PHOTOGRAPHER | Raina Virginia

Portland-based Raina Virginia is a documentarian at heart, with a love for editorial photography. Her perspective is greatly influenced by film photography, which demands a slow focus even in fast-paced scenes, which is the backbone to her approach. With over 9 years experience, Raina Virginia simply never gets tired of capturing a love story and all the secret moments in between.

Tell us about your business! 

I feel so lucky to regularly be a witness to wedding days. Working as a wedding photographer is such a unique position. I get to be both a collaborator and an archivist of consistently once-in-a-lifetime days. My goal is to provide you with artful and earnest documentation of your milestones. Film photography is the backbone to my approach, grounding me in the moment and resulting in images that feel both intentional and spontaneous.

What would you like couples to know about you? 

Finding a photographer is more than the photos. You’re going to spend your wedding day with this vendor, unlike other vendors whose services take place behind the scenes. I’d like to be a calming, unobtrusive presence woven into your day, capturing the subtle and the not-so-subtle moments.

Where are you based? 

Pacific Northwest! I live in Portland, Oregon.

Do you travel for weddings? 

Yes! I travel often and joyfully. I would love to have some international weddings in my future.

How would you describe your style? 

My style is where editorial and documentary intersects. Artful interpretation of light and colors while documenting the small glances and the big smiles. My images are filled with sincerity, nostalgia, movement, and emotion.

How would you describe your working style? 

I approach every celebration with equal excitement and preparation. I once had a wedding guest comment on my work with the sweetest review I’ve ever received. 

He said, “It is rare to watch a photographer work the room like a background dancer, fluid, hitting the marks, but never, ever intruding on the featured performers. Never making the art of recording a specific moment a moment of their own needs, art in service”

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both? 

I utilize both film and digital formats, however analog documentation has my heart.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs? 

Flexibility is key. Truthful and artistic documentation isn’t one size fits all. You can absolutely view my packages as a jumping off point, to give you an idea of what your photography coverage could look like. Feel free to reach out with any questions, additions, extra rolls of film etc.

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

Simply put, film photography. Making film photos shifts the focus from attention to intention. The joy of wedding days is not the perfection of a moment, it’s the humanity of it. There’s a special feeling, texture, and essence in analog documentation that’s nearly impossible to replicate. I just think it’s a special kind of magic. 

I’m also so excited to be adding Super 8 documentation to my offerings this year!

Where would you love to travel to for work? 

The dream, of course, is internationally. I recently visited Europe for the first time and fell head over heels, like every good tourist does. I envision Italian villa weddings, cozy gatherings at a wine bar in Paris, and countryside celebrations in my future.

What is your advice to couples getting married? 

If you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong. I’m devastated by the trend of couples feeling fatigued and overwhelmed by the process of wedding planning. I’m not naive, I know the financial stress is real and I know that making decision after decision can feel daunting, but in my eyes, the overarching experience should be joyful. If that baseline feeling doesn’t exist, maybe pause and reevaluate for a minute. Is communication with a vendor not sitting right with you? Is the guest list getting away from you? Try your best to have fun with the planning of the day and not just the day itself.

Raina Virginia Photo 

Website: rainavirginia.com 

Instagram: @rainavirginia