Wedding Photographer Guy
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"We chose Michael because of his fantastic portfolio, and because our wedding was going to be largely..."
"Michael aka The Wedding Photographer Guy was an amazing photographer for our wedding. He was..."
About this vendor
Confident, impossible to offend, kind, calming, and inexpensive considering wealth of experience.
I'm Michael and I'm the Wedding Photographer Guy. I work closely with my partner, Rose, to create an alternative, all-inclusive, professional wedding, elopement, and engagement photography service dedicated to providing a laid-back and authentic photography experience. We are also known as Nilas Photography and own and operate Cobalt Studios PDX, Portland's premiere photo studio and camera-centric community building space.
So, why photograph weddings?
The answer isn't the industry.
No. The wedding industry and photography are not the same. The wedding industry itself is the only part I don't like, couples excluded.
The answer isn't the money.
I'm not here to charge luxury rates. I come from nothing and don't need much more than I have. So long as I can cover the bills at the end of the day.
I do weddings and elopements because I enjoy being the odd one out in this industry.
I work with couples because I think love is badass. I feel it should be expressed and represented truthfully. Candidly.
I do this because the industry can be such a craphole at times, and I want to create some solace in the intense process of planning and undertaking a wedding. To be an anchor and a positive aspect throughout.
I do this because I love a sense of community. Because I love to build mine and I love to witness others.
I do this because it keeps me on my toes, shooting in new places and unexpected conditions. It keeps my craft sharp.
I'm still doing it, 200+ weddings later, because I can handle it. Because I love it. Capturing moments for couples, expected and the unexpected, gives me a fulfillment that no other subject compares to. Because it's a gift to be granted this position, and I feel genuinely thankful.
Though I know my way around a camera, in my own opinion, such a small fraction of what a good photographer brings to the table is technical photography skills.
Knowing your wedding photographer is IMPORTANT. Your photographer can easily make or break your day. Feel able to be authentic, enjoy your day and your community, don't feel like you're at a big photoshoot, and harness the benefit of the wealth of experiences from someone who's seen lots couples tying the knot!
Your wedding is a time to kick back and celebrate your love, and your loved ones while you party your ass off. My job is more than just a job. It's a gratefully accepted challenge and extension of my artistic passions. It keeps my camera strapped around my neck where it belongs and I feel beyond fortunate for what I do. I want to be right there celebrating with you and experiencing all the laughter, adventure, tears, nervous sweats, brews chugged, cake smashed, that one friend who really likes to shake it on the dance floor... all of it, right through the viewfinder. With every click of the shutter, a memory immortalized.
READ MORE...
www.weddingphotographerguy.com
Experience
10 years in business
We speak English
Weddings with this vendor
Sophia & Michael
152 photos
Erika & Dustin
195 photos
Sara Jane & Joey
352 photos
Lindsay & Jordan
122 photos
Tair & Jason
52 photos
Victoria & Garrett
77 photos
FAQ
Which of the following are included in the starting price?
Add'l Hours
Boudoir Shoot
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Toning
Trash The Dress
Digital Files
Matted Prints
Prints
Proofs
Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?
2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
Boudoir Shoot
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Toning
Trash The Dress
Digital Files
Prints
Proofs
What primary photographic style do you identify with?
Contemporary
Natural
Photojournalism
Traditional
What photography services do you offer?
Additional Hours
Boudoir Shoot
Destination / Travel
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
One Event / Day
Second Shooter
Wedding Portraits
What photography items do you offer?
Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints
Save the Date
Thank You Cards
Still have questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!
Reviews of Wedding Photographer Guy
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.
Review summary
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Michael, aka The Wedding Photographer Guy, received glowing reviews for his exceptional photography skills and personable nature. Reviewers highlighted his ability to capture stunning and candid moments, along with his flexibility and professionalism. Clients appreciated his friendly demeanor and the ease of communication, making him a top choice for capturing memorable events such as weddings. Many praised his artistic vision, attention to detail, and quick delivery of high-quality photos, recommending him for both weddings and special occasions.
James Sent on 09/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Best Oregon Coast Photogragher
We chose Michael because of his fantastic portfolio, and because our wedding was going to be largely outdoors and he seemed very comfortable with that. But he doesn't just take pretty pictures, he is a fantastic human, worked so hard at our wedding making sure we got the shots we wanted and came up with great and unique ideas for photos. Do not hesitate to use him and his team!
Rachel Sent on 12/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating
This guy rules!
Michael aka The Wedding Photographer Guy was an amazing photographer for our wedding. He was friendly, easy to communicate with, the photos turned out beautiful. It was like having another friend at the wedding. He went above and beyond to capture stunning moments and candid moments. People at the wedding were amazed at what he captured, sometimes the shots he took made it seem like there was a second photographer because he really got it all! I would highly recommend working with him for any photography needs you have!
Kristina Sent on 11/29/2024
5 out of 5 rating
10/10 would recommend
Michael was absolutely fantastic. We did our engagement photos and wedding with him and both were incredible experiences. He made it so easy to be in front of the camera when it can be uncomfortable. The shots we got were so fun and unique! He captured little details to big moments and everything in between. He was flexible with all the different locations we needed photos, and was exactly where he needed to be at the right time. Rose is a fun partner and was an excellent addition to our engagements and wedding. Not only great people and artists, but people we'd call friends too. I would 10/10 book again and hope to do a shoot in studio someday.
Shannon Sent on 09/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing photos and attitude!
I would absolutely use Michael again fir any family event photos! Super easy going and understanding! He's punctual and communicates well!
Stephanie Sent on 12/22/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Awesome to work with. Beautiful visuals. A real artist. 👌
I love Michael!! Found him via the Knot and we met up for drinks to get to know each other a bit more and get vibes. He's a super chill guy, and he loved my dog which is a plus.
My grandma's health started to decline in the winter so I asked if he would be able to do a last-minute engagement shoot so I could give some photos to her since the wedding was still almost a year away. He was so helpful and we got on his schedule a week and a half later, and he gave us some beautiful photos quickly after!
He also did our wedding photos. Again, a very chill experience and he was so kind to us while I was beating myself up for being 30 minutes late- -making all the photos at the site have to be a little rushed (my fault, not his!). Our dog was with us and he did his best to get her attention to look at him/the camera by making these hilarious sounds.
We invited him to dinner with our guests afterwards and he took a few photos of us at dinner cutting the cake which was lovely!
One of my favorite photos, other than the bride+groom and ceremony shots, is actually one he randomly got of my husband using a lint roller. It really brings back some little memories like that of the day.
Post-wedding: Great! I loved that it was super easy to access and download the finished photos. He gives you a code to your gallery that anyone can use, and you can create a number of favorite lists to make it easier to download specific batches (eg: list for grandma, Instagram, parents, dog, etc.). That was a major plus. You also have options to download full-resolution or web-sized, so you don't have to upload five 3GB photos to Instagram.
If you love a moody and/or color-accurate vibe, then he's definitely the artist to go for.
My grandma's health started to decline in the winter so I asked if he would be able to do a last-minute engagement shoot so I could give some photos to her since the wedding was still almost a year away. He was so helpful and we got on his schedule a week and a half later, and he gave us some beautiful photos quickly after!
He also did our wedding photos. Again, a very chill experience and he was so kind to us while I was beating myself up for being 30 minutes late- -making all the photos at the site have to be a little rushed (my fault, not his!). Our dog was with us and he did his best to get her attention to look at him/the camera by making these hilarious sounds.
We invited him to dinner with our guests afterwards and he took a few photos of us at dinner cutting the cake which was lovely!
One of my favorite photos, other than the bride+groom and ceremony shots, is actually one he randomly got of my husband using a lint roller. It really brings back some little memories like that of the day.
Post-wedding: Great! I loved that it was super easy to access and download the finished photos. He gives you a code to your gallery that anyone can use, and you can create a number of favorite lists to make it easier to download specific batches (eg: list for grandma, Instagram, parents, dog, etc.). That was a major plus. You also have options to download full-resolution or web-sized, so you don't have to upload five 3GB photos to Instagram.
If you love a moody and/or color-accurate vibe, then he's definitely the artist to go for.
Shi C. Sent on 07/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Michael is incredibly amazing!
Michael and Rose are incredible!
As a wedding planner and coordinator, it is extremely important to have a great vendor team/partnership I can work closely with to deliver a seamless wedding the couples dream of - Michael & Rose are that, the incredibly & amazingly wonderful wedding vendor/photographer team I had the great pleasure to work with.
Michael and Rose are very easy and pleasant to work with. They are professional, down-to-earth, reliable, patient, genuine, supportive and, of course, they take amazing photos! They have very strong ownership - if they say they'd do it, they would get it done GREAT! I am also very impressed by their very fast turn-around time. They sent out the wedding photos to the couple we worked with about 2 weeks after the wedding!!! Also, they are responsive to communication.
If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding or any special occasion, look no further. I highly recommend Michael and Rose because I have full confidence that you will be beyond joyfully impressed :)
I very much look forward to working with Michael and Rose in the next wedding! I know it will be amazing!
As a wedding planner and coordinator, it is extremely important to have a great vendor team/partnership I can work closely with to deliver a seamless wedding the couples dream of - Michael & Rose are that, the incredibly & amazingly wonderful wedding vendor/photographer team I had the great pleasure to work with.
Michael and Rose are very easy and pleasant to work with. They are professional, down-to-earth, reliable, patient, genuine, supportive and, of course, they take amazing photos! They have very strong ownership - if they say they'd do it, they would get it done GREAT! I am also very impressed by their very fast turn-around time. They sent out the wedding photos to the couple we worked with about 2 weeks after the wedding!!! Also, they are responsive to communication.
If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding or any special occasion, look no further. I highly recommend Michael and Rose because I have full confidence that you will be beyond joyfully impressed :)
I very much look forward to working with Michael and Rose in the next wedding! I know it will be amazing!
Sara Sent on 02/19/2023
5 out of 5 rating
World's Best Photographer
Michael was truly the greatest photographer we could have asked for! The photos were amazing and he felt like such an important part of our wedding. Months later and we are still talking about how happy we are we picked him as our photographer. He did a great job making us, and everyone around him, feel comfortable through the day!
His artistic vision and creativity are truly unmatched. For me, our photographer choice was one of our most important decisions because they are what we will keep for a lifetime! Michael goes above and beyond, he loves love, and is clearly so passionate about what he does.
His artistic vision and creativity are truly unmatched. For me, our photographer choice was one of our most important decisions because they are what we will keep for a lifetime! Michael goes above and beyond, he loves love, and is clearly so passionate about what he does.
Linda Sent on 03/11/2019
5 out of 5 rating
Nilas Photography - Yosemite Wedding Photographer
We had a destination wedding near Yosemite in August 2018. It was a multi day event and I was looking for a photographer who was flexible, and whose pictures fit my wedding's style. Nilas Photography was it. He was initially out of my budget, but I couldn't find any photographer who fit my criteria, and adjusted my budget to make him work -- and I'm SO GLAD I DID. Michael was amazing. He was there to capture all of the little moments that were important to me in my wedding, without being obtrusive.
My husband is notorious for being a poor subject for photos -- he never looks like himself because he gets all stiff. Michael and my husband got along so well, it was like they were old friends. It's amazing how this made the whole wedding seem more at ease.
Michael's photos capture the essence of the moments -- the emotions that bring the wedding day back to life when you look at them years later. Things like a curious child, a father looking at his newborn baby (my wedding was very kid friendly), and my exasperated husband.
I also wanted "the photo" -- you know what I'm talking about -- the photo that encapsulates all of the reasons why you hire a photographer in the first place -- the quintessential photo that says -- "THAT was my wedding" -- and Nilas gave that to me. I'll forever be grateful for that.
Take a look at his portfolio, and if you like his photos, hire this guy. I totally recommend him. My family was so impressed with his pictures, in fact, that he's photographing my brother's wedding in July!
My husband is notorious for being a poor subject for photos -- he never looks like himself because he gets all stiff. Michael and my husband got along so well, it was like they were old friends. It's amazing how this made the whole wedding seem more at ease.
Michael's photos capture the essence of the moments -- the emotions that bring the wedding day back to life when you look at them years later. Things like a curious child, a father looking at his newborn baby (my wedding was very kid friendly), and my exasperated husband.
I also wanted "the photo" -- you know what I'm talking about -- the photo that encapsulates all of the reasons why you hire a photographer in the first place -- the quintessential photo that says -- "THAT was my wedding" -- and Nilas gave that to me. I'll forever be grateful for that.
Take a look at his portfolio, and if you like his photos, hire this guy. I totally recommend him. My family was so impressed with his pictures, in fact, that he's photographing my brother's wedding in July!
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Are you interested?
Team
Michael Ballard
Guy with camera
Rose Gerber
Partner
Massive Community of Creatives
Camera, video, other
Map
Location
Travel range
This vendor will travel up to no travel restrictions
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Wedding Photographer Guy frequently asked questions
Wedding Photographer Guy includes the following photography services in the starting price:
- Add'l Hours
- Boudoir Shoot
- Hand-Coloring
- High-Res Images
- Multi. Locations
- One Event / Day
- Toning
- Trash The Dress
- Digital Files
- Matted Prints
- Prints
- Proofs
Wedding Photographer Guy includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
- 2nd Shooter
- Add'l Hours
- Boudoir Shoot
- Engagement Shoot
- High-Res Images
- Multi. Locations
- One Event / Day
- Toning
- Trash The Dress
- Digital Files
- Prints
- Proofs
Wedding Photographer Guy offers the following photography styles:
- Contemporary
- Natural
- Photojournalism
- Traditional
Wedding Photographer Guy offers the following photography services for weddings:
- Additional Hours
- Boudoir Shoot
- Destination / Travel
- Engagement Shoot
- High-Res Images
- One Event / Day
- Second Shooter
- Wedding Portraits
Wedding Photographer Guy offers the following photography materials for weddings:
- Albums
- Canvas
- Digital Files
- Flush Mount
- Matted Prints
- Prints
- Save the Date
- Thank You Cards
Wedding Photographer Guy is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.8 in value and 4.6 in average response time.
Wedding Photographer Guy currently offers 1 discount promotion for wedding services.