5 minutes with... Washington D.C. wedding photographer Svenja Bauer

Washington D.C. wedding photographer SVENJA BAUER seamlessly blends her passion for medium format film with digital and drone photography to create a luxury client experience. She describes her photographic style as sophisticated, intimate and ethereal – a perfect fit for couples after a classic and timeless look! With an eye for detail, Svenja focuses on even the subtlest of elements of each wedding day, working to tell her couples’ stories with intention. She wants you to remember what your day felt like with a mixture of editorial and documentary images that capture both beauty and emotion.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? My parents documented every minute of my childhood, so it was only natural for me to grow up with a film camera in my hand. It wasn’t until I had moved from Germany to the U.S. on my own and later lost loved ones, however, that I truly appreciated the value of a photograph. Once I had my own children, I cared more and more about preserving our memories. I was longing for fine art prints on our walls and albums we could cherish. This is when I realized how passionate I truly was about photography.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE. After completing my degree in the legal field and having launched two prior businesses, I still found myself feeling creatively unfulfilled. In a true pursuit of my own happiness, I stumbled upon my true purpose- life behind the lens. Having been blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit and the most supportive husband, it was only natural for me to turn my passion for photography into a career. I hope I get to spend the rest of my life doing exactly what I do now!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? As a hybrid photographer I combine medium format film with digital and drone photography to uniquely document each moment of a story. I would describe my style of photography as sophisticated, intimate & ethereal. I specialize in creating timeless images that are filled with light and dreamy film tones.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? The energy! Weddings are filled with so much love and happiness it is truly contagious!

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY. I am not sure that I could choose just one favorite image, as I feel drawn to many different ones – each for their own reason. Without a doubt, I will always choose film images over digitals!

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? When I was about four years old, my grandmother and I crashed a wedding in a fancy hotel in France. I was already wearing my nightgown and heard the music playing in the ballroom below. I wanted to catch a glimpse of the bride in her wedding gown more than anything. Being the amazing woman she was, my grandmother took me by the hand and we tiptoed right into the reception. It was my first wedding experience and it will always be my favorite!

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT? My Contax 645, light meter, and plenty of film!

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? I spend most Sunday mornings in church with my husband and our four children, followed by coffee and cinnamon rolls together at home.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? My ideal day off would be spent at the beach with my toes in the sand and a salty breeze in the air. Nothing refreshes my mind and body more than having a clear view of the horizon over the ocean. And ideally there are pelicans because I absolutely love them!

Washington D.C. wedding photographer SVENJA BAUER is a valued member of the Magnolia Rouge Vendor Collective. Be sure to check out her full portfolio here.