Kelly Vahos is a film photographer whose work centres around building a close relationship with her clients before their big day. Her photography style is a blend of playfulness, warmth, artistry, and approachability. Kelly Vahos is based in New York City and travels for most of the weddings she captures.
Tell us about your business!
I capture couples and their loved ones with a touch of levity and a whole lot of sentiment. In shooting weddings, I chase creativity and truth, while allowing my couples to be as present as possible.
I firmly believe that the core of this industry can be distilled down to two things - humans and love. My only hope is that after a wedding, a collection of photographs is able to reflect just that.
What would you like couples to know about you?
My work centers around building a close relationship with my clients before their big day. I immerse myself in their world, merging seamlessly with their guests to capture intimate, insider moments. Spending time with each couple beforehand allows me to truly grasp the nuances of their souls, their connection and the excitement that sets their story apart.
When I curate a final gallery of photos, I aim to create a collection that feels as though it’s from the perspective of a close friend or cherished loved one.
Where are you based?
Born and raised in New York state, currently living in New York City!
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes! 90% of my weddings involve traveling out of the city.
How would you describe your style?
My photography style is a blend of playfulness, warmth, artistry, and approachability. I try to infuse fun and spontaneity into a shot, so that the images feel alive.
What is your most memorable career moment?
There have been numerous pinch me moments over the years, but the honest truth is that every wedding I book, I still feel that rush of excitement and honor. It’s a crazy idea to think you will be the person who allows these people to remember this moment.
What inspires you?
The photographs that my mother took of my childhood. I go back to them time and time again to remind myself to not take things too seriously and that what we do allows people to time travel - to transport back into the feelings, smells, light and taste of a day. And that alone is enough, and everything else we do as photographers is fun.
How would you describe your working style?
Creating space for life to happen. Never manipulating moments for the sake of a photo. Leading with warmth, fun, and comfort. Trying to find the truth in a day. An observationist who loves to get into the mix or hang on the side.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
A mix of both, with a heavier lean towards film! I think there’s a time and place for digital, but my film is what distinguishes my work from others.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Of course! I don’t believe in a one-size-fit-all offering.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Day-of coverage. As soon as I stopped limiting when I start and stop my day is when I as an artist really began having fun and creating work that didn’t feel jammed between bookends. I also found it let a wedding breathe, as it didn’t all need to be forced into an eight hour block.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
California, Colombia (I’m Colombian!), France, Portugal, Spain, Scotland.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client appreciates color, loves their people, has a strong north star for the values of the day
And folks who value both my role as an artist and me as a human.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
People make the day - from the people you hire to the people you get ready with to the people who are invited. Surround you both with people who will create the type of environment that makes you feel the most ‘you’.
