Hey there! If you’re on this page, you’ve come to learn a little more about me and I am happy to share!

Now I could tell you that I love photography or that my passion is travel and adventure, but you’ve seen other photographers’ websites. You already know all the buzzwords and know what you’re looking for, so I’m not going to try to convince you that I’m the be-all-end-all of photography.  I am, however, Gwen Shoemaker, an open-minded, beauty-seeker who is head over heels for love.  Yes, all love.  I just love love!

I’ve been a professional photographer for 13 years.  From Iceland to Antarctica, Colorado to Bend, Oregon, I’ve captured photos of incredible human beings, and I’ve quickly found that my passion is wedding photography.  There is so much goodness and love on a wedding day – the great joy I get at being the person behind the camera borders on ridiculous.

Emotion Vulture!

One clients described me as an “emotion vulture,” which both makes me laugh and makes me puff out my chest a little.  If a vulture is circling and waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in, then heck yeah, I’m your wedding day photo-vulture!  I’ll capture moments you thought couldn’t be rendered on film and you won’t even know I was there (Alright, fine, you’ll definitely know I was there.  I’ll be the one with the big camera in front of her face.)

Since I first studied abroad in rural Spain when I was 17, I haven’t been able to stop chasing beauty and new experiences.   I’ve been lucky enough to visit 15 countries including Antarctica, where I met my husband.  I know, who goes to the least populated continent on the planet and finds true love?  I DID!  And, I can’t wait to hear how you met your partner.

My camera and I are ready to meet you in your element and preserve the moments you never want to forget.

Joi de Vivre

If you’ve made it to this point, then let’s get together for a coffee or hop on a call.

I want to hear your story and see how my services can help you with your big day.  Hiring a professional photographer is an important decision and I’m not going to give you the hard sell.  I’m looking for clients who are like-minded lovers of the universe, madly in love with their person, learning by living, and chocked full of joie de vivre.  If that sounds like you, let’s get this party started.

Above three images by the lovely joanna eliza photography.