PHOTOGRAPHER | Studio Thao

New York-based Studio Thao focuses on intimate weddings and portraiture, balancing a documentary approach with an editorial twist and leading with playfulness. Her imagery is classic, emotive yet relatable and she works in both film and digital formats. With a calm, kind and collaborative approach, Studio Thao takes time to get to know each of her couples deeply, ensuring she tells each story with complete authenticity.

Where are you based?

I call Brooklyn, NY home.

Do you travel for weddings?

While I love covering a quintessentially New York City wedding, yes! I would happily travel for my couples.

How would you describe your style?

I love a paradox: untraditional yet honest, raw yet refined, beautiful yet unfussy. I think of my photography style that way - my imagery is classic, emotive yet relatable. I love playing with light, color, and movement to add an artful twist. My approach includes providing clients direction where needed, which is typically regarded as “editorial” but the end result still feels very authentic and candid.

What inspires you?

My photography is largely influenced by my lifelong penchant for fashion along with: contemporary classical music, old bookstores, mood boarding, outtakes, graphic design, 90s J.CREW catalogs, 1950s couture, interior design, ceramics, the Impressionist period, tones of the Baroque era, and my travels abroad. Having so much inspiration outside of weddings fuels the creativity I bring to my clients.

How would you describe your working style?

I’m a very keen and discerning observer–I embrace spontaneity, beautiful light, and your best angles. My approach is comforting and curious and I’ll happily offer guidance as needed.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot a balance of film (35mm and 120mm) and digital.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Yes I do! I have offerings for multi-day coverage, night-before coverage, engagement shoots, and city hall coverage for weddings abroad– all of which can be crafted into a custom package that includes travel.

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

Film isn’t an add-on–it’s included as part of my package. Offering both digital and film imagery helps me tell a more diverse story, so you don’t have to worry about paying per roll.

Who is your dream client?

Creatives (at heart, professionally, or both) with a willingness to be open and playful. Those who want their day, no matter how big or small, to feel intimate and authentic.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

In terms of photography, imagine yourself looking through your wedding album 10 years from now. What do you want to remember? If you work backwards from there, you may unearth the things that actually matter most. Stick to those values–the rest is extra!

Studio Thao

Website: studiothao.com

Instagram: @studiothao