READING TIME: 4 min 2 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/20/2025
Damla Özer Photography love affair with photography began long before her professional career. “My love for photography began long before it became my career: back in school (20 years ago), when I carried a small digital camera everywhere and photographed everyone around me.”
Her earliest memories are filled with moments captured through that tiny lens — friends laughing, candid scenes, life unfolding naturally. Yet, she didn’t start out planning to be a wedding photographer.
Before stepping fully into the world of weddings, Damla worked in brand management. That chapter cultivated her sensitivity to design, emotion, and visual identity — all elements that now define her photographic signature.
A pivotal moment changed everything. “One day a friend asked me to capture their civil wedding. I couldn't believe they would trust me that much but this was meant to be my beginning as a wedding photographer.” From that day on, her path shifted. She fell deeply in love with the positive energy of the wedding day — the atmosphere, emotion, and human connection that make each celebration singular.
Today, Damla photographs weddings across Europe, weaving both worlds together: brand visual storytelling and honest wedding documentation.
Damla’s photography style reflects both modern sensibilities and classic emotional resonance. When asked to describe her artistic approach, she says: “My style is for the modern lovers who appreciate effortless elegance. Best described as nostalgic yet timeless, a mix of unfiltered storytelling, refined editorial aesthetics, and honest, in-the-moment emotions.”
There’s a cinematic quality to her work — not staged or artificial, but thoughtful and deeply felt. Movement, light, emotion — all come together naturally through her lens.
Simple yet purposeful, the gear Damla chooses becomes an extension of her vision.
Currently 2 x Sony A7iii with a 85mm and a 35mm. New body is coming soon.
Her equipment empowers emotional storytelling without distraction, allowing her to balance dynamic moments and delicate details equally.
For Damla, post-production isn’t about trends or presets — it’s about honoring each wedding’s unique story. “When I edit a wedding, I always start by asking myself how the day felt. Every celebration has its own atmosphere, its own rhythm, colors, and emotional tone. I create my edit to reflect exactly that. No One-Preset-Wonder.”
She crafts each gallery to reflect mood and memory, ensuring every image resonates beyond what the eye sees.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a photographer, Damla answers with sincerity and a touch of humor: “Blending in to read the room, hear the laughter and feel the connections. And the dinner.”
It’s her ability to become part of the celebration — unobtrusive yet present — that gives her access to the most authentic moments.
Damla believes that genuine connection with her couples sets the tone for stunning photographs. “Before they even book, we talk through everything they're dreaming of. I ask for moodboards, inspirations, and the feeling they want their photos to have, so I understand their vision from the very beginning.”
Whenever possible, she meets couples in person — over coffee or a glass of wine — to understand not just schedules and shot lists, but energy, personalities, and the way they move together.
Her approach on the wedding day mirrors this comfort:
On the wedding day, I gently step in only when a soft nudge is needed, otherwise I flow naturally between being at the center of the celebration and quietly observing from the edges.
This balance allows her to capture authentic emotion — unguarded glances, spontaneous laughter, real moments that unfold organically.
Damla loves crafting experiences that reflect the unique rhythm of each couple’s day. “Absolutely! I love working closely with each couple to create a custom package that fits their unique needs and vision.”
She sees every wedding as a new story — one that deserves its own tailored approach.
Thinking back to her early days, Damla shares a lesson she wishes she had known at the start. “If I were just starting out, I’d tell myself to trust my own vision from day one. It’s easy to get lost trying to imitate others or chase trends, but the couples who connect with you will do so because of your unique perspective, not because you fit a template. And most importantly: See it as a business and have a good strategy from the beginning.”
Her advice champions authenticity and strategic thinking, encouraging new photographers to find confidence in their own voices.
Damla’s guidance for couples is both practical and heartfelt. “Send me your favorite playlist for the Bridal couple session. This is a game changer. Other than that: Be yourself. The more relaxed and true to who you are, the more magic I can capture. And last but not least: Give yourself enough time! Don’t rush the moments. Allow for enough time in your schedule for ‘warm-up’ moments, breathing space, and spontaneous shots.”
Her enthusiasm for music, time, and authenticity reflects her belief that relaxed couples create unforgettable memories.
Yes, Damla shoots destination weddings — but intentionally limits them each year. “Yes I do but I limit them to 2-4 per year as I have my little Dog Luna and don't want to leave her that much.”
Her bucket list spans beautiful corners of the globe. “Bucket list is definitely Portugal & Mexico.” Yet, when thinking about favorites so far, she smiles:
Favorite so far is Italy & Mallorca.
Her choices reflect places where light, culture, and mood naturally align with her style — environments that feel cinematic and alive.
Damla Özer Photography tells stories that feel real, beautiful, and deeply personal. She doesn’t just capture images; she documents the emotional poetry of connection, creating photographs that resonate long beyond the wedding day — timeless yet intimately rooted in the moment.
