Welcome to Vendor Dispatch, where we chat with our vendor partners about their approach to working with couples, the ceremony from their point of view, and the magic that happens behind the scenes. Want to be featured? Email kim@artofeloping.com.
Who: Andrea Salazar
Does: Owner and Lead Creative Photographer, Andrea Salazar Photography
Based: Washington, DC
Behind the Scenes
What’s your daily routine during the week, when you’re doing all the BTS work that couples don’t see? After I get out of bed around 7 a.m., I make my favorite tea, matcha green tea, and sit outside on my balcony to appreciate the morning and give thanks for a new day. I typically start answering emails and editing work around 9-9:30 a.m. I take a break around lunchtime to start working at my other home job until 5-6:00 p.m. and then continue to work on editing photos or creating content.
Top 5 Playlist Songs:
- “No Lie,” Dua Lipa ft. Sean
- “Tears Dry On Their Own,” Amy Winehouse
- “Flightless Bird, American Mouth,” Iron & Wine
- “Haven’t Seen It Yet,” Daniel Gokey
- “Viento,” Gianluca Vacchi
Drinks on your desk: Matcha green tea with oat milk, cinnamon, and honey, and water.
Favorite thing to eat while you work: Seaweed, dates, tangerines, salt and vinegar chips.
Outfit: I love to wear casual laid back clothes while I work from home. Depending on what I’m in the mood for, I sometimes wear jeans, oversized sweaters/shirts, midi dress, bell pants, or yoga pants. My favorite brands are H&M, Ann Taylor, Jones New York, Banana Republic, and Zara. I mostly go thrifting when I want to find something unique—I like to collect vintage pieces, ’70s-80s fashion.
In the Field
Fave places to shoot around DC:
- Spanish Steps
- Hillwood Gardens
- Dumbarton Gardens
- Lincoln Memorial
- The Capitol
- Georgetown Waterfront
- The Arboretum
What got you into wedding/elopement photography? I connected with a photo and video multicultural wedding company about five years ago that taught me so much about different cultural weddings, and I absolutely loved it. I love weddings because I get to create beautiful flatlays, shoot the bride’s first look, and reactions. This year I got the chance to do two elopements and I loved the simplicity and special moments. While doing elopements, I love hearing the vows and how stunning the bride and groom look for their first portraits as newlyweds.
How would you describe your aesthetic? Bold, edgy, a touch of moody, free spirit, boho.
What are your favorite destinations to shoot in? I haven’t traveled outside of the DC area for any elopements yet, but I would love to go to Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Seattle, Portland, and Florida.
Any fave venues? Fathom Gallery, St. Francis Hall, and Josephine Butler Parks Center.
What do you feel are the biggest differences between shooting an elopement vs a bigger wedding? An elopement is a short intimate ceremony done for two people who just want to travel somewhere and get married, without telling all your friends and family. Just the closest family are there to witness their love. I love that some elopements include a bite of cake with a glass of champagne to celebrate. There is more time dedicated for the couple and their portraits. Bigger weddings are for everyone to celebrate with the couple who is getting married. More detail, decor, guests, bigger cake, a nice dinner, loud party and more time to drink up! Weddings are fun and good memories to have with all your loved ones.
Who or what inspires you? My father inspires me; he’s an artist and sees everything so differently in color. He always pushes me to become the best person I can be. I have my grandma as a role model for how hard she worked to be who she is now. There are a few photographers who I am so inspired by and motivate me to do big things. Create new projects, learn new things, meet other professionals and share the same inspiration with others.
What are your guidelines for couples and yourself during the pandemic? I take very good care of my health and others around me. Every booking I get, I will send out a COVID-19 liability waiver where you can review and agree to the terms. I will make sure I always wear a mask, I sanitize my hands every minute I can and keep my distance. I will work with zoom lenses to keep a distance from you and your loved ones and still be able to capture beautiful portrait images for your special day.
Biggest piece of advice for couples making the switch from a big wedding to a micro wedding or elopement: Just enjoy it every step of the way—you’ll still get married to the love of your life, and it will be so special. I believe intimate micro weddings look more romantic because it focuses on the couple instead of everyone and everything in it. Plan for a small cake, a toast, and invite your family and closest friends. It’s definitely a beautiful memory to take with you when you grow older.
What you wish couples knew before they booked you (pandemic aside): I want to make sure you know who I am before you book me. We’ll have an initial call consultation where I can learn more about you and your soon-to-be husband/wife as well as you getting to know me more on another level. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions about my pricing and how I typically run weddings. If you like what you see in my portfolio, then we are definitely the right fit for your wedding/elopement.
To hire Andrea for your elopement or intimate ceremony, message her via her vendor profile.
