Given that photographs and videos are the only tangible means of capturing the most important wedding moments, it makes all the difference in the world when you know you're in the best of hands.
We were lucky enough to find Chelly Cruz, an accomplished photographer with an impressive portfolio.
We met him and his gracious wife Melorie at a park in Glendale on a foggy Saturday morning for our engagement session, and absolutely enjoyed playing "models". Although we don't need much prodding to go all lovey-dovey on each other, Chelly's directing-without-directing style put us right at ease.
While we were at it, Chelly clued us in on how to ensure that your engagement and wedding photos are images that you'll love looking at for the rest of your life.
How did you get into photography as a profession?
It started out as a hobby when my son was born. I would shoot family and then friends, and people who saw them kept telling me how professional my pictures looked. So I tried it and the rest is history.
What's your signature style, as far as wedding and engagement photography is concerned?
Photojournalism is my main style for wedding shoots and chill lifestyle for the engagement shoots.
What advise can you give people when looking for a wedding or engagement photographer?
Always look for someone whose style you like. Don't go cheap at the cost of your preferred style. It's worth having photos that you will love when you get them.
Walk us through a typical engagement shoot. What should a couple expect?
I am very relaxed and goofy. When I meet a couple, I normally ask questions to get to know them. Then I just try to make the couple as comfortable as I can. And that's my goal for the most part, capture a couple in their "just us" moments.
What type of information should the couple give you prior to the Big Day to ensure that they're happy with the photos that they get?
A lot of notes weeks prior to the Big Day! Photo checklist of people and images that really matter to the couple. And the program helps A LOT to plan for the best "angles".
To see how great your engagement photos can turn out when you pick the right photographer, or if you want to have Chelly work his photography magic on your own wedding, click here.
