READING TIME: 3 min 19 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/2026
UPDATED: 02/07/2026
Some photographers chase perfection. Others chase truth. Claudia Klassen, the creative force behind Klassen Weddings, does something rarer — she captures energy.
As an international destination wedding photographer working across Italy and far beyond, Claudia approaches weddings with a maximalist eye and an instinctive understanding of movement, emotion, and atmosphere. Her images don’t sit quietly on the page — they breathe, pulse, and hold tension. Rooted in real moments yet shaped through art direction in motion, her work lives at the intersection of candid reality and high-end editorial storytelling.
“I don’t aim to create pretty pictures,” she says. “I create visual energy that lasts.”
Claudia’s journey into wedding photography has taken her across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas — a global experience that deeply informs how she anticipates moments and reads human connection.
“I’m an international destination wedding photographer, mainly focused on Italy and working worldwide,” she shares. “My work is rooted in real, unfiltered moments — but it doesn’t stop there.”
What sets her approach apart is a conscious rejection of forced perfection. Instead, Claudia embraces movement, emotional tension, and the beautiful chaos that unfolds when people are fully present.
“I approach weddings with a maximalist mindset,” she explains. “Embracing movement, emotion, tension and the beautiful chaos that unfolds when nothing is forced.”
Describing her photography style, Claudia uses words that feel more cinematic than technical — and for good reason.
“My style is maximalist, emotional and editorial — rooted in real moments and shaped through art direction in motion,” she says. “I embrace movement, imperfection and layered compositions rather than static perfection.”
Her work blends candid storytelling with editorial intention, creating images that feel alive rather than polished.
“I blend candid reality with high-end editorial aesthetics,” Claudia adds. “My work is less about documenting events and more about translating energy, emotion and atmosphere into photographs that hold presence and depth.”
When it comes to equipment, Claudia keeps things simple and intentional.
Always Sony
Her post-processing philosophy mirrors her approach behind the camera — thoughtful, precise, and deeply respectful of reality.
“My post-processing is entirely true to color. I don’t use filters or one-click presets,” she explains. “Every image is edited individually, with great attention to detail, to refine light, color balance and depth while preserving the authenticity of the moment.”
The result is imagery that feels timeless yet raw — polished without losing its soul.
For Claudia, photography is more than a profession. It’s a way of moving through the world.
“What I enjoy most is the combination of travel, people and stories,” she says. “Photography allows me to move through different cultures, connect with people on a very human level and witness moments that are deeply personal and fleeting.”
Observing how emotion and celebration shift across cultures keeps her creatively alive.
“I love observing how emotion, celebration and connection look different around the world — and translating that into images that feel honest, layered and alive.”
Claudia’s process balances structure with intuition — planning deeply while leaving space for spontaneity.
“Before the wedding, I create detailed shooting boards to envision the couple’s story and key moments,” she explains. “On the day, I read the room constantly — observing energy, interactions, and subtle cues.”
Her signature art direction in motion allows her to guide without interrupting, shaping moments while preserving their natural rhythm.
This way, every image reflects both the couple’s vision and the authentic, emotional reality of their day.
Custom packages are always part of that collaboration.
“Of course,” she says. “Every wedding is different.”
Looking back, Claudia’s advice to her younger self is refreshingly grounded.
“I’d tell myself to trust my instincts and stay human,” she reflects. “Always listen to your gut — about clients, collaborators, creative decisions — and never lose sight of treating people with respect, honesty, and warmth.”
For her, authenticity is the foundation of long-term success.
“The rest — the business, the bookings, the trends — will follow when your work and your relationships are authentic.”
When asked how couples can best prepare for their wedding photography, Claudia’s answer is simple — and powerful.
My main advice is honesty and trust.The way I work is deeply collaborative.
She encourages couples to be present rather than perform.
“When you trust your photographer and allow yourself to be seen as you really are, the images capture genuine emotion, natural moments, and the story of your day in the most authentic way.”
Destination weddings are not an occasional project for Claudia — they’re at the core of her work.
“Yes, all the time,” she says. “Italy, Thailand, Mexico.”
Each destination brings its own energy, rhythm, and emotional language — elements she weaves seamlessly into her visual storytelling.
