Services
John and Colette are a married photography team—and Colette is also a professional makeup artist. Though incredibly experienced in all forms of photography, ranging from advertising to documentaries, John and Colette say, “photographing weddings give us the opportunity to combine so many of the aspects we love most about photography; blending photojournalism, fine art and portraiture, and adding our own artistic style. We love using natural light and simplicity to tell a story rich in color, emotion and graceful movement. Photographing the day as it naturally unfolds and capturing the genuine spirit of the event with ease.”
Professional makeup for the bride and her party is available a la carte. A unique perk to John and Colette’s team photography package is when makeup is requested, the bride will have her personal makeup artist with her all evening! Discreet beauty touch-ups are included at no additional cost—a true luxury!
Certified By The Guide Reviews
(What does this mean?)
These Reviews are from real brides who have used this vendor's services—pulled straight from their Certified by The Guide reference check. We only post reviews that we have collected, so we can feel confident that they are the real deal. Yes, we know. We're control freaks.
“The style of the photos was exactly how our wedding felt. Even when I look at the photos now, it feels like I am reliving my wedding. They captured the fun moments and the tears of joy. Their pictures were candid and modern while also capturing classic moments that we will surely end up showing our family for years to come. They were wonderful.”
“John and Colette are a unique and valuable team. They are able to capture all kinds of moments while blending into an event. Colette and John are so laid back and calm while professionally going about their job.”
“The images were incredibly creative, thorough, charming and beautiful. Their skills at photojournalism captured my wedding far better than I could have imagined.”
“John has an incredible way of becoming part of the event while taking pictures. You hardly realize that he is documenting everything.”
“Colette is a talented makeup and hair stylist. She made me feel like the best version of myself.”
“Their portfolio is amazing and between the two of them they have an incredible amount of experience with all kinds of events.”
“I valued my time spent with Colette doing hair and makeup as it was a time to sit and be pampered and prepped. She has an incredibly calm manner that comes from being such a seasoned professional. We laughed and just enjoyed the preparations. I felt completely at ease and loved every minute.”
“They bring a calming energy to the event.”
“John and Colette are extraordinary professional photojournalists and extraordinary artists!”
“They are a breath of fresh air and the most real, down-to-earth and talented photographer and stylist I have ever met. I have seen a lot of wedding photographers and been to a lot of weddings, and I still think my photos are leaps better than the many that I’ve seen!”
“They are such an important part of what made our day so special.”
“Colette does a great job with make up and hair, and it was really helpful to have her present for the entire event for touch-ups and fixes. Since we had an Indian wedding, I even had a costume change between the ceremony and reception, so this was a huge plus for me.”
“They were honestly one of my favorite vendors, and I am so glad we chose them.”
“Absolutely, without hesitation, I would recommend John and Colette photography & beauty to my sister, best friends and anyone fortunate enough to secure their services.”
Questions and Answers
What 3 words best describe your work? Genuine. Candid. Uncontrived.
Tell us about your company name.
We felt using our first names was the simplest solution and it also felt most approachable.
Why should someone hire you?
A couple that hires us wants images that are beautiful, graceful and full of life. They want images that capture their personalities and relationship in a genuine way. Our artistic style is consistent; a benefit that comes from experience and a long term, creative partnership. We accept a limited number of weddings per year which keeps our creativity fresh and our workflow happy.
What are the common misconceptions about your services?
Sometimes couples don't realize that Colette is a professional makeup artist. She offers makeup for the bride and/or her party by request. A perk to our team photography with beauty is the bride will have her makeup artist with her all evening—touch-ups are included at no extra charge!
What drew you to this field/how did you get started?
We met on the set of a fashion shoot as photographer and makeup artist. We continue to work in the commercial side of the photography industry, mainly print-media. We started photographing weddings after we were married. We love the people that we meet and that we can work together.
Tell us about a favorite, unusual or very interesting moment at a wedding:
Photographing a three-day wedding in India. The ancient ceremonial rituals combined with the sound of drums, the scent of curry and burning juniper, the beauty of the people wearing traditional silks held at a magnificent 15th century Raj Fort in Neemrana. Pretty unforgettable!
What makes a wedding memorable for you? The people. The love that is shared amongst family and friends.
What have weddings taught you?
Photographing live events has refined our intuitive skills as a team. We've also learned how to make people feel at ease in front of the camera.
What is the best advice you give a couple when planning their wedding?
Hire a wedding planner and if you think it's not in the budget, meet with a few before you decide for sure. Weddings are an orchestration of vendors and good timing. Let someone with experience help you have a wedding day the way you want to remember it—fully present and carefree.
If you could have any superpower on the job, what would it be? To control the sunlight!
What's your favorite quote?
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." —John Muir
What's your favorite marriage advice? Show your appreciation often!
Extracurricular activities: Mountain biking, hiking, cooking for friends, tending our organic garden, teaching photography workshops, landscape photography, reading in bed, back-country skiing.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you do instead? John: Own a bike shop and a bed & breakfast / Colette: Healing Arts practitioner.
What's your favorite way to wind down after a hard day?
John: Play my guitar / Colette: A soak in the tub, listening to John play guitar.
Tell us about your pets, if you have any. Maxine our black "wonder" cat that found her way to us by stowing away somewhere in the undercarriage of our truck and jumping out onto our front lawn after a ride on the freeway. John noticed this little black cat when he parked his truck at the trailhead to go for bike ride. So we know where she hitched her ride.
What are some of your favorite places to eat—either everyday spots or special occasion splurges? La Super Rica in Ventura.
Tell us about your kids, if you have any. We have two daughters: Emma Jane and Claire. They're both cellists and artists with an adventurous spirit and love of nature and wild places.
About This Company
John and Colette’s love story began when they met on the set of a commercial advertising job—John was the photographer and Colette was the makeup artist. They’ve worked on hundreds of photography projects ranging from advertising to documentaries that have taken them to incredible locations around the world, collaborating with many remarkable and talented people.
After their own marriage, they realized that their combined skill-set was perfectly suited for weddings—which inspired them to launch this unique team photography and beauty company. John and Colette say that photographing weddings together is fun and gratifying. They especially appreciate the time shared with the couples they are fortunate enough to meet and work with, while being part of an event that is meaningful and significant.
John and Colette photography & beauty Covers These Areas:
Southern California
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- San Fernando Valley
- San Gabriel Valley / Pasadena
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Temecula Wine Country
- Ventura
- And other areas by special arrangement.
(What's this?)
This is a list of the areas that John and Colette photography & beauty normally serves. However, be sure to ask them if they’ll be able to work at your particular location.
In Business Since 2007
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