Oregon Weddings

My name is Ely and I am a Professional Wedding Photographer located in Bend, Oregon. Having worked in photography for 13 years, I have a unique way of reflecting on your special day. You’ll see all of its personality, celebration, and detailed charm. Plus, I love the way that the outdoor wedding venues in Central Oregon shine. Beauty infused as a part of your wedding. From quaint cabins and mountain resorts to swanky high desert venues, Bend has it all.
Living in Bend, OR with my beautiful wife and wonderful little girl allows me space to explore. I have found so many incredible landscapes that lead to adventure. My family and I love to travel and take in the sights, smells, and culture of cities near and far. With my lens in hand, I’ve found so many hidden gems. Locations, people, and details tell a beautifully unique tale.
Ordinarily, I photograph weddings in Oregon, Washington, and California. However, my love for travel and my photography career has provided adventure across the globe too. Since getting started in 2008, some of my favorite weddings to capture have been in Mexico, St. Lucia, Germany, Ireland, and Turkey. No matter where I have traveled or what I have seen through my camera’s lens, one thing always remains, I love what I do.
In short, I love being in love. There is something so powerful about witnessing the love of others. Deep joy is splashed across every photograph. People lean into the profound mystery of loving and being loved by another, and it’s brilliant. As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of stopping time through my lens. Through the years I have caught all kinds of love. Side smiles reflect trust, the laughter of anticipation, a deep sense of safety, and home. What a gift to be present at the start of this thrilling new chapter for so many. The photos I capture will mark this meaningful leap and reflect your love in all of its multifaceted ways.
Am I the right Photographer for you?
The best way to find out if I’m the right wedding photographer for you is to check out my work and then get to know me. As you look through my portfolio, take a look at the way that I shoot, edit, and deliver images. If what you see resonates with you, then that’s probably a great start. It’s so important to me to connect with my clients. During the shoot I want you to feel comfortable being yourselves, letting your true beauty and personality show through. My goal is to tell your story through my lens. I’ll deliver you a concise gallery of images that are organized and easy to navigate. If you like what you see here, feel free to reach out and take steps toward working with me. I’d love the opportunity!
How did I get into photography?
I picked up photography while traveling to Africa in 2004. To prepare for this epic, globe-trekking trip I bought my first digital camera. I shot my first photo and I was hooked. It was brilliant to be able to capture this international adventure with confidence knowing that the memories were safe on my new camera. I had always been a bit of a computer geek. When the digital era of photography showed up it all just clicked for me. The unique way that the photography industry is constantly changing keeps me on my toes. As a result, I am constantly testing new cameras and finding the best fit for my day-to-day photography needs.
My Goal as a Photographer
Most of the time I am photographing couples on the most important day of their lives. My goal is to get to know my clients and what makes them who they are. As we connect, I want to serve you well. I consider myself a vital part of the team making your incredible wedding happen. I love getting to know my clients and their families. It builds comfort and familiarity when working with them. The more comfortable you are around me and with many lenses, the better I can capture those priceless moments throughout the day.
I plan on joining the celebration as l follow you around on your wedding day. I’ll snap the events and moments that make your special day the best ever. On a wedding day, I will photograph as much as possible. I’ll get everything from meaningful details to traditional family photos to intimate ceremony moments and the ruckus of the reception. When I head home after your wedding, I’ll sort through the important images and zero in on the best of the best. When you receive the photos that I’ve captured of your Big Day, I want you to be over the moon excited.
Why I love Photographing People
Living in beautiful Bend, OR allows me many opportunities to take photos of beautiful landscapes. From sunrises on a mountain top to golden hour over a gently flowing river, nature shines through my lens. However, at the end of the day, I find photographing people to be much more rewarding. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, elopement, or engagement, every shoot is different. There are many factors that add variety to my shoots. From weather, location, and season, to couple dynamics, each shoot is unique and special. This allows me to continually feel inspired and grow in creative ways.
I also love getting to know and learn about my clients. It is always so fun to hear where they come from, how they met, and what makes their love their own. Each shoot interacting with such amazing people pushes me to lean into how I can best reflect how special my clients are.
My Style
I have developed my style as a wedding photographer that reflects my relaxed personality. My hope is that clients feel both comfortable and well served. I believe that having photos taken should be fun. If we all have a good time during the shoot, the more likely the photos I deliver will reflect the best version of you and yours. Over the last 11 years in this industry, I have worked hard to hone in on my specific style. This happens both behind the camera and at the editing stage. I would hope that every image that I produce has a timeless, clean feel. I want my clients to look back at their wedding photos and feel the same emotions as they did on the best day of their lives. The galleries of my work should stand the test of time and be a cherished part of your wedding experience.
Growing as a Creative
Since moving to Bend, OR I have grown an even greater sense of wonder as I explore. I love adventuring to find even more locations to photograph couples. Locations that highlight the uniqueness and beauty of my clients. In the NW we are so fortunate to have so many diverse options. We have an endless supply of forests, lakes, mountains, and a beautiful coastline too. It is my goal to always be on the hunt for new locations or learn how to capture an old spot from a different perspective.
I love the art of photography. As a wedding photographer, I am constantly learning how to better my craft. I want my skill and creativity to show as I capture your special day. Over the last 11 years, I have photographed over 400 stunning weddings and countless portrait sessions. During that time I have used several cameras and photographed around the world. I have learned to work with a wide variety of settings and how to use light to make the best images in any scenario.
Without a doubt, every wedding, engagement, or portrait session will be different. I have to be prepared to work well in any situation. From camera equipment and post-processing to learning how to better make my clients feel more comfortable behind the camera. I am committed to keep growing and learning. I know that I can always improve and love that my job has no creative ceiling.
Take a Look
This site is full of galleries with dozens of Weddings, Elopements, Engagements, and Portrait Sessions that reflect my skills as a photographer. I’d love for you to click around and get to know me and my work. You’ll see some of my favorite Wedding Venues and Locations from the last few years. Each wedding is as special and individual as my amazing clients. You’ll find adventurers hiking with wedding dresses and suits on their packs. You’ll also find couples set against the incredible landscape of the place they met. I can’t wait to find the perfect location for your love to be on display. If you are interested in seeing some full weddings or engagements head to the bottom of the page and shoot me an email. I’d love to work with you, making your Big Day all that you want it to be!