Merging experience in the fine art world, fashion and photojournalism, Casi Yost has spent years crafting a unique wedding photography experience that is as true-to-you as the images you create together with her. Based in Northern California, Casi Yost captures candid, joy-filled and emotive photographs.
Tell us about your business!
I have been working and traveling for weddings for 9 years. I am primarily based on the West Coast, however, I travel often to the East Coast and internationally for my clients. My background is in film photography, so I like to shoot mostly on film. However, I am a hybrid photographer and shoot both digital and film.
Where are you based?
I am based in Northern California in the US.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely - I travel for 99% of my weddings, so I am accustomed to all of the nuances of travel and ensuring that I arrive ahead of time to prep for my couples destination events.
How would you describe your style?
I always find it hard to describe my style because my goal is always to use either film or digital to capture an image in a way that either enhances some aspect of the light or setting, or what is happening in front of me. I mainly want to capture the event and people as they are however, my goal is to make the viewer focus on what the point of the image was - either the beauty of the space, how people were laughing, or maybe the romance between the couple. Because of this, my work is somewhere in between documentary, editorial and fine art.
What is your most memorable career moment?
There are too many to list, but it has to be the first wedding I ever shot. It was for a friend from college and she had a first look with her father - he started crying when he saw her and they had a moment. It was then that I realized that photographing weddings could be really powerful and leave such an impact on couples and their families.
What inspires you?
Inspiration seems to change every year. Of course I am inspired by other photographers pushing boundaries, people like Joel and Justyna, John Dolan, Samm Blake. I also find inspiration in the work of commercial photographers like James Harvey-Kelley, and Annie Leibovitz. The past few years I have been inspired by music, art, interior design and architecture and try to find ways to incorporate it into my work.
How would you describe your working style?
Human-centered first. I like to predict needs and really listen to what my couple wants. I pay attention to the energy of the room and step in when needed, to direct and pull from the people in front of my camera. I have learned when to step back and just let something happen in front of me. Professionalism and doing what I would hope someone would do for me is also part of that. I don’t think you can get anywhere without also knowing the true meaning of professionalism.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I shoot both on digital and film. My background is in film, so I typically shoot a majority on film. I like to choose the medium that will suit the situation I am photographing in, to give my couples the best possible result. Sometimes digital works better during a certain part of the day, while film tells the story during other parts of the day. I like to choose the medium that will tell the story in the most intentional way.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I always tailor collections to what couples need. Sometimes that includes multiple days worth of coverage, and other times it means that I have a larger team covering multiple parts of the venue at once. Each couple has a unique vision or scope of project so I always ensure that I am prepared to document the wedding in a thoughtful and prepared manner - this results in a custom collection for each couple.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I truly think there is nothing better than shooting film. Film looks the way a memory feels in your mind and there is really no way to replicate that look on digital. I also feel that film looks more authentic and captures emotion so much better than digital. Sometimes digital is too perfect and sterile, which goes against the emotion of the day.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I would love to spend more time in Virginia and New York, but I also have a fondness for France and Ireland. I will take any chance I can to go back.
Who is your dream client?
People who love their family and love design.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Listen to your vendor's recommendations - they have done this before. They know what problems you will face and they are trying to prevent you from having to deal with them. They also know how to achieve the vision you have. Also, when choosing vendors, look through full galleries, ask hard questions. Don’t just choose a vendor to check off a box. Make sure you feel really good in your gut about them.
Casi Yost Photography
Website: www.casiyost.com
Instagram: @casiyostphoto