiana and traveled to DC to attend American University, studying International Communications. After graduation, I decided to stick around and began looking for photo work. A one time gig of assisting at a wedding changed my whole career. I fell in love and haven't looked back. No other type of journalism lets you tell such a beautiful story so completely.

Using my photography as a tool to help others has become a large part of what I do. I have documented the plight of AIDS orphans in Zambia, the struggle for land reform in Brazil and the life of those who live under the totalitarian regime in Burma. I hope to continue doing this work to raise awareness of issues that are not justly covered in the media. I am a proud member of the WPJA and PPA. I am a participant in the Maine Workshops and have studied photojournalism with Steve McCurry in Asia. I feel very lucky to be working in a field I am so passionate about.

HEATHERHUGHESOSTERMAIER

Based Out Of: Hampton Roads, Virginia

Also Serving: North Carolina and Washington D.C.

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Bermuda and Canada

Bio: Formally Heather S. Hughes, Heather Hughes Ostermaier is an international award-winning photojournalist with over a decade of experience working for newspapers & magazines and has captured over 80 wedding stories since 2003. After graduating from Ohio University with a bachelor's in Visual Communications, she was named Virginia's Small Newspaper Photographer of the Year, won 1st Place Feature Picture Story in the Best of Photojournalism international competition, and has won numerous awards for her sports photography from the Virginia News Photographer's Association and from the Wedding Photojournalist Association for her wedding photography over the years. She has photographed several high-profile events including the attacks on 9/11 at the Pentagon, the LPGA in Williamsburg, President Bush, and Queen Elizabeth's visit to Virginia.

Heather's passion for telling stories & capturing moments led her away from her staff position at the newspaper and into the wedding photography business full time in 2008 and she now does editorial work for national publications including LaVie Claire magazine & USA Today and travels all over Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and North Carolina for wedding work. Heather limits herself to about 30 weddings a year so she can provide personal attention to every couple and is known for capturing the unique moments & details that make every wedding special.

KIMSEIDL

Based Out Of: San Diego, California

Also Serving: Washington, D.C.

JENNIFERCODY

Based Out Of: Annapolis, Maryland

Also Serving: Virginia, Washington D.C. and Delaware

JOSEPHGIDJUNIS

Based Out Of: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Also Serving: Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware

DANIELMIN

Based Out Of: Hampton Roads, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington DC

MIKETOPHAM

Based Out Of: Ashland, Virginia

Also Serving: Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and West Virginia

Bio: Mike Topham is a former member of the White House Press Corps. and covered President Reagan at the White House and on the road. Mike was issued a White House Press Photographers Pass in 1982. Other assignments include the Geneva Arms Talks, the famine in Ethiopia, The booming Japanese Economy, the fighting in Lebanon, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a day with US Senator John Kerry, several US Hurricanes and coverage of war torn Darfur. Now Mike works to provide magazine quality wedding photos to his clients in Virginia, DC, Maryland and worldwide. The Knot Best of Weddings 2007 Pick.

MINDYBELCHER

Based Out Of: Sterling, Virginia

Also Serving: Maryland and Washington D.C.

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Caribbean

Bio: From my first wedding in 1991 to the present, I've looked for moments that take my breath away -- and have loved every minute of it! My father was one of my strongest influences -- he left me my most treasured possesions -- his cameras, his photography books and best of all, a love of photography. He taught me that time moves so fast -- photography stops it. My husband, David, and I share our life with our daughter, Joriana, who is quickly developing an artist's eye. Every day I see more clearly that my father's photography 'blood' flows through her veins.

JORIANABELCHER

Based Out Of: Sterling, Virginia

Also Serving: Maryland and Washington D.C.

THOMASGRAVES

Based Out Of: Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

Bio: I've been a photographer for many years, most of that time working in the news business. From that I learned to tell stories with pictures and also to let events unfold without my influencing them. Now, most of my work is weddings, and photojournalism training has served me well. I've won some awards here and there, but the biggest reward I receive is when my clients come to consider me as their friend rather than just their photographer.

EDDIEARROSSI

Based Out Of: Bowie, Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C. and Virginia

AMYRAAB

Based Out Of: Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

KATYEMARTENS

Based Out Of: Fairfax, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington D.C., Southern California, Central California

Bio: Katye Martens earned an MS degree in Photojournalism from Syracuse University in 2003. Having worked in the newspaper industry since 2000, she is now a photography editor at USA TODAY.

LENSPODEN

Based Out Of: Vienna, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington D.C. and Maryland

Bio: I have lived with my wife and three daughters in the Washington, DC area for 14 years. My interest in photography dates back to when I was in high school. I went to college at Penn State University and graduated with a BS in Computer Science. I enjoyed a great career in sales working for IBM and Oracle. In 2001 I decided to do something that I truly loved, photography. I have never looked back. I started working as a freelance photojournalist with The Washington Post back in 2002. While in sales I loved working with people, and to this day I still shoot regularly for The Post because I love meeting and interacting with people. My typical client wants a photographer who will capture the emotion and fun of their wedding day in an artistic manner and have fun while doing it.

DAVIDSPENCE

Based Out Of: Maryland

Also Serving: Washington DC

Bio: David became inspired by photojournalism while working with The Daily Collegian student newspaper as a student at Penn State University. Upon graduation, David followed his love of telling people's stories while working as a photojournalist for newspapers in Western Ohio and mid-Maryland. It was during these years that he began to see the potential of using photography to share life's intimate experiences.

After working in a newspaper setting for more than a decade, David found a new love; documenting one of the most important days in a couple's life, their wedding day. He joined Amy Raab Photography as an assistant in 2003. David enjoys working with couples to vividly bring out their passion for one another with his camera.

David lives in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland, with his wife, son and dog.

HEATHERHOPKINS

Based Out Of: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington DC

LAWRENCEJACKSON

Based Out Of: Arlington, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

Bio: Majoring in journalism and minoring in art photography, Lawrence has been a photojournalist for 17 years. First, as a newspaper photographer with The Virginian-Pilot (10 years), and currently as staff photographer for The Associated Press (5 years) based in Washington, D.C. Winning various photojournalism awards throughout his career, Lawrence has been published in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, U.S. News & World Report to name a few. Lawrence has turned his photojournalism skills toward documenting your wedding, event or portrait with a distinctive and straightforward style.

CASEYTEMPLETON

Based Out Of: Richmond, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

Bio: Casey is an award winning photojournalist who has worked for such publications as National Geographic Magazine and the New York Times and has photographed weddings nationwide and overseas. In 2007, Casey married his college sweetheart and moved to Richmond, Virginia. He stays busy with editorial, commercial, and some advertising photography when he is not shooting weddings. His work has been published in National Geographic Magazine, New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, US News & World Report, Washington Times, The Sunday (London) Times and various other national publications. Casey's elegant style is a great mixture of capturing both candid and the more traditional moments of a wedding day.

NATALIENADOZIRNY

Based Out Of: Baltimore, Maryland

Also Serving: Delaware and Washington D.C.

Bio: After receiving her degree in photography from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Natalie dove into wedding photography by opening up her studio, Borrowed Blue Photography, and has been loving every minute!

DENNISDRENNER

Based Out Of: Baltimore, Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C. and Utah

Favorite Destination Wedding Location: South America

Bio: Dennis Drenner has been a photojournalist for the last fifteen years and has been shooting weddings for the last ten. His editorial work appears regularly in publications like the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and New York Times. His photographs have won awards in the prestigious Pictures-of-the-Year competition and earned him a Fulbright Fellowship to work in Pakistan. He has also won three grants from the Maryland State Arts Council in addition to grants from the Arthur Burns Foundation and Rotary International.

Dennis lives in Baltimore and shoots 25 to 30 weddings a year throughout the Midatlantic. His shooting style is extremely laid back and his images reflect the comfort that his subjects feel in his presence. In the off-season, Dennis has a habit of popping down to South America where he takes pictures, flies his paraglider and gets in a good bit of salsa dancing.

ALLEGRAGILBERTHELMS

Based Out Of: Lynchburg, Virginia

Also Serving: North Carolina and Washington D.C.

CHERIETHURLBY

Based Out Of: Alexandria, Virginia

Also Serving: Maryland and Washington D.C.

Bio: I decided on the name Wars to Weddings because, in my 12+ years as a photographer and photojournalist, I've covered everything from wars to weddings. I got my start as a photojournalist in the military and now I've found a passion in wedding photojournalism. I think everyone has a story to tell whether it's the soldier, the bride, the local fisherman, or the Secretary of Defense. This is my passion and I'm fortunate to get to do it every day of my life. I began photographing weddings as favors for friends more than 10 years ago, and instantly fell in love with it. My style is a combination of photojournalism and fine art photography to capture raw emotion with an artistic flair.

KEVINQUINLAN

Based Out Of: Chesapeake City, Maryland

Also Serving: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington DC

ROMANGRINEV

Based Out Of: Bethesda and Baltimore, Maryland

Also Serving: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware and Washington D.C.

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean and the United States

ROBINSHOTOLA

Based Out Of: Baltimore, Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C.

Bio: Robin Shotola began documenting weddings 10 years ago, while working as a photographer for a Connecticut newspaper. Her eye for unique camera angles & her candid style of photography was popular with readers. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, TIME Digital, Woman's World Magazine & others. She has won several regional awards including Photographer of the Year for New England.

LORIEPSTEIN

Based Out Of: Arlington, Virginia

Also Serving: Washington DC

Bio: Lori Epstein began shooting pictures more than 15 years ago, after her father introduced her to his Nikkormat. Since then, she’s traveled around the world with her own cameras, making pictures and friends all along the way. Her work has appeared in numerous newspapers, magazines and art galleries.

Lori earned her B.S. in Journalism from Boston University. After four years of globe-trotting while assisting former National Geographic photographer Kevin Fleming, she moved to New York where she worked as a photo editor. After five years in the Big Apple, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she's now working as a photo editor for National Geographic. She’s available to shoot editorial assignments, weddings and family portraits.

DEBLINDSEY

Based Out Of: Potomac, Maryland

Also Serving: Washington D.C. and Virginia

Bio: Deb has been a photo editor at the Washington Post for the past 14 years and a photographer in the Washington area for even longer. Her clients include The Washington Post, USA Today, various newspapers across the country, the Associated Press, Cosmopolitan and GQ. She's been shooting weddings since 2001 and has membership in the following organizations: the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA), National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).