MOT photography

Hey there! I’m Tom, your go-to wedding and elopement photographer based in Bend, Oregon. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m all about family life with my amazing wife, Haley, and our spirited daughter, Sunny. We’re big on community and love lifting up those around us. Plus, I’m a huge fan of the great outdoors and make it a point to donate 5% of every photo shoot to local nonprofits that protect our beautiful open spaces.

My photography style? Think bold, lush colors with a shallow depth of field. I aim to capture those intimate, fleeting emotions that tell your epic love story. I’m fun, engaging, and deeply invested in every celebration, bringing a unique blend of energy and professional dedication that’s second to none.

Why weddings? I believe in the power of human connections and the beauty of life, even in the face of adversity. This belief drives me to capture the true spirit of individuals and the unique dynamics of their relationships. I’m here to preserve the moment, not interfere and interject. My goal is to provide a rolling catalog of memories for each and every client that is synonymous with their lifestyle.

Clients have described me as having an infectious enthusiasm that’s both heart-warming and engaging. I’m all about making you feel comfortable and capturing your authentic selves. So, if you’re looking for a photographer who’s as excited about your big day as you are, let’s chat!

Skills

Lightroom / Natural Light / Off Camera Flash / Photojournalism / Photoshop

FAQs

What inspired you to become a wedding photographer?

There’s something about weddings—the raw, unfiltered emotions, the laughter, the tears, the realness of it all. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a wedding photographer. It was a slow-burning realization that the most important moments in life aren’t staged—they unfold naturally, in fleeting seconds that deserve to be preserved.

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, and photography is my medium for that. But weddings? They’re different. They’re a perfect storm of joy, chaos, elegance, and intimacy. I get to capture the once-in-a-lifetime looks between partners, the way a dad may grip his daughter’s hand a little tighter before giving her away, the quiet, stolen moments in between the big ones. These are the things that matter.

Beyond that, I believe in the power of connection. I know how fragile and beautiful life is, which is why I do what I do—not just to take photos, but to create something tangible that you can hold onto for the rest of your lives. Your love story is epic, and it deserves to be told that way.

How would you describe your photography style?

If I had to sum it up? Bold. Vibrant. Real. I want your photos to feel like your wedding day—not just look like it.

I specialize in rich, true-to-life colors with a cinematic feel, blending natural light with dynamic compositions that make each image pop. I focus on storytelling—capturing the little moments just as much as the big ones—so when you look back at your wedding photos, it’s not just a collection of images; it’s a feeling.

I also put a big emphasis on movement and energy. Weddings aren’t static—why should your photos be? Whether it’s the wind catching your veil, a spontaneous twirl on the dance floor, or that deep exhale right before you walk down the aisle, I make sure to capture the life in every frame. Because that’s what makes a photo unforgettable—not just how it looks, but the story it tells.

How do you ensure that your clients feel comfortable and relaxed during the photo shoot?

Let’s be real—most people feel awkward in front of a camera. That’s where I come in. My goal is to make you forget it’s even there.

From our first conversation, I focus on getting to know you—not just as a client, but as people. I want to understand your personalities, your dynamic, what makes you laugh, what makes you comfortable. By the time your wedding day rolls around, I’m not just your photographer—I’m someone you trust.

During the shoot, I keep things light, fun, and easygoing. I’ll give just enough direction to make sure you look incredible, but I’ll never make you feel staged or forced. Instead of stiff poses, I guide you into natural interactions—whether it’s cracking a joke, reminiscing about how you met, or simply taking a breath and soaking in the moment together.

Bottom line? You don’t need to worry about how to pose or what to do—I’ve got you. All you have to do is show up, enjoy your day, and trust that I’ll capture you at your best.

How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the wedding day?

A luxury experience means you don’t have to think about a thing. That’s my job.

I go into every wedding with a plan—timeline discussions, venue scouting, understanding family dynamics—but I also know that weddings are unpredictable. That’s why I stay ahead of the moment. My approach is a balance of being discreet when needed and stepping in to guide when necessary.

I move through the day like a photo ninja—always watching, anticipating, and capturing moments before you even realize they’re happening. The quiet hand holds, the tear that slips out before vows even start, the way your partner looks at you when they think no one else is watching. Those are the moments I live for!

And because I know how important the people are in your life, I make sure to document all the key relationships—parents, grandparents, lifelong friends. Your wedding is one of those rare times when all your favorite people are in one place, and I ensure those connections are preserved beautifully.

What is your favorite part of the wedding day and why?

Every wedding is different, but my favorite moment? That split-second right after the ceremony.

It’s this rush of pure, uninhibited joy. You’ve just said I do, and suddenly, it’s real. You look at each other with this mix of exhilaration, love, and “Holy crap, we actually did it!” energy. The nerves disappear, the stress melts away, and it’s just you two, completely caught up in the moment. It’s hands-down one of the most emotional, electric, and photogenic moments of the day.

That, and let’s be honest—by that time, the drinks are flowing, the dance floor is warming up, and the real fun begins. I thrive in that energy, capturing all the big feels and the wild celebration that follows.

At the end of the day, I love weddings because of the people—the stories, the connections, the emotions. My job is to make sure that when you look back at your photos years from now, you don’t just remember how your wedding looked—you remember exactly how it felt.

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