PHOTOGRAPHER | Khaki Bedford

Based in Brooklyn and Nashville, Khaki Bedford began as a one-woman practice and has now grown into a small collective of like-minded artists who help bring the vision to life. The team offers wedding photography for art lovers, creatives and non-conformists — couples who want their wedding photos to be a reflection of who they are and who embrace the imperfect. Khaki Bedford's work lives somewhere between documentary and editorial, guided by instinct and energy rather than formulas or shot lists.

What would you like couples to know about you?

Energy and connection are everything to me. I’m not interested in stiff poses or perfect performances — I want my couples to be fully in the moment on their day. Creating a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere is key to that and it’s something I really pride myself on.

Outside of weddings and personal work, I love to collaborate with like-minded designers and female-run small businesses on creative and branding projects. Some recent projects have included: Loulette Bridal, Altare, Abortion Care TN and A Shop of Things.

Where are you based?

Brooklyn and Nashville.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes.

How would you describe your style?

A vibe. Colorful, edgy, cinematic, playful.

A mix of candid, snapshot-style photography that feels elevated and intimate, balanced with carefully composed editorial frames that feel more album cover than wedding pose. I’m just as interested in the in-between moments as much as the iconic ones.

What is your most memorable career moment?

One that always comes to mind is getting to photograph the wedding of a musician client who is in a little band called the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I was a total fan girl but of course played it cool when they reached out. During the reception, the band played a very intimate show for their inner circle — no stage, no spectacle. It was a true pinch-me moment... one of those very real NYC experiences that reminded me why I love what I do and why I love New York. Since then, I’ve been invited to photograph one of their concerts and contribute images to the album artwork which was a really cool full circle moment.

What inspires you?

I’m most inspired by my couples — their energy and the connection I have with them. That exchange is a huge part of why I love what I do.

Film has also been a major influence on me. Growing up with a director brother, I was immersed early on with films by Harmony Korine, Larry Clark, and David Lynch — where I fell in love with the strange and uncomfortable, the gritty and the real. Those films pulled me toward subcultures, outsiders, and a punk sensibility that still runs through my work today — in the way I shoot, edit, and approach the work.

Photography-wise, I was drawn to the greats early on while in art school — Cartier-Bresson and his decisive moments, Danny Lyon’s ability to get inside a story, Martin Parr’s humor and bold use of color and William Eggleston’s way of making the overlooked feel important. I later worked in Digital Imaging at Magnum Photos and that was a real full-circle moment — going from studying these photographers in college to working alongside and supporting some of the very ones who helped shape the medium.

How would you describe your working style?

Instinct-led and collaborative. I read the energy of the room, adapt as things unfold and know when to step into the mix and when to slip away. I bring a calm and ease to the day for my couples — this really comes across in the work as it allows couples to let go and fully be themselves in the moment.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot both. Digital keeps me grounded in the flow of the day, while film comes out more instinctively. When I am shooting film, the more experimental the better — it’s all about embracing the imperfections (both intentional and unintentional) — whether I am shooting with hand-fogged film, create my own light leaks, shooting with Holga and other toy cameras or layering multiple exposures. I live for the mystery of it all and am like a child on Christmas morning every time I get the scans back from the lab. Because of this, the film images feel distinctly different from the digital work, offering a contrasting perspective that complements the overall collection rather than mimicking it.

Who is your dream client?

Couples who connect deeply with the work and trust me completely from the start.

How do you select music for your films?

I usually let my couples choose. Music is incredibly personal — it carries nostalgia, memory, and meaning — and I want the films to feel like them, not a reflection of my taste or brand. The music sets the emotional tone and when it’s something they truly connect to, it elevates the entire film.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Stay true to you. Don’t do things just because they’re on a checklist or because someone says you should.

Eat the food. Give yourself space to breathe. Don’t feel obligated to talk to every guest. This is your celebration — you’re meant to be in it, not hosting it. Let yourself be celebrated and enjoy.

Khaki Bedford Photography

Website: khakibedfordphoto.com

Instagram: @khakibedfordphoto