Hi, I'm Zig
Hi, Zig! Where are you located?
Short Answer: Austin, TX baby!
Long answer: I left a professional photo-assisting career (Vogue! Nike! MAC! The New Yorker! etc.) in NYC in Nov. 2018 to pursue my long-time dream of living in Austin.
I now reside there with my partner of 16 (?!!) years, Phil, and our three-legged cattle-dog, Prune Marie. * We spend a lot of time traveling to both coasts for work and for pleasure.
My secret fear is that I look smug in this photo. A super-scientific ig poll from 2022 claims "no" **
* Yes, Prune is both an "angel" and a "baby-genius". That is correct, tysm for asking.
** I am the opposite of smug, unless I am pretending to be Gob from Arrested Development. Or someone on Succession.
Do you do destinations? Elopements? City Hall Weddings? Ceremonies in a canyon we have to kayak into?
Def. Oh yeah. Yes Please. Big Time.
My passport is always ready to riiiide.
Why Weddings?
I love celebrations, romance, ceremony, big emotions, and beautiful things. -- What's better to base your life around than that? Weddings have it all! I also enjoy being able to represent people and communities who may be alienated by traditional wedding or "bridal" culture. I started this business to be the person that I wish I could hire.
You shouldn't have to get the dreaded ick thinking about this stuff or feel like you need to be something or somebody you're not. This is meant to be a celebration of YOUR lives. It should make you feel more like yourselves, not less. Freaks rise up! *
* I am a self-identified freak but if it doesn't resonate with you that is extremely chill.
What are your prices?
People and their parties are not a one-size-fits-all situation. I want to have a painless, positive conversation with you about your budget to get you exactly what you want / need from your photographer.
Real-talk leads to the best stuff ever (good haircuts, strong friendships, and hiring the right people for the right job.) If we are a good fit we have about a 100% chance of making something work. Real talk.
I have a pdf of packages I'm happy to send along, as well if that's more your speed. An average couple spends 3200 - 5200.
The option to pay in installments is available.
What is your shooting style?
("Classic", as in documentary, "Contemporary" as in art and design influenced / not bad??? Idk. These adjectives / categories mean different things to different people.)
My style is "in this" with you. I'm an observant storyteller and I want it to look like you stepped out of your own body to make these pictures. -- Like a good dream! I shoot every job as if it were my own wedding (if that were possible. lol)-- we are celebrating you as humans and as a couple! I will deliver photos that make you remember the very best parts of your day and hold that magic indefinitely. I will capture things as they unfold naturally so that you can, above all, truly be in the moment with friends and family.
I work with each couple to design an easy plan to achieve that goal. I will be minimally-invasive, supremely focused, and trying not to cry during your vows. I will usually dance when the music hits. (The only fair trade for taking photos of other people dancing)
Albums? Prints? Thank You Cards & Stuff?
Yup. We have lots of great options and I make it super-easy for you or anyone in your family to order those things.
Can you shoot it on film?
Absolutely! I love to. I can shoot anywhere from 1% - 100% of your wedding on film if that is a passion or priority of yours. 35mm, Medium, & Large Format are all available. I have an old-timey style camera where I go under a big cloth and everything.
Formal Portraits?
You want formal portraits? Of course, you do! Y'all will be dressed to the 9s! We'll make sure to block off 10 - 20 minutes on the day, and make some great ones. I can help with posing and won't make you jump unless you've asked me to. But really this is your party and we can block off as much time for photos of just you and your beloved that you'd like.
I am very experienced with the big ol' family portraits portion of the day as well if that is a concern. Your elders, if present, will be stoked.
Second Shooters?
If you'd like to arrange for a second shooter, or a short film to accompany your images, I can create a two-photographer package especially tailored to your needs. My partner makes Super8 movies (They are beautiful and have made me cry even after a 3rd viewing). And I am friends with the many of the best damn photographers around (both in and out of Texas) I only second shoot with people who I'd trust to shoot my own wedding (pros only).
I am not photogenic! I don't know how to pose or where to put my hands!
I call b.s.* Also, I can help direct you. I strive to make you look and feel calm / happy / like yourself.
Of course, I've got a secret mental back-log of poses if you want 'em.
* I claim the same about myself, so I understand completely.
I have a mildly-embarrassing question like "Will you wear a black sleeveless t-shirt to our wedding?”
Please feel free to ask or e-mail me about anything! If I'm shooting your wedding I want us to be super familiar-- ask away!! Generally, I want to know about all your hopes, fears, & dreams regarding this stuff. Information is amazing, lay it on me! (But no, I will wear a well-tailored button down shirt or sensible-yet-chic summery blouse. I'm a minimalist but I try to subtly match my outfit to the vibe / theme of the event, if possible.)
The Unnecessary Stuff About Me (that I like to hear about other people):
Likes are off the top of my head and not limited to: The National Park Service, surfing, The Stooges, The Clash, Nick Cave, T.Rex, Miranda July, Bill Hader, Bowen Yang, cameras, DOGS, Having the same birthday as Nicki Minaj, yoga, NASA, APGM (Awesome Ppl Getting Married), roller coasters, margaritas, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Thai food, Vietnamese food, Mexican food, Indian food (ok, most food). Ira Glass, Terry Gross, Frank O'Hara, David Sedaris, true crime podcasts, long car rides, John Waters, going to the movies, Uma Thurman with a sword, riding motorcycles (and Uma Thurman riding motorcycles), caring for plants, independent music venues (dives), looking at art, reading & hanging out at bookstores, thrifting / vintage shopping, and coveting Harry Styles' wardrobe with tremendous longing.
Please get in touch via the contact page or at zig@ziggyshoots.com –I really can’t wait to talk with you!