READING TIME: 3 min 39 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/2024
UPDATED: 09/19/2024
Valorie Darling, a seasoned destination wedding photographer, has spent over 14 years honing her craft, with 11 of those years dedicated specifically to weddings. Her work is rooted in a deep appreciation for the unique connections she forms with her clients. "To me connection is what it’s all about," she shares. "And from that, all the magic blooms." This focus on relationships is evident in the way she approaches her photography—each wedding is a celebration not only of love but also of the trust and intimacy she builds with the couples and their families.
Having once been a dancer, Valorie’s background has given her a unique perspective on capturing movement and emotion through her lens. "I approach weddings like a dance - the choreography, movement, and intimacy of it all," she explains. It’s through this lens that she is able to capture the most personal and authentic moments, often unnoticed by others, that truly tell the story of the day.
When asked to describe her photography style, Valorie keeps it simple yet meaningful. "I would describe my work as natural, genuine, and timeless," she says. Her goal is to create images that reflect the true essence of the day, without the need for over-stylized or fleeting trends. Her work strikes a balance between realism and elegance, blending the emotional with the editorial.
In terms of her technical approach, Valorie uses a mix of film and digital formats to achieve the desired look and feel of her images. "I edit with the look of film in mind and keep my tones primarily true to the day, yet elevated," she notes. This commitment to maintaining the authenticity of her subjects while subtly enhancing their beauty ensures that the images are not only cherished in the present but will remain just as relevant decades down the road. "I want my couples to love their images now and have them still feel current in 50 years," she emphasizes.
Valorie’s success as a wedding photographer is not just due to her technical skills or artistic eye; it’s her ability to connect with her clients that sets her apart. "Communication and being a support throughout the wedding planning journey creates a comfort and trust that invites you in for those more intimate, quiet moments," she explains. By being there for her clients from the start, she ensures that they feel comfortable and supported, which allows her to capture the most genuine expressions of their emotions.
Her favorite events to photograph are destination weddings, which provide the opportunity for her to immerse herself fully into the celebrations. “I love destination weddings as a way to get closer to my couples and their friends and family," she says. "Immersing myself into each event so I feel like a friend." This approach allows her to be more than just a photographer at the event—she becomes a trusted presence, someone who is as invested in the day as the people she’s photographing. "There’s no greater privilege than creating heirlooms for my clients," she adds, referring to the legacy her work will leave behind. "Knowing my art will hang on their walls as inspiration to return to and pass forward for generations to come."
Valorie’s ability to tailor her services to the needs of each couple is another hallmark of her approach. When asked if she works with couples to create custom packages, she enthusiastically responds, "Absolutely! We create custom proposals for most of our clients since every event has different needs." She understands that no two weddings are the same, and her willingness to adapt her services to suit the specific desires of each couple ensures that every detail is carefully considered.
While she generally provides 14 or more hours of coverage for weddings, Valorie is mindful of the fact that some events may require different levels of involvement. For her, it’s not about rigid packages or standard hours—it’s about delivering the best possible experience for her clients, no matter the scale of the event.
For Valorie, photography is much more than just a job—it’s a way to connect with people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. What she enjoys most about being a photographer is “connecting with people during their most intimate, milestone moments," she shares. "It's such a rare gift and I've made so many lifelong friends because of it." This joy in forming lasting relationships is something that she carries with her throughout her career, and it’s one of the reasons she continues to love what she does.
Though she’s traveled the world with her clients, capturing love stories in countless breathtaking locations, Valorie’s favorite destination is always the next one on the horizon. "My favorite place to photograph is always my next destination - the place I haven't been yet that's full of new inspiration," she says with a sense of excitement and curiosity.
Valorie Darling is more than just a photographer—she is a storyteller, a friend, and a trusted companion on one of the most important days of a couple’s life. Her passion for connection, combined with her artistic eye and attention to detail, has earned her a reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in the industry. Whether photographing a local ceremony or a destination wedding halfway around the world, Valorie’s commitment to authenticity, trust, and timeless beauty shines through in every image she creates.
