Arcadia, CA

The day was beautifully planned and executed at the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, a breathtaking location that served as the perfect canvas for one of the most memorable moments in a couple's life - their engagement session. The couple for this particular session were Sabrina and Max, a pair whose love story is as captivating as the setting they chose for their photoshoot. Their story came to me in an unusual way. I had announced a Free Engagement Session Giveaway, a small token of appreciation for the wonderful community that supports my passion for photography. Names were entered, and out of the many submissions, one stood out. It was not just a name, but a story, a narrative that was so compelling, so moving, that I felt compelled to award them this session. The entry came from a sister who lovingly shared the journey of Sabrina and Max, a testament of true love and commitment. Meeting Sabrina and Max, all the words written about them came to life. They were carefree, their love for each other was obvious. They were not just posing for a camera, they were sharing their love story, and I was there to capture each and every beautiful moment. Their love was raw and real, it was in their smiles, their glances, the way they held each other. Their session was filled with laughs, tender moments and a sense of ease that made the day even more special. The scenic beauty of the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens combined with their easy-going nature and undeniable chemistry resulted in some truly stunning photographs. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Sabrina and Max's engagement session. Their love story moved me, their spirit inspired me, and their photos will forever serve as a testament to their love. Congratulations to Sabrina and Max on their engagement. May their journey together be as beautiful and full of love as the day we spent at the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

An Enchanting Engagement Session at the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Lindsey and MJ, the quintessential romantic couple, perfectly embody the spirit of young love. From sharing notes in college to now sharing a life in sunny California, their love story is one that is straight out of a fairy tale. They met as college sweethearts and it was there, amidst the hustle of lectures and exams, that they found a unique connection with each other. Their shared dreams and ambitions became the foundation of their bond, a bond that led them to relocate to California to further their careers and build a future together.The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, popularly known as LACMA, was the chosen spot for their engagement session. It was more than just a photoshoot location for them. The museum, with its architectural beauty and cultural richness, reflected the depth and strength of their relationship. It was a symbol of their shared love for art, culture, and creativity. The engagement session was planned during the golden hour, that magical time just before sunset when everything is bathed in a warm, soft glow. The iconic lampposts of LACMA, known as the 'Urban Light' installation, added a whimsical charm to the session. The couple, hand in hand, walking through the sea of lampposts, their faces glowing in the fading sunlight, created a picture of timeless love.Lindsey and MJ made the entire session feel effortless. Their love for each other was palpable and their comfort in each other's presence was evident. They laughed, they hugged, they shared secret whispers and they looked into each other's eyes with an intensity that spoke volumes about their deep connection. They made the session not just about beautiful photographs but about celebrating their journey together.Congratulations to Lindsey and MJ as they embark on this new chapter of their life. Their engagement session at LACMA was a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the magic it can create. Here's to many more golden hours in their life together!

A Golden Hour Engagement Session at LACMA: Celebrating Lindsey & MJ

Embarking on an engagement session is a momentous occasion, a commemoration of the commitment between you and your partner. To ensure this experience is as delightful and memorable as it should be, there are three essential tips to consider: choosing the perfect location, selecting complementary outfits, and most importantly, being authentically yourself.The first tip to consider is the location of the shoot. The location you choose has the potential to transform your engagement photos into a story that truly represents your love. Ideally, this would be a place that holds significance in your relationship: perhaps the spot where you first met, your favorite hangout, or a location that captures your shared interests. However, if you're unsure, don’t worry! As your photographer, I can assist in picking a location that not only provides a beautiful backdrop, but also beautifully captures the essence of your relationship.Secondly, choosing outfits that aesthetically complement one another can greatly enhance the visual cohesion of your photos. This doesn't necessarily mean matching exactly; rather, it's about selecting clothing that harmonizes in terms of color, pattern, and style. Consider the location and environment when planning your outfits, and think about how they can reflect your personalities or the overall mood you want to convey. Whether you opt for formal attire, casual outfits, or something in between, the most important thing is that you both feel comfortable and confident.Lastly, and most importantly, is to be yourself during the session. Authenticity is key in capturing the genuine love and joy between you and your partner. This isn't a stiff, formal photo shoot - it's a celebration of your love! Feel free to laugh, joke, and let your true personalities shine through. I will be there every step of the way to guide you and create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. This is your moment, and it's about capturing you as you truly are, individually and together.In conclusion, by considering these tips: selecting a meaningful location, dressing in complementary outfits, and embracing your authentic selves, you can ensure your engagement session will be a beautiful and memorable celebration of your love and commitment.

The Three Essential Tips for a Perfect Engagement Session

Los Angeles, the city of angels, offers a fascinating blend of modernity, elegance, and natural beauty, making it a perfect backdrop for your engagement photos. Here's a list of six picturesque locations that can add a dash of magic to your engagement story.
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First, we have El Matador Beach. This stretch of sand is one of Malibu's most scenic treasures. Its rugged beauty, dotted with rocky outcrops, sea caves, and massive boulders, offers a dramatic and romantic setting for your engagement photos. The crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean serve as a captivating soundtrack, adding an extra dash of charm to the whole experience.

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Next on our list is the Row DTLA or Art District. This historic area, replete with colorful murals, trendy boutiques, and chic cafes, provides an eclectic urban backdrop. The blend of contemporary art and old industrial buildings creates a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for couples looking for a dynamic, modern vibe.
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Thirdly, the Pasadena City Hall, a stunning example of the City Beautiful movement of the 1920s. Its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, grand archways, and exquisite courtyard, add an air of timeless elegance to your engagement photos. Its iconic dome, towering over 200 feet high, makes for an impressive background.
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Fourth, we have the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech). Known for its stunning Mediterranean-style architecture, beautiful gardens, and fountains, it offers a serene and scholarly ambiance. The campus's romantic bridges, quiet nooks, and leafy paths provide lovely spots for intimate shots.
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Fifth in line is Victor Heights, often referred to as the 'Forgotten Edge'. This hidden gem, nestled between Echo Park and Chinatown, offers stunning views of downtown LA. The quaint, hilly neighborhood with its charming mid-century homes, adds a vintage touch to your pictures.
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Lastly, never underestimate the power of the golden hour and a simple location. A favorite among photographers, the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) gives a soft, warm hue that can make any simple location in LA look enchantingly beautiful. A neighborhood park, a quiet street corner, or even your backyard can turn magical under the golden hour's warm glow.
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In essence, Los Angeles provides a broad canvas of locations, each with its unique charm and character. Choose what suits your style best and let the city's charisma add a special touch to your engagement story.

6 Spectacular Engagement Locations in Los Angeles

The life of a wedding photographer is no less than an adventure. Every day presents a new opportunity, a new story to tell, and a new location to explore. Among all the places I have had the pleasure of performing my craft, Tokyo, Japan, holds a unique place in my heart. The city's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the beautiful journey of two people uniting in matrimony. I have had the honor of shooting two amazing weddings in Tokyo, five years apart, and both experiences were profoundly different yet equally mesmerizing. As a candid wedding photographer, the beauty of my job lies in capturing the unrehearsed moments, the spontaneous laughter, and the unfiltered emotions that make each wedding unique. I thrive on finding these special moments between poses, those fleeting seconds where true love and joy shine through. In Tokyo, I found a plethora of such moments set against the city's breathtaking panorama. Whether it was a glance exchanged between the couple under the cherry blossom trees or a shared giggle during the shrine visit, each click of my camera captured a story, a memory that would be cherished forever.While the first wedding was set in the lush gardens of the Meiji Shrine, with its traditional architecture adding a touch of timeless elegance, the second one was a modern rooftop affair in the heart of the city, with the Tokyo Skytree towering in the backdrop. Despite being in the same city, the contrast between the two settings offered a unique charm and character to each wedding.Being a wedding photographer is not just about taking pictures; it's about capturing the essence of the couple's love and the spirit of the celebration. And Tokyo, with its blend of tradition and modernity, provided the perfect canvas for me to paint these love stories.So here's to the joy of being a candid wedding photographer, to the thrill of exploring new places, and to the honor of capturing love stories across the globe. Every day may not be the same, but each one is equally special, filled with unexpected surprises, beautiful moments, and the promise of a new story to tell.

A Day in the Life of a Candid Wedding Photographer

In the whirlwind of joy, laughter, and sometimes tears that make up a wedding day, it can be easy to overlook the smaller details. But as any seasoned wedding photographer will tell you, these little elements often hold the most significance. They are the threads that weave together to form the intricate tapestry of a couple's unique love story. From the glinting wedding bands that symbolise unending devotion, to the carefully arranged table settings, and the bouquet bursting with the bride&rsquo;s favourite flowers, each detail plays a crucial role in telling the complete story of the wedding day.
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The atmospherics of the wedding, the mood, the quintessential essence that defines the day, often lies in these details. The couple's personality shines through these choices, their tastes and preferences, their individual and shared histories. A grandmother's heirloom brooch pinned to the bridal bouquet, the handwritten vows carefully penned on a piece of parchment, or the custom decor reflecting a shared interest or passion, these elements are not only visually compelling, but they are emotionally charged fragments of the couple's narrative.
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These details, however, can sometimes go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. This is where the photographer's role becomes paramount. A good wedding photographer is not just someone who takes photos; they are a storyteller, a chronicler of emotions, a capturer of moments both grand and subtle. It's their keen eye that picks up on these nuances, capturing them in a way that they become lasting memories for the couple to cherish.
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Different types of details require different approaches. Heirloom items, for instance, carry historical and emotional weight and should be photographed with reverence, perhaps in soft, warm light that hints at nostalgia. Handwritten vows, on the other hand, represent the couple's intimate feelings for each other. A close-up shot of the handwritten words, maybe even with the couple in the background, can convey this intimacy. Custom decor, which can range from table settings to wall decorations, reflect the couple's personal tastes and the overall theme of the wedding. These should be captured in a way that they visually complement the larger events of the day.
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Capturing the small details is not merely about taking photographs; it's about preserving a world within a world. These details are the silent witnesses to the unfolding love story, the emotional resonance they carry is immense, and their significance timeless. They reflect the thought, care, and love invested by the couple into their special day. In the grand scheme of a wedding day, these small details might seem insignificant, but in the grand scheme of a couple's love story, they could mean everything.

The Art of Capturing the Small Details in Wedding Photography

Chris is such a great photographer who made my girlfriend and I feel so comfortable throughout our shoot. His suggestions for poses to try always had purpose and always came out great! He was very friendly through  the whole shoot and it honestly flew by with how much fun we had. Definitely recommend other couples to get a photo shoot done by him.

Josh F

Chris is AMAZING. His work is great and he’s very professional. He took couples photos for my lovely girlfriend and myself and at first I was a little hesitant because I am not very photogenic. His comfort and simple conversation made it easier for me to take the pictures and our smiles were truly genuine because of our convos. I truly appreciate what Chris has done and if you need your pictures taken, DO NOT HESITATE TO HIRE THIS GUY!! Thanks a million bro these are memories I’ll get to enjoy forever.

Greg Moreno

I couldn't have asked for a better wedding photographer than Chris Galdamez.
During the photo session, Chris seamlessly blended into the background, capturing the most beautiful candid moments. His ability to catch these spontaneous, heartfelt shots is truly a gift. When it was time for the more formal photos, he took charge efficiently and with a keen eye for detail.
The final results were nothing short of amazing. Every picture was a work of art, filled with emotion and authenticity. I am so grateful to have these memories beautifully preserved. If you're looking for a wedding/engagement photographer who is not only talented but also easy to work with, I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Galdamez. Thank you for everything Chris!

Alejandra Sosa

Chris provided the best photography services for our wedding! He captured just what we wanted - candid, raw, and intimate photos at our tea ceremony, regular ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Not only did he capture what we wanted, but he also went above and beyond by being very professional, punctual, and highly organized. The level of detail and vision Chris brought forward in his work was exceptional. We were very happy to receive our finished photos - they were absolutely stunning!

Amy Nguyễn

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With 8 hours of photography coverage, having a second photographer alongside me means we can be in two places at once, whether it's capturing the excitement of getting ready or those heartfelt expressions during the ceremony. Together, we'll provide 500 to 800 beautifully enhanced high-resolution images that tell the full story from every angle. Your photos will be delivered via Pixieset, and you'll have them in your hands within 60 days, ready to relive those moments. Plus, the engagement session is our chance to get comfortable together before the big day, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Wedding Collection Two - 8 Hours

This package is perfect for couples who want every moment captured, from the excitement of getting ready to the energy of dancing late into the night, all without feeling rushed. With 12 hours of coverage by Chris Galdamez and a second photographer, we’ll ensure that no moment is missed, even when there are many moving parts throughout the day. You’ll receive 500 to 800 beautifully enhanced and edited high-resolution images, all delivered through a stunning online gallery via Pixieset. The package also includes an engagement session, giving us the chance to get comfortable together before your big day. Your photos will be safely delivered within 60 days, ready to be cherished for a lifetime.

Wedding Collection Three - 12 Hours

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