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 never came here to charge luxury rates. I come from nothing and don't need much more than I have. Average rates will cover the time and 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 aroubd 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.

I strive to create a comfortable environment, in front of and around the lens. So share that sense of humor, I'm impossible to offend. Let's crack a brew and swap stories. Ask me questions, if it's wedding related, I've probably got answers. I can tie a tie and bustle a dress, I'm there to lend a hand.

I'm down for anything. If you want to bushwack 10 miles to your elopement waterfall, let's go. If you're having a pirate wedding, I want to bring a cutlass. Pop the champagne in my direction, that shot will be wicked. Whether you're dancing with fire or wandering waist-deep in the ocean, I'm ready to be right there alongside you capturing every moment.

For optimal quality, the most current portfolio, and loads of information, please visit our website!

Tons of updated information at www.weddingphotographerguy.com.

For more of our work and what we do with the other half of our lives, please check out www.nilasphotography.com.

We hope you'll check it out!