Business Details
Award-Winning Wedding Photography in Los Angeles & Beyond
Ilumina Studios was founded on the belief that authentic storytelling through photography can create timeless memories. Our journey began with a passion for capturing raw, unscripted moments, which has evolved into a global wedding photography service trusted by couples worldwide. With over 120 weddings documented across four continents, we bring a unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to every event. Our founder, Carsten Schertzer, transitioned from skateboarding photography to specialize in weddings, infusing his work with a dynamic, candid approach. We prioritize emotional connection and natural light to produce images that reflect the true essence of your celebration.Beyond photography, we offer educational workshops to share our philosophy of moment-driven storytelling with aspiring photographers. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every frame, ensuring your most cherished memories are preserved with integrity and creativity. We serve clients in Los Angeles and internationally, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each couple. Our portfolio showcases diverse venues and cultural traditions, demonstrating adaptability and cultural sensitivity. With a focus on transparency and personalized service, we aim to make your wedding documentation experience seamless and unforgettable.
Services
Wedding Photography
Engagement Sessions
Travel Photography
Photography Workshops
iPhoneography
Highlights and features
- Documented 120+ weddings across four continents
- Founder teaches international photography workshops
- Specialize in candid, moment-driven storytelling
- Offer global services with local cultural understanding
- Combine artistic vision with technical expertise
Services
Wedding Photography
Our wedding photography service documents your special day with authentic, emotionally resonant imagery. Using natural light and candid techniques, we capture both grand moments and subtle details across ceremony, reception, and pre-wedding preparations. With experience in diverse cultural traditions and venues worldwide, we ensure your unique story is preserved through timeless storytelling.
Engagement Sessions
Engagement photography sessions create lasting memories while building comfort with your camera before the wedding day. We focus on natural interactions and romantic moments in locations meaningful to couples, whether urban settings, scenic landscapes, or intimate home environments. These sessions also provide valuable content for wedding invitations and decor.
Photography Workshops
International photography workshops teach professional techniques for capturing authentic moments. Participants learn our signature approach to wedding documentation, including lighting strategies, composition principles, and emotional storytelling methods. Workshops combine hands-on practice with theoretical instruction, benefiting both emerging and established photographers seeking to refine their craft.
Travel Photography
We document destination weddings and travel experiences across diverse global locations. Our expertise includes adapting to unique cultural settings, challenging lighting conditions, and varied architectural environments. This service combines technical proficiency with cultural sensitivity to create compelling visual narratives that reflect the character of each location.
iPhoneography
iPhoneography services demonstrate that exceptional images don't require professional equipment. We teach and apply techniques for maximizing smartphone camera capabilities through strategic composition, natural light utilization, and post-processing methods. This approach creates accessible, high-quality visual storytelling for everyday moments and special occasions alike.
People
Carsten Schertzer
Founder & Lead Photographer
From homeless teenager to award-winning photographer, Carsten transformed skateboarding photography passion into wedding documentation expertise. With 120+ global weddings captured and international workshops taught, he brings eight years of professional experience to every project, specializing in authentic moment capture.
Questions
What photography style does Ilumina Studios specialize in?
We focus on authentic, moment-driven storytelling using natural light and candid techniques to capture emotional connections and spontaneous interactions.
Do you travel for weddings outside Los Angeles?
Yes, we offer worldwide services and have documented weddings in 16 countries across four continents with cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
What's included in your wedding photography packages?
Packages typically include full-day coverage, multiple photographers, high-resolution images, and a curated online gallery with printing rights.
Do you offer photography education programs?
Yes, we host international workshops teaching our signature techniques and participate in photography conferences for professional development.
Can you photograph non-traditional wedding venues?
We specialize in unique locations from beach ceremonies to historic sites, with experience adapting to diverse environments and lighting conditions.
What equipment do you use for iPhoneography?
We utilize standard smartphone cameras with advanced composition techniques, natural light optimization, and professional editing applications for high-quality mobile photography.
