PHOTOGRAPHER | Nataly Zigdon

Nataly Zigdon is a documentary photographer who works with both digital and analogue formats and is known for her genuine and caring nature as well as her playful style. She notices the little moments and those frequently missed and is drawn to couples who value authentic and real-life experiences over striving for perfection. Nataly Zigdon is based in San Francisco and travels worldwide.

Tell us about your business!

I’m a film and digital photographer based in San Francisco. I shoot a lot of home weddings and at places that feel like home. I went to art school in San Francisco and spent a lot of my time in the darkroom. I’ve spent a decade documenting weddings and treat each one as if it was my first. I deeply love what I do and when I start to feel that I don’t in its absolute, it’s time for me to move onto another job.

What would you like couples to know about you?

How much I genuinely care. Your wedding day to me is not meant to be a production or photoshoot. I’m there to document you both having a really connective and present day, and I’m there to help you have that. I use charm and humor to make people feel comfortable in front of my camera. I only want to add to your day, to be an energizing and comforting presence that allows you to be more present on your wedding day.

How would you describe your style?

Intentional, balanced. I strive for documenting the quiet strong moments as well as the playful ones. Documentary at its core. Moments that are often overlooked. Moments that to some may seem mundane but to you, they are incredibly important and cherished and so very glad that you have it documented. Moments of affection and loving interaction. I aim for genuine and timeless portraits that induce nostalgia.

A lot of my work and why I became a wedding photographer is influenced by my street photography and street portraits. Knowing that a moment is gone faster than it arrived, and being ready with eyes wide open to hit the shutter. I treat a wedding day with the same mindset — constantly watching for a moment worthy of capturing still. 

What is your most memorable career moment?

My most memorable and important moments in my career have been when I’ve been invited into spaces that are incredibly fleeting. When a couple is moving out of the city and want to remember their first apartment together. When you have to make the extremely hard decision to let go of your pup and you want to make sure I am over to document what your life looked like in its every day. When I get messages till this day that they are so grateful that I have photographed this person and that because they are no longer here. Our jobs as photographers are some of the most important, we are preserving not only memories but people. 

What inspires you?

Revisiting street photographers’ work. Vivian Maier, Weegee, Joel Meyerowitz. Joel’s book, Wild Flowers. Portrait and street work from different eras. Sophie Calle, Irving Penn, my own childhood box of photographs. My grandmother above all else.

How would you describe your working style?

Balanced. I step in when necessary and I take a step back to give space when needed. I believe that every wedding day or shoot needs a little bit of both, especially when every couple is different and needs a different amount of guidance or room to breathe. I try to read every room I’m in to adjust as needed. 

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot both film and digital. I enjoy being intentional about which medium I choose to shoot with depending on the shot or the moment. Each medium has its strengths and I love seeing which one I gravitate towards when I want to slow down and shoot with an intention or purpose, and when I want to go fast with abundance. 

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

I have a weekend collection that I absolutely love when couples choose. And I think they really love it too. I start shooting from the beginning of your weekend whether it’s a welcome dinner or a sangeet or a happy hour at a cozy restaurant and by the time I get to your wedding day, all of your guests and myself feel like we’re already old friends and they are even more comfortable in front of my camera because we already got to spend beautiful time together days before. I feel that the story of your wedding day doesn’t just start on the wedding day itself and I love documenting the entire story for you. 

Who is your dream client?

I attract and am drawn to couples who are more focused on genuine and true to life moments rather than perfectionism or forcing an emotion or scene. I enjoy working with like minded individuals - ones who let go of expectations and flow with the day’s arrival. 

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Listen to your gut. It will be your compass during this entire process. You don’t need to include everyone in all of your wedding plans, sometimes other opinions mess with our heads. Say no to the events and traditions and aspects that you don’t want to incorporate into your wedding, and say yes to the things that celebrate who you both are. Also know that a wedding day can be an anxious and overwhelming day for some. Appoint what I call an ‘emotional anchor’, someone you trust to plant your feet to the ground and slow your nervous system enough to be present. You’ll hear this forever - but it all really does go by so fast, that finding tangible ways to stay present or bring yourself back to the presence is something I would think on before the day comes. And yes, your partner can absolutely be your emotional anchor - having a code word or gesture is a really sweet and playful way to let them know when you need it in the moment. I am many times the emotional anchor for my couples and am honored to be.

Nataly Zigdon

Website: natalyzigdonweddings.com

Instagram: @natalyzigdonphoto