Vendor Spotlight: MKEshoots Photography

Sep 5, 2023 | Vendor Spotlight

Hi, I’m Murtaza, the original MKEshoots, and I am a photographer with a passion for capturing all the beautiful things in the world. My journey started a few years ago when I began sharing my art and love of poetry through social media. Since then, my passion for photography has only deepened, and I specialize in Wedding and Family photography. My love for exploring and seeing the world from a different perspective led me to explore the world of photography.

My motto is to “Capture a moment in Time,” and I take this quite literally and figuratively. I strive to capture the timeless love stories of every couple for years to come, creating photos that feel and look like themselves. My goal is to make my clients relive their special day every time they open their wedding albums. I want them to hear the wedding bells, smell the roses handpicked by their mother, and feel the same joy they did when they first laid eyes on their bride walking down the aisle.

mke shoots photography

Tell us more about you/your business. When did you start, why, etc. all the fun details!

At MKEshoots, I have one goal, and that is to go above and beyond our client’s expectations. I become their friend, a shoulder to lean on, and someone they can rely on throughout their big day. I cherish lifelong friendships with my clients that go beyond their wedding day. With over eight years of experience in the field, I specialize in capturing candid photos, especially the little but invaluable moments that make your heart melt. Photography is an art form, and I treat each moment as a piece of art. In conclusion, at MKEshoots, we specialize in creating fun, epic, and creative photos that capture the unique love story of each couple we work with. We are committed to exceeding our client’s expectations and forging lasting friendships that go beyond their wedding day. Let us capture your special moments, and we promise to create photos that you will cherish for years to come.

 

What is one fun fact about yourself that people may not know?

I was landscape Photographer since 2013-2014 and have been featured in NatGeo

 

How long have you been a vendor at Rancho de las Palmas?

Since 2022.

 

What is your favorite thing about being a photographer at a wedding?

As a wedding photographer, my favorite thing about being part of someone’s special day is the opportunity to capture the moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. Weddings are full of emotions, and being able to capture those emotions through my lens is a feeling like no other. One of the things I love most about being a wedding photographer is the chance to get creative with my shots. Each wedding is unique, and I love finding new ways to capture the beauty of each wedding, whether it’s through a unique angle, a creative use of light, or capturing a candid moment that tells a story. But, above all, my favorite thing about being a wedding photographer is the joy I get from seeing the reaction of my clients when they see their sneak peeks photos within 24 hours for the first time. Knowing that I was able to capture the memories that they will cherish for a lifetime is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. It’s truly an honor to be a part of someone’s special day and to capture the love and joy that surrounds them.

What is your favorite thing about working at Rancho de las Palmas?

As a photographer who has had the pleasure of working at Rancho de las Palmas, I have to say that my favorite thing about this venue is the stunning beauty that surrounds it. The lush gardens, rustic arbor, and flower-adorned courtyard all provide the perfect backdrop for an exquisitely memorable wedding ceremony. Whether you choose to exchange vows beneath the arbor or walk down the aisle in the stunning courtyard, Rancho de las Palmas has the perfect setting to make your dream wedding come true. As a photographer, I am always looking for the perfect lighting and backdrop to create beautiful and memorable photos, and Rancho de las Palmas provides just that. Following the ceremony, the reception areas at Rancho de las Palmas are equally stunning. The market-lit courtyard area and semi-open-air pavilion are both incredibly romantic and provide the perfect setting to dance the night away with your loved ones. Overall, what I love most about working at Rancho de las Palmas is the ability to capture the beauty and romance of each wedding in a setting that is truly breathtaking. The venue’s attention to detail and affordable pricing make it the perfect choice for couples who want a truly memorable wedding day without breaking the bank.

What is one piece of advice you have for couples on their wedding day?

As a wedding photographer who has had the privilege of capturing countless weddings, I have seen firsthand how quickly the wedding day can fly by. That’s why my piece of advice for couples on their wedding day is to take a moment to pause and soak it all in. Weddings can be hectic and stressful, with so many moving parts and people to coordinate. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take a moment to appreciate the significance of the day. So, my advice to couples is to take a step back, take a deep breath, and truly savor the moments that make up your wedding day. Another piece of advice I have is to trust your vendors. You’ve chosen your vendors because you believe they are the best at what they do, so trust them to do their job. This includes trusting your photographer to capture all the important moments and trusting your wedding planner to keep everything running smoothly. Finally, I encourage couples to remember the reason why they are getting married. It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the day, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you are marrying the person you love. So, take a moment to look into your partner’s eyes, hold their hand, and remember why you are there.

What is your favorite moment to photograph at a wedding?

As a wedding photographer, I have the pleasure of capturing many special moments throughout the day. However, if I had to choose a favorite moment to photograph, it would be the first look between the couple. The first look is a private moment shared between the couple before the ceremony. It’s a moment when they can see each other for the first time on their wedding day, and it’s often a very emotional moment. As a photographer, I love to capture the raw emotion and intimacy of this moment, as the couple takes in the sight of each other and shares a private moment together. From a technical standpoint, the first look also provides a great opportunity for me to capture some beautiful portraits of the couple. The lighting is often soft and flattering, and the emotions of the moment make for some truly stunning photos. Of course, every wedding is unique, and there are many other special moments throughout the day that I love to capture, from the exchange of vows to the first dance. But for me, the first look is a moment that always stands out as a highlight of the day.

 

What is one thing you wish you saw more of at weddings?

As a wedding photographer, one thing that I wish I saw more of at weddings is the couple taking time for themselves. Weddings can be incredibly busy and hectic, with so many things to do and people to see. It’s easy for the couple to get caught up in the whirlwind of the day and forget to take a moment to just be together. I believe that weddings should be a celebration of the couple’s love for each other, and that means taking the time to enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s stealing away for a few quiet moments during the reception or scheduling some time for portraits together, I wish more couples would prioritize this time. As a photographer, I always try to encourage my clients to take a few moments for themselves throughout the day. These can be some of the most special and intimate moments of the wedding, and they often make for some of the best photos.Ultimately, the wedding day is about the couple and their love for each other, and I believe that taking time to savor that love is one of the most important things they can do.

What is the timeline for booking a photographer for a wedding?

When it comes to booking a photographer for your wedding, it’s always a good idea to start early. Most photographers book weddings months, and even up to a year or more, in advance, especially during peak wedding season. I would recommend that couples start looking for a photographer as soon as they have set their wedding date and chosen their venue. This will give them plenty of time to research potential photographers, review their portfolios and pricing, and schedule consultations. Once you’ve found a photographer that you love, it’s important to secure your date as soon as possible. Most photographers will require a deposit to hold your date, and it’s a good idea to sign a contract outlining the terms of your agreement. Keep in mind that the timeline for booking a photographer can vary depending on the time of year and the popularity of the photographer. If you’re getting married during peak wedding season or on a popular date, such as a holiday weekend, it’s a good idea to start looking for a photographer even earlier to ensure that you can book your first choice. In general, I would recommend booking your wedding photographer at least 6-12 months in advance to ensure that you get the photographer you want and can plan accordingly for your big day.

What inspired you to become a wedding photographer, and how has your photography style evolved over time?

Becoming a wedding photographer was a natural transition for me, as my love for capturing beautiful landscapes and meeting new people led me to explore the world of wedding photography. I was always fascinated by the raw, unfiltered emotions that couples display on their special day, and I wanted to capture those fleeting moments for them to cherish forever. Over time, my photography style has evolved as I continue to gain more experience and experiment with new techniques. I draw on my background in landscape photography to create unique and stunning compositions, and I approach each wedding with a creative and artistic eye. I also strive to capture candid moments that truly reflect the personalities and emotions of the couple and their guests, and I work closely with my clients to ensure that their unique vision is reflected in the final images. As I continue to grow and evolve as a photographer, I always stay true to my passion for capturing the beauty and love that surrounds us every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share in the joy of each couple’s special day.

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