wade snider
ABOUT WADE SNIDER | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Weddings | Elopements | Adventures
Based In Lake Tahoe, Photographing Weddings Across California And Beyond
Hi, I’m Wade.
I’m a Lake Tahoe based wedding photographer, but I’m rarely in one place for long. I’m always traveling, always backpacking, always surfing. My work regularly takes me from Lake Tahoe to Santa Cruz, Coloma, Placerville, Auburn, and San Francisco, as well as destinations like Hawaii and Montana.
I photograph weddings in a way that feels real and film inspired. My images lean soft and nostalgic while keeping colors natural, honest, and true to life. I rely on natural light, subtle tones, and a timeless look that will not feel dated years from now.
A lot of photographers can take great photos. The real question is whether they can be your calm presence, your sounding board, and your trusted advisor on one of the biggest days of your life. I take that role seriously. Pinky promise.
I document your wedding day as it actually unfolds, stepping in only when needed. I’ll give you just enough direction so you never feel awkward or unsure, but never so much that it turns into a staged photoshoot. My approach is relaxed and easygoing, and most of the time you won’t even notice I’m guiding you.
You look amazing, by the way.
I want your wedding day to feel fun and comfortable, not like a stressful checklist of poses and commands. I will get the images you love with minimal interference and maximum presence.
I’m shooting photos for you, not for my portfolio.
If you’re hiring me, chances are you chose a beautiful place to get married. I pay attention to that. I layer your love into the landscape, capturing quiet moments and wide scenes just as much as the close ones. Of course I’ll photograph the details and the intimacy, but what I really excel at is showing how your connection fits naturally into the world around you.
I love film. Truly. Portra, Fuji, Agfa, all of it. That influence shows up in my work through color, contrast, and restraint. I am not interested in stripping away color for the sake of trends or turning everything orange. I want your photos to feel like your day actually felt.
Above all, I chase emotion. Hugs. Tears. Belly laughs. High fives. The moments that feel like a wedding, not a photoshoot.
We are going to have a splendid time together.
No pressure. Just great photos and good vibes.
FAQ
How would you describe your wedding photography style and approach?
My wedding photography style is documentary at its core, with a strong film inspired influence. I focus on real moments as they happen, natural light, and colors that feel honest and natural. The goal is for your photos to feel like your day actually felt, not overly posed or heavily filtered. I want your images to hold up years from now without screaming trend or feeling muted. I want you to have fun at your wedding, without feeling like it’s one big photoshoot.
What is it like to work with you on a wedding day?
It is relaxed, easygoing, and grounded. I am there to be a calming presence, not another source of stress. I pay attention to what is happening, step in when needed, and stay out of the way when it matters. You will always know what is going on, but you will never feel micromanaged.
How much direction do you give during the wedding day, especially for couples who feel awkward?
I give just enough direction to keep things comfortable and natural. You will never be left wondering what to do with your hands, but I am not going to over pose you either. Most of my direction is subtle and relaxed, and a lot of the time you will not even notice it happening. If you feel awkward in front of a camera, you are exactly the kind of couple I am used to working with.
Do you travel for weddings and elopements outside of Lake Tahoe?
Yes. I am a Lake Tahoe based wedding photographer, but I travel constantly for weddings and elopements. I regularly photograph weddings throughout Northern California, including Santa Cruz, Coloma, Placerville, Auburn, and San Francisco, as well as destination locations like Hawaii and Montana. Travel is simple and straightforward, and I will walk you through everything so there are no surprises.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples and inclusive weddings?
Yes, absolutely. I proudly photograph LGBTQ+ weddings and celebrations. My approach is inclusive, affirming, and grounded in respect. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable, seen, and fully themselves on their wedding day, and I photograph each couple without assumptions or limitations. I’m here for love.
Can we see full wedding galleries from real wedding days?
Yes. ALWAYS ASK THIS OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. I am always happy to share full wedding galleries so you can see complete stories from start to finish. Full galleries give a much better sense of how I photograph an entire day, not just highlight moments. Just ask and I will send examples that feel similar to what you are planning.
Do you offer video as well?
I do offer a “special moments” package, where I record the CEREMONY, THE FIRST DANCE, AND THE SPEECHES for $1500. This is all with a fixed camera + audio. I can record more moments for an additional $350 per moment!
Do you use AI to edit photos?
NO. Each wedding is different. Each wedding is carefully edited to reflect the feeling and the lighting of the day. I have a vibe that AI wants.
Do you recommend venues?
How many photos do we receive and how long does it take to get our wedding photos?
The number of photos depends on the length and flow of your day, but most couples receive about 100 fully edited images per hour. I focus on quality and storytelling rather than overshooting for the sake of numbers, but also won’t limit the photos I deliver for the sake of bragging and brevity. Turnaround time is communicated clearly before booking, and you can expect a consistent, thoughtful edit rather than a rushed delivery.
Do you photograph elopements, intimate weddings, and adventure elopements?
Yes. I photograph everything from full wedding weekends to intimate and adventure elopements. Smaller weddings often allow for more flexibility and connection, and I love working in natural environments. Whether you are exchanging vows on a mountain, near the ocean, or in a quiet backyard, the approach stays the same. A lot of “adventure photographers” stage their photos with friends playing dress-up. Ask them if they are real couples photos before you hire them. 😉 I live an adventure.
Do you shoot film or digital, and how do you approach color and editing?
I shoot digital and film and my digital photos are heavily influenced my favorite film stocks. I love Portra, Fuji, and Agfa, and that influence shows up in my editing. I aim for natural skin tones, true to life color, and soft contrast. I am not interested in stripping away color for the sake of trends or turning everything orange. The goal is timeless, not trendy. I ALSO SHOOT FILM. I have multiple film cameras we can chat about.
Do you work primarily with natural light?
Yes. I rely heavily on natural light and prefer to work with what is already there whenever possible. Outdoor environments and natural settings play a big role in my work, especially in places like Lake Tahoe and along the California coast. I pay attention to light, landscape, and timing so your photos feel connected to the place you chose to get married. BUT. When it comes to the times where natural light isn’t available, I AM AN EXPERT with my flashes and your day will not be compromised due to rain or darkness. I can also make the dance floor look like a magazine spread.
How do we book you for our wedding or elopement?
Start by reaching out through my contact page and telling me about what you are planning. I will confirm availability, answer any questions, and make sure we are a good fit before moving forward. From there, everything is simple and transparent. No pressure, no weird sales tactics.