Joleen Willis Photography

Genuine, joyful and candid wedding photography,

focused on what matters most.

An effortlessly joyful experience, built around meaningful moments.

I want you to walk away from your wedding day feeling totally content and fulfilled.

I've been photographing weddings for a long time, and those experiences have shaped my priorities.  I do love beautiful bouquets, light and airy scenes, and publication worthy events, but these things are less important to me than real moments.  I want those pretty wedding details to be the frosting on the main event: you becoming a married couple. My photography style is a mix of both gentle direction in posed photographs combined with beautifully imperfect candid moments. 


I've grown up in California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and my favorite thing to do is drive around in my old van, with my dog, Lunchbox, and find new places to explore and photograph.  I hate having my own photo taken. I'm inspired by old things, movement, wide open spaces with lingering light, but mostly just  the interaction between two people (and their pets).


I love the imperfect, in between moments.

It is so important that your wedding photography is
authentic to you as a couple.
I want you to have the space to be yourselves, and the time to savor each part of the day. 

While I do enjoy directing my couples when it's time for some portraits, I want to be involved as little or as much as you'd have me. I want to work with you closely months before the day to make a timeline that fits your personality and also gives you confidence in the photos you'll receive once the day is over. 


I want to make sure that we don't rush to the next part of the day without really enjoying the part that comes before it. I don't want your wedding day to become a to-do list of things you check off. 


I want you to receive beautiful images that are genuine.  

MORE THAN PRETTY PICTURES

Your photos should reflect who you really are. 

We might be a good fit if...

You want a mix of candid & directed photos.


I love anticipating moments, and I think it's so important to be on the lookout for things that just happen. But I also know that a group photo of your family is important too.


Relationships are important to you.


Weddings bring together the most important people in our lives. I think it's so important to document you with your closest people.


You want to make time to savor moments.


This may come as a surprise, but weddings are fast paced! This is so exciting, but it can also be a blur. I believe it's important to plan ahead (I can help!) to make sure you don't blink and the day is over.


You want timeless and true to life colors.


My edit is bright, cheery, with true to life colors that won't age with the current trend.


Time & Space to React

You may not realize it now, but your wedding day is so full of moments that will touch you as powerfully as your ceremony. Experiencing these moments to the fullest are what make your wedding day special. They are also the parts of the day that you will remember most. 


These are the most meaningful photos. The photos you truly care about once your marriage outlives the trends of the year.


My desire as a wedding photographer is to help you feel completely involved and present as a bride or groom on your wedding day. Because after years of photographing weddings, I’ve learned that couples who allow themselves to feel every little feeling usually have the best photos.


My goal as a wedding photographer is to give you time and space to react to these moments. Years of photographing weddings have taught me when to anticipate them, and I want to pass that along to you!


The Process

I'll be there during the planning process to help as much as you need me! I love staying connected as the months count down.

1. Get in Touch

Fill out the contact form with everything you know so far. It's ok if you don't have it all figured out yet! 

 I can help! 

2. Phone Call

We'll  talk about your wedding day inspiration & priorities. I get to learn more about you and what would make the best possible wedding day experience for you.

3. Photo Timeline

Based on everything we talked about on our call, I'll make a photo timeline so you can see exactly what is being photographed. Since the photos can play a big role in the pace of the day, you'll also get a sense of how your day will flow.

4. You Review the Timeline

AkA the plan. If it looks like we're on the same page and it feels like the right kind of day, you let me know if you're ready to move forward.

5. Signed Contract & Deposit

I'll send your contract via email. Signed contract and 50% retainer hold your date. The remainder is due one month prior.

6. One Month Review

At approximately one month out, I'll get back in touch so we can review all the details. We'll revisit your priorities and make sure we have the best plan for your ideal day.

7. The I Do's!

The day is here! It's time to relax and enjoy.  I'll encourage you to stay present. We'll move through our photo plan and I will be cheering you on the whole day.

8. Sneak Peek

One week after your date I'll send you a mini sneak peek gallery.

9. Relive & Share

Approximately 10 weeks after the date I'll share your entire gallery. You are welcome to share and download as many times as you like!

View Photography Packages

FAQs

Don't see an answer to your question?

Feel free to reach out by text: 209-768-6016

  • We don't like being in front of the camera...

    So many of my inquiries include the exact phrase, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."

    Social media has played a mean trick on us and taught us to be hyper aware of ourselves. I've been at this a long time, and I can tell you the secret to candid feeling images is through your excitment combined with easy prompts and direction. I will draw on your history as a couple, and I promise you will both feel like yourselves. You will have the freedom and confidence to react, and that makes the best images.  

  • Can we give you a list of photos we want?

    We will review your family photo groups before the wedding as well as chat about your photo priorities.  However, I prefer not to work from a Pinterest page of copied poses.


  • How many pictures will we receive?

    Every wedding is different and the biggest factors are the hours of coverage and  the size of the bridal party.  The range is usually 700-1100. 

  • Do you travel?

    YES!  I am so inspired by shooting in new places and I love to travel!  

  • Do you do weddings in Yosemite?

    YES! Yosemite and the California Sierra Nevadas are my home. I love visiting the Sonora Pass, the Tioga Pass, Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes (I LOVE the Eastern Sierras) and Lake Tahoe.  I am located near the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park. I am ALWAYS up for an adventure, so if your location isn't listed, reach out. I'll pack up the VW camper and hit the road.

  • Do we get full resolution files?

    Yes! You get all your best photos from the day in print resolution in every package. These are jpg files. You can print them wherever you want with included copyright release.


  • Will you stay longer if we need more time?

    Absolutely!  Additional coverage is quoted in your contract and won't begin without your approval.

  • How long do we need a photographer?

    There are a lot of factors that play into this question, but I try to help you answer them before you even book by making a photo timeline. Moments leading up to the vows are so full of emotion and anticipation, that I think it's so worth it to include the prep portion of the day. Most couples sit perfectly at 10 hours. 

  • How do we book you?

    The first step is to get in touch. 

    From there, we'll have a really casual conversation so I can understand your priorities and vision.  Be sure to check out The Process above. 

    A signed contract and 50% deposit hold your date.

  • Do you have special pricing for elopements?

    Yes, I love photographing elopements. I actually have a whole site dedicated to you eloping folks! You can check out Love Wildly here. 

Ready to talk wedding?
ME TOO! 
I can't wait to hear from you.
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