Chris Schmitt Photography

Vitality, originality, clarity, fabulous composition and perfect framing—the extraordinary work of Chris Schmitt Photography is completely understandable when you consider Chris’s background—he started out in the demanding fashion industry. An art director for editorial, advertising, and high-end commercial shoots, he worked with some of the most gifted photographers in the business: David LaChapelle, Annie Leibowitz, Herb Ritz. Their eye-opening dedication to their art was contagious.

But it wasn’t until he shot a friend’s wedding that he found the perfect match for his passion and perspective. It was love at first shutter-click, and he wasted no time in transferring all of his considerable talents to this new enterprise. He claims it was an easy decision. “I exchanged the bad drama of fashion for the good drama of weddings,” he laughs. Whatever the reasons, he was hooked and quickly developed an army of fans. “Chris,” explains a respectful associate and friend, “is a wonderful portrait, wedding and travel photographer who can kick out fantastic theatrical and commercial pieces as well. He’s talented and has a beautiful eye for composition, color, and sentiment. Clients love him.”

It was also love at first sight…or flight…with Andrea, his wife and partner. They met at the baggage claim in Italy when they both missed their planes. They soon discovered they shared a love for travel, photography, weddings, and each other. So their union was, in many ways, inevitable. Today their smooth collaboration and joy in joint endeavors makes working with them a delight. “Chris and Andrea are a wonderful team,” declares a happy client. “They really allow the bride and groom to be at ease and enjoy the experience.” “Chris was everything we could have wanted or imagined,” says another. “I would tell every bride to trust Chris. He’s wonderful with a camera and tells an amazing story with his fabulous shots.”

“I feel it’s so important to connect with people,” says Chris. “I like to make them feel completely at ease. I come from a world—fashion—where everyone is comfortable in front of a camera. So I remind my clients how beautiful they are. That comes out in the photos.” He admits he is happiest when he and Andrea are shooting weddings and they’re able to witness and convey the incredible sense of togetherness that arises when the day, the people gathered and the task at hand click completely. Fans say that with Chris Schmitt Photography, this is something you can expect.

Best of all, this creative husband-and-wife team loves taking their show on the road. Experts in orchestrating destination shoots, they have photographed weddings in Italy, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as all over Southern California. They even offer specials where they waive travel fees. “I’ve never had an unhappy client,” says Chris, whose interaction with couples generally begins with a playful engagement session and continues through births and birthdays. “Chris always produces great work,” says a colleague. “He is fantastic with clients, and goes out of his way to do special things for them. That memory lasts a lifetime.”

Chris Schmitt Photography provides a spontaneous, photojournalistic style to wedding photography. Chris has worked with many world-renowned fashion photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle, and Peggy Sirota and incorporates a fashion style of shooting to his photography. As the second shooter, Chris’ wife Andrea strives to capture all of the wonderful details. Chris and Andrea love to travel and specialize in photographing destination weddings. They have photographed weddings in Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, Jamaica and many cities across the U.S.