Coral Dove Studios are a small studio of film photographers and super 8 videographers that strive to create honest and ethereal snapshots of life, with a focus on honesty and storytelling. Based on the US East Coast and available worldwide, Coral Dove Studios strive to take images that transform you back to a specific moment in time.
What would you like couples to know about you?
All are welcome! We welcome all people, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, religions, and body types with open arms.
When you see your wedding images we want you to remember the sunset you saw when you stepped outside, the coolness of the air, the smell of the flowers nearby, and the overall feeling from your wedding. We always strive to take photos that, years from now, transport you back to that day.
We don't want to invent the moments, we want to document how they happen. We want to capture it all-the tears that roll down your cheek as your partner walks down the aisle, the kiss away from the crowd when you’re celebrating each other in a small, quiet way. If there’s one thing we can promise you, it’s that we don’t just show up and click a button. We dive headfirst into your day so you have those moments to look back on.
Where are you based?
We are based up and down the East Coast, US. We primarily work in New York, Baltimore and Tennessee and love shooting new places!
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes, We travel for almost all weddings we photograph. We love that aspect of our work, between experiencing new places and venues we stay inspired to create unique and exciting images.
How would you describe your style?
Ethereal and nostalgic snapshots of life, with a focus on honesty and storytelling. We love candid photos taken of inbetween moments.
What is your most memorable career moment?
It’s difficult to choose just one but shooting a wedding on the 67th floor in NYC was a surreal and memorable moment!
What inspires you?
Our work is inspired by the beauty of nature; the flowers, animals and simplicity of everyday life. We are also so inspired by Criterion Films, jazz on the record player and any and every art museum.
Each couples relationship and those they surround themselves with inspire us. We are particularly interested in connecting with artists who create something unique and beautiful in their own way. We love being a part of people's lives and capturing such important moments in their lives.
What motivates you to do what you do?
We truly love the simplicity of human connection and enjoy documenting that with an artful perspective.
How would you describe your working style?
We have loose timelines set up for the day and just go with the flow from there. We like to be as hands off as possible to allow the real moments to unfold. This keeps us on our toes looking for all the small details that make a full wedding story. We like to say that your wedding photos are a collaboration and we love hearing about couples visions throughout the planning process.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
We use both digital and film in 35mm, 120 and Super 8 formats.
We strive to show the day as it was, which is why we primarily use film. We believe that film gives an authenticity to the images that digital cannot. We’re passionate about creating beautiful, timeless images that capture the joy and emotion of the day.
The nostalgic feel of film is unmistakable. When you see a photo taken on a film camera you can automatically tell it’s analog, which makes it truly one of a kind.
Another reason we love shooting film is that it’s a slower, more intentional process than shooting digital. The photographer has to physically wind the film, focus manually and take the photo which allows us to soak in the moment.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Each wedding varies in coverage so we are more than happy to create custom packages for any couple.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
We genuinely love photographing full wedding weekends. That includes photographing the rehearsal dinner which can hold so much joy and excitement, photographing the wedding day and photographing the events that happen the day after the wedding. When we go along for the wild ride that is a full wedding weekend we are able to immerse ourselves in and capture the events authentically.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
To photograph a wedding in Tuscany would be a dream come true. We would also love to photograph a multi-day celebration in India. We would love to venture to Ireland - the lush open spaces would be a perfect backdrop for a wedding. We love adventure!
Who is your dream client?
Anyone who is head over heels in love and is focused on experiencing their life fully!
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Ignore all the 'rules'! Design a wedding that makes you and your partner happy and excited to experience together. Don’t be afraid to do things differently and look for inspiration outside the wedding world!
