READING TIME: 2 min 44 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/2024
UPDATED: 09/27/2024
Pia and Chris, the creative forces behind The Saums, bring an intriguing combination of backgrounds to their work in wedding photography. Pia’s training in psychology and Chris’s expertise in graphic design might seem like an unlikely match for photographers, but the duo found that their real passion lies behind the lens.
Since their start over eight years ago, The Saums have built a reputation for blending their editorial sensibilities with a romantic, documentary style. While they love the details and decor of the day, their main focus will always be capturing the people – their love, intimacy, and emotions – with a documentary-style approach for generations to come. This focus on the human connection has earned them features in prestigious publications worldwide.
Their work reflects the influence of their fashion photography experience, resulting in a sophisticated yet heartfelt approach to wedding photography that goes far beyond the ordinary.
When asked to describe their photography style, they say, “Documentary, captured in a romantic way, heavily influenced by our work in fashion.” This balance is clear in every frame, where candid moments are captured with a refined, editorial aesthetic. Their ability to blend elegance with raw, unscripted emotion makes their work stand out in the competitive world of wedding photography.
The Saums are masters at blending old and new technologies to achieve their signature look. They love the texture and nostalgia that comes from film photography, but they also appreciate the flexibility that digital offers. The Saums’ setup includes a Canon R6 and 5D for digital work, while for film, they turn to a mix of Mamiya, Pentax, Olympus, and Yashica cameras.
This fusion of technology means that clients receive a versatile, nuanced collection of images, some with the crisp precision of digital and others with the dreamy softness of film.
One of the most unique aspects of The Saums' approach is how they work with clients. “We capture authentic and candid moments, so no real preparation is required,” Pia says with a smile. “However we always communicate a lot with our couples.’”
While their approach is documentary in nature, it is not without careful consideration. Pia and Chris work closely with their clients in the months leading up to the wedding to understand their vision and style. “We love to work visually, so Pinterest boards are always a great way to share and discuss ideas, visions and wishes,” Chris explains.
In an industry where some photographers might take on dozens of weddings a year, The Saums are intentional about limiting the number of clients they work with. The cap their weddings at 15 per year. It allows them to give each couple the attention they deserve, both during the event and in post-production.
Moreover, they’re always willing to create custom packages for their clients. Whether it’s covering a full weekend celebration or a more intimate gathering, The Saums tailor their offerings to ensure every client feels well taken care of.
For couples planning destination weddings, The Saums are seasoned experts. Their favorite locations? “We especially love Southern Europe and the UK,” Pia says. Whether it’s a villa in Tuscany or a countryside estate in England, The Saums have developed a knack for blending the natural beauty of the surroundings with the personal, emotional moments of the couple, creating breathtaking images that feel both timeless and modern.
At the heart of The Saums is a love for both art and human connection. Pia and Chris are drawn to weddings because they’re about love and they get to spend an entire day surrounded by beauty—both in the setting and in the relationships they’re documenting.
With their backgrounds in psychology and graphic design, their mastery of both film and digital photography, and their ability to capture genuine emotion, Pia and Chris offer more than just beautiful images. They create visual stories that couples can relive for years to come. The Saums are not just wedding photographers; they are storytellers, capturing the essence of love and intimacy in every shot.
