We'll start by talking about your vision for both your engagement and wedding. How you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided we'll get to know each other further on your engagement shoot, from which you can expect 20+ images for your wedding announcement and invitations. Before the wedding I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day my associate shooter and I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin our work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer we may quietly disappear into the crowd like embedded photojournalists or subtly guide you into light that is falling just right. Regardless of your desired approach we will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end we'll check in with you to make sure we've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

San Francisco, CA, USA

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Christopher Howard

Instagram

Deluxe Wedding Photography (10 Hours, 2 Photographers, Engagement Session)

We'll start by talking about your vision for how you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day my associate shooter and I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin our work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer we may quietly disappear into the crowd like embedded photojournalists or subtly guide you into light that is falling just right. Regardless of your desired approach we will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end we'll check in with you to make sure we've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

Full Day 2-Shooter Wedding Photography (8 Hours, 2 Photographers)

We'll start by talking about your vision for how you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin the work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer I may quietly disappear into the crowd like an embedded photojournalist or subtly guide you into the beautiful or interesting light. Regardless of your desired approach I will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end we'll check in with you to make sure we've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

Standard Wedding Photography (6 Hours, 1 Photographer)

We'll start by talking about your vision for how you'd like each day to proceed, the approach to photography you prefer, and images you've seen that inspire. After creative direction is decided I'll consult with you or your planner on itinerary, locations, and movement on the day of. On your wedding day I will arrive early and check in with you and/or your coordinator, then begin the work of capturing the day. Depending on the approach you prefer I may quietly disappear into the crowd like an embedded photojournalist or subtly guide you into the beautiful or interesting light. Regardless of your desired approach I will capture all the details, portraits, candids, group shots, and decisive event moments in images that look how things felt. At the end I'll check in with you to make sure I've captured everything you'd like to have captured before departing, backing up all your files redundantly before traveling, and delivering a teaser image by the next morning. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 3-6 weeks after the wedding.

Full Day Wedding Photography (8 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Half Day Wedding Photography (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Second Shooter

Extra Hours (Per Hour)

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photography (2 Hours, 1 Photographer)

We'll start by talking about your vision for your engagement shoot. Locations, styling, engagement, images you've seen that inspire. A week before your shoot we'll have a call to go over the plan, and the day before I'll confirm with you that the weather is cooperating (bad weather can be particularly beautiful, but may require rescheduling). Depending on your preferred approach we'll capture images that look candid even if posed, in locations that are meaningful, beautiful, perhaps both, evocative of your love and connection. Your full image gallery with unlimited high res downloads will be available 1-3 weeks after the wedding.

Standard Engagement Session (1 Hour, 1 Photographer)

Deluxe Engagement Session (2 Hours, 1 Photographer)

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All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

cream and sage

Hello, there! I&rsquo;m delighted to guide you through preparing for your engagement session. This is an exciting stage and I&rsquo;m thrilled to be part of it. As a photographer with over a decade of experience, I can assure you that a well-planned engagement session results in amazing photos that you&rsquo;ll cherish for many years to come.
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Let's start with outfit choices. Dressing up for your engagement shoot is a chance to express your individual and collective style. Consider outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Complement each other&rsquo;s attire but avoid overly matchy outfits. A blend of casual and formal outfits offers variety. Remember, the focus is on you two as a couple, so don't let the clothes steal the show.
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Now, let's talk about selecting locations. The backdrop of your photos should be as unique as your love story. Are you both nature lovers? Maybe a shoot in the park or by the beach would be perfect. If you're city dwellers, an urban environment with architectural elements can add a dynamic touch to your photos. Remember, the location should resonate with your personal story and interests.
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Then, there's the question of posing ideas. Don't worry, I'll be there to guide you. However, it's great if you have some ideas up your sleeve. Look for inspiration in magazines and online, but remember the best poses are those that feel natural to you. Candid shots often capture the genuine connection between couples. So, don't fear the spontaneous moments &ndash; they often make the best photos!
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An engagement session allows us to get to know each other better. It&rsquo;s a chance for you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and for me to understand your dynamics as a couple. This session sets the stage for a successful wedding day shoot.
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I understand that being in front of the camera can be a little daunting. But don&rsquo;t worry, that&rsquo;s completely normal. My goal is to make sure that you feel relaxed and enjoy the process. At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s not just about beautiful photos, it&rsquo;s about having a great time together.
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I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and excited for your engagement session. It's an honor to capture your love story and I can't wait to create beautiful memories together. Here's to an amazing shoot and even more amazing photos!

Preparing for Your Engagement Session: A Guide for Couples

Capturing Moments, Crafting Memories: Meet Your Photographer.

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Absolutely incredible photos. Chris was such a pleasure to work with—required zero guidance, made everyone so comfortable, ended up with a gorgeous portrait of every single guest, mellow, fun to have at the party. Made a very camera shy bride totally at ease. Cannot recommend Chris enough.

Hanne & David

Chris is a phenomenal photographer. He is incredibly kind, professional, and experienced. He possesses that rare gift of being a calm, unobtrusive presence which both puts subjects at ease and captures their essences in intimate, iconic, and forever treasured moments. I would highly recommend Christopher as a photographer for weddings or events, having worked with him in both large and small scale settings. We LOVE him so much, he's photographed four weddings in our family! Can't think of a higher recommendation than that!

Nadia and John

Chris Howard and his team were incredible from start to finish. My wife and I got married in Muir Woods and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Chris's attention to detail and unique style truly captured the essence of our day. Every time we look at our photos, we're transported back to that moment, and it's all thanks to Chris's remarkable talent. He went above and beyond in every way, making sure we had memories we'll cherish forever. We wholeheartedly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!

Katy and David

I'm a wedding planner and have worked with dozens of wedding photographers.  I'm also super self conscious and camera shy.  I prefer to be behind the scenes.  So at my own wedding I wanted someone who could capture all the genuine emotion of the day without it feeling like there was a photographer there.  There was never a question who I would hire.  Chris is hands down the best photographer of people I've ever worked with.  In our elopement with 30 guests he got great images of literally every single person, both candid and portrait.  He somehow charmed my 97-year-old grandmother and got amazing photos of her laughing.  And of every image of me I loved.  I really don't know how he did it.  I'm so grateful, thank you Chris

Abbey and Jack

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me.

"Hello!  I'm Chris, a husband, girl dad (second one due July 2025!), and photographer in San Francisco.  Originally from Buffalo, I had stops in Nashville and New York before deciding to make my home among the endless inspiration that is the American West.
Long story short, I love photographing people.  Particularly at joyous, once-in-a-lifetime events.  It fills my soul to just be there, and to be granted the duty and honor of helping preserve and expand memories, it's as meaningful for me to have played a role as the resulting images hopefully will be for you.
After 15+ years of professional work, the technical side of things - nailing the moments, the reactions, and getting great details and candids - is kinda written into my bones. I've shot somewhere north of 100 weddings and 1000 other events. I just can't help but see light falling on people and things, how it shapes them, and be drawn to the moments when people come alive. To see the beauty that is human connection, capture moments that tell the story of it, and if the opportunity arises, throw in a little creativity :)
Many of the people I've photographed have become close friends. Others started as friends and became clients! Even my high school JV volleyball coach from Buffalo, NY, getting married for the first time in his 50s, had me shoot his destination wedding in Napa (bonus: he and his bride just attended my wedding)!
I suppose this hints at the other thing I can't not do, which is simply connect with people. Whether personally as a friend or just as the observer of others' connection happening in real time, I'm drawn to it, and if I have a camera, seek to capture it in a way that helps keep that connection alive.
It makes me smile every time I see, five or ten years after the wedding, the bride or groom posting yet another image with excitement like it was yesterday.
"