Zach & Dune offer both photography and film services. The duo have a documentary and editorial style and pride themselves in their personable and unobtrusive approach. Zach & Dune are based in Santa Barbara, California and also work regularly in Ojai and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Tell us about your business!
Zach & Dune is a boutique wedding photography and cinematography brand created out of our love for each other, a deep appreciation for noticing the world around us, and a calling to tell stories through art.
What would you like couples to know about you?
When we first met, we connected instantly about having a similar perspective of the world and constantly searching for the beautiful in-between moments. Ultimately, we have used photography and cinema to express ourselves and as a tool to see through each other’s eyes.
We care deeply about what we do. We are constantly exploring new ideas, experimenting, and evolving our practice. The stories we tell through images and video are our craft, an artistic practice that lies at the center of everything that we do.
Where are you based?
We live in Santa Barbara, California. We work regularly in Santa Barbara, Ojai, and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes, we love traveling for work.
How would you describe your style?
Our style is a bit photojournalism, a bit editorial, and a bit our own. We like to say that we collect moments in an artful way. We are always searching for beauty in simplicity and authenticity.
What is your most memorable career moment?
We recently had the opportunity to photograph an intimate wedding at sea. We spent four days with our couple, their family, and closest friends on a cruise along the US west coast. This experience reminded us what a privilege it is to do what we do, and we left feeling very inspired and very full.
What inspires you?
We are inspired every day by the place where we live and the views, light, textures, smells, and sounds we experience here. We are inspired by visual artists and musicians as well as other photographers and filmmakers. If we are looking for inspiration, our favorite thing to do is take a drive up the California coast and find a beautiful road with a view.
What motivates you to do what you do?
As artists, we are motivated by our need to create, and as humans we are driven by our need for connection. The fact that our artistic practice is entwined with weddings, an exemplary display of human culture and connection, feels like a gift.
How would you describe your working style?
Our working style is intentional, yet unobtrusive. We always strive to be a positive presence on a wedding day. We use available light and space, and guide our couples when needed. We both have a keen awareness of people and the energy of a day. We know when to step in and when to fall back. We bring our photographic perspectives to a wedding day while supporting our couples and respecting their needs in the moment.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
We always shoot a mix of film and digital at every wedding. We work mostly with 35mm film, but we also shoot 120mm and Polaroid.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Our standard investment options are most popular with our clients, but we are always willing to create custom packages when desired.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
We enjoy being able to offer both photo and cinema to our clients. By working in this way, we can collaborate to achieve a similar artistic goal and unified client experience.
Where would you love to travel for work?
We would love to work in Europe, specifically Italy, France, Austria, or Greece. We would also love an excuse to travel to our hometowns for work: Santa Fe, NM and/or Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.
Who is your dream client?
We love to work with creative people who understand and appreciate what we do and trust us and our artistry. We hope to work with clients who are kind, passionate about each other, and intentional in their planning.
How do you select music to your films?
We work with our clients to understand their musical taste. This serves as a starting point, but ultimately music selection is driven by the story of the film. Our art films utilize a variety of atmospheric sounds and timeless music to capture the nostalgia of the day.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
The beauty of weddings is often found in the imperfections. You put so much of yourselves into planning the day. When it arrives, remember to be open and embrace the experience.
