Jaimie Krause

Art and Connection: Captivating Wedding Photography Expertly Blended

I've been obsessed with photography for as long as I can remember. As a kid in the 80s, long before the internet or streaming, my escape was through photographs. My first love wasn't the subject of the images themselves, but the way they could transport me somewhere else. That obsession led me to a formal education in both fine art photography and photojournalism. I’ve been photographing weddings since 2002, starting with film, and I’ve had the privilege of documenting hundreds of love stories over the years.

My approach to photography has been deeply shaped by legendary documentary photographers and fine art influences. In college, I found myself drawn to the works of Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, and Gary Winogrand, all of whom taught me the power of capturing real, unfiltered moments. I’ve also been heavily influenced by Gordon Parks, whose work, in my opinion, sets the bar. In the studio, I lean into the intimate and raw energy that Nan Goldin captures so well.

I’ve shot everywhere from the desert landscapes of Southern California to the elegant streets of mid-century-inspired cities, pulling influence from Marc Chagall’s colorful depictions of movement and light. And more recently, I’ve found inspiration in the incredible street photography of Vivian Maier and her genius use of light and shadow to frame candid moments.

From 2013 to 2018, I photographed around 50 weddings per year, but as my business evolved, I’ve scaled back to around 20-25 per year to focus on building a deeper connection with my couples. Every wedding is an opportunity to explore new stories, emotions, and environments, and I love working with people who want to embrace the day with authenticity, spontaneity, and creativity.

Outside of photography, I’m fascinated by architecture and mid-century design, and I come from a family of artists — my great-grandfather was a photographer who documented the creation of Mt. Rushmore, and my grandmother was a concert pianist. These creative influences have always inspired me to look at things from different angles, literally and figuratively, which deeply informs my work as a wedding photographer.

My work has been exhibited in juried international exhibitions, including The Grand Rapids Art Museum, but it’s documenting real moments of people’s lives that keeps me inspired and motivated year after year.