Hey,

I'm Andre

Seattle native born and raised. I've always considered myself a people person, looking to meet people where they're at and learn more about them. As I've gotten older, my camera has become a magical time capsule device allowing me to capture this. Identity, history, beauty. Every photo I take serves a purpose in preserving these memories. From weddings to travel, every photo ages and gets better as we slowly lose the memory of what was, to time.

Photography has been a long journey for me. My earliest memory is picking up my first digital camera at eight years old on Christmas morning. It was a silly little point and shoot, but it worked. I didn't realize back then the part it would play in my life, but it was an important moment.

I grew up and did all the things I was supposed to (go to school, get good grades, get a degree, etc.), all while continuing my passion for photography on the side. Photography paid for my real estate degree from the University of Washington which allowed me to pursue a job in private equity upon graduating. I was all about investments - my degree arguably was my worst one (oops!). It didn't take long to learn that this career didn't fulfill me, so I took the risk to be where I am now. I am very lucky and fortunate, and it's all thanks to the amazing people I get to work with.

Photography makes me feel like I can make the world a better place on an individual level. Make an impact in people's lives by treating their identities and stories as art and history, not just another day. I can teach people from out of state about the nature here in Washington, preserve this beautiful earth, and work with people that value the planet and life the same.

Why I Became a Wedding/Elopement/Love Photographer

It's funny to say, but I grew up around weddings my entire life. When my parents immigrated from Russia in 1991 they both worked extremely hard to build a better life. My mom as a pianist and my dad as a wedding videographer (although he was some sort of electronics sales person before that - but that takes away from the story!), both artists in their own right.

Having two artistically inclined parents makes it very easy to grow up being artistically accepted and motivated - something I am more and more grateful for every day. I grew up drawing, singing, taking pictures, and existing.

Since both my parents worked on Saturdays and we couldn't afford a nanny, heading to work with one of them was the only option when I was 8-10 years old. My mom, being a piano teacher, I would sit in the hallway outside the music department where she taught. This grew old fast, as the grey hallways and time blurred together.

Then came the decision to attend weddings with my dad on Saturdays.

You can say that I was already getting paid gigs at the age of 10 as my dad would pay me $30 per day for carrying his equipment. HUGE amount of money for me back then, I was obviously excited - I think he got a good deal. With time, I began to use the equipment while carrying it, learning as I went, watching videos on YouTube, and making plenty of mistakes. Working with my dad was practically a family tradition at this point. Both my older brothers went through the same as my dad's assistant videographers.

Now all of this tells you how I got here, but why did I actually choose to stick with weddings? It goes back to identity.

When people get married, elope, or however they choose to celebrate, they are accepting each other for who they are. Their identities are open to each other and their lives are coming together in this culmination. They are bringing a piece of themselves to this celebration through decoration, family, stories, gifts, location, and so much more.

To me, this event and culmination of love, is historic to those involved in it. I think this is beautiful and being a photographer allows me to capture it. That alone makes it the best job ever.

My Philosophy 

You should be comfortable on your wedding day. Pretty obvious, but there are certain things that need to be done for this to be possible.

I do not view your wedding as a photoshoot, because it is not. It is an event that you are putting on with your partner to celebrate coming together. Whether that includes family or not, your celebration should be a reflection of you both and not cater to anyone else’s expectations - because their expectations don't matter! Photos should be a part of that experience, not THE experience.

When I photograph a wedding or elopement, it’s about knowing when to step in and guide you for a few photos and when to let moments just happen. After seeing over 100 weddings, I have gotten quite good at this. This is why I describe my style as "Editorial Documentary" leaning more in either direction depending on what my clients request.

A Bit About Me Outside Wedding Photography

One statement that encapsulates how I approach life: I care deeply about nature, culture, and people; I want my work and personal life to reflect that.

Whenever I get a chance, traveling the world is always top of the list. I have been fortunate enough to visit the following and meet amazing people from these countries in my lifetime:

Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Germany, Spain, France, England, Scotland, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Each place holds a special place in my heart with plenty of memories - evident in the photos scattered along this page. They always bring a smile to my face. I love to ramble with clients about my favorite travel stories, so I am always happy to share more details if you ask.

Besides being an avid traveler, I am a foodie, techno lover (see one of my sets below - I am still learning!), hiker, gym rat, and of course photographer. I feel that all of these things bring people together, a place where I feel happiest. The bumping bass of a techno party in Amsterdam putting everyone in a trance. Gathering together over a steaming hot pot to share a meal with friends or strangers. Going to the gym with likeminded individuals looking to get stronger and improve their future selves.

All of these help me see what a wonderful thing life is, how fortunate I am to have my own story, and just how blessed I am to be a part of yours.

Thanks for being here, wanting to learn a bit about me, and considering me to capture your special day. I look forward to making something beautiful together.