May Iosotaluno is a wedding photographer based in Los Angeles, California, specialising in candid, photojournalistic photography. With experience in intimate elopements and luxury weddings, May Iosotaluno serves all of Southern California and is available for destination weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I photographed my first wedding in the redwoods of Northern California in 2015, and I have never looked back. After documenting over 140 celebrations – it’s the humanity in weddings – the community, the ritual, the joy – that keep me inspired.
My work is artistic yet unfussy - a fun mix of candid approach and editorial flair. My creative journey began while studying at USC film school and grew during my time working at Pixar. These experiences instilled a deep appreciation for honest, visual storytelling. I aim to create timeless photographs of couples and their loved ones that feel personal and will be cherished 30 years down the road.
What would you like couples to know about you?
My goal is to make sure my couples always feel beautiful, supported, and seen. As a photographer, I try to cultivate a safe space for couples to be themselves, where every culture, gender expression, and age can feel proud and excited to celebrate their love.
Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles, California.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes, I love to travel for work and about one-third of my work is destination. Some of my favorite weddings have been in San Miguel de Allende, Park City, Northern Spain, Ireland, and Lake Como, It.
How would you describe your style?
Candid, relaxed, sincere, with an editorial flair.
What is your most memorable career moment?
I once documented a wedding where the bride unexpectedly lost both her parents - her mom a few months before the wedding, her dad the week of the celebration. It was a devastating loss and as one can imagine, an emotional day. I’ll always remember getting the thank you note from the bride. She confessed how she was worried that all she would see was her grief in the images, but instead — she was finally able to see how wonderful the day was through the photographs. She was able to re-experience her day through the lens of joy and love. I felt really proud to be a wedding photographer that day.
What inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by the feeling of sonder - the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. I learn something from each and every one of my couples on how to live and love.
I also find inspiration in other art forms such as literature, live music, and interior design. I love slow travel, deep conversations, female friendships, and spending time in Mother Nature.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I know firsthand what it’s like to have a photo taken where you feel seen, truly like yourself. It’s a rare and beautiful feeling. I also know what it’s like to lose a loved one and how cherished photos are a way to hold them close. My motivation is to provide these gifts to as many people as possible.
How would you describe your working style?
As an empath, I’m very attuned to my couples’ emotions and work hard to channel the energy they need at a given point in the wedding day. I am unobtrusive and laid back in my working style, as well as supportive and fun. I want it to feel like it’s your friend documenting your day.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I shoot both digital and film formats; each medium provides a different creative purpose and feel.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes, I prepare custom, personalized proposals for every couple based on their unique photo needs.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I love my Super 8mm short film offering. With a background in filmmaking, I know firsthand that traditional videography can sometimes make the wedding day feel like a film set. I wanted something simple and unobtrusive for my couples. Naturally soft, grainy, imperfect — Super 8mm is back to the basics in its simplicity. Time and time again, I have witnessed a playful magic that can’t be felt or replicated with modern video.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Marrakech, South of France, Wyoming, and Hawaii.
Who is your dream client?
I am lucky to work with my dream clients on every wedding. They are kind, down to earth souls who prefer candids over posed photographs. They live open-heartedly and wear their emotions on their sleeves. They embrace the non-traditional. They appreciate good design and love a damn good dance party.
How do you select music to your films?
For Super 8mm, the goal is for the wedding film to be as personal as possible. Therefore, I ask couples to make a shortlist of 5-10 songs that are meaningful to them from a variety of music genres. From there, I will experiment and select the song that most strongly matches the wedding day footage.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Your wedding day is not a photoshoot. It is a celebration where photos happen to be taken.
I’ve learned firsthand from my own wedding that your favorite memories are never the moments that were planned. Just think - you can't even envision the best parts of your day! That should feel liberating. Therefore, leave room for spontaneity and kismet.
And finally, trust and lean on your vendors. They want to go above and beyond for you.
