My approach to wedding photography is a unique blend of documentary style, timeless portraits, and fashion-forward editorial imagery, seamlessly merging authenticity with artistry. But it’s in capturing the intangible – the fleeting emotions, unspoken connections, and subtle nuances – that my true magic shines through…”
John Schnack, Photographer
John Schnack is a wedding photographer based in Encinitas, California, situated along San Diego’s North County coast. While John’s projects primarily take place in Southern California, covering the area between San Diego and Santa Barbara, he has also had the pleasure of shooting weddings throughout his career in various international locations, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Belize, and Mexico. In this discussion, we will explore John’s favourite locations and the challenges of his work…
C&B: “John, firstly – congratulations on being on the CITY & BEACH TOP 10 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS 2025. Can you describe your process for working with wedding planners and vendors to create a seamless photography experience for your couple on their wedding day?“
JS: “Putting together an incredible wedding is a truly collaborative effort among all the creative partners, so I view my role as one of service not only to the couple, but also to the planner and the entire team. The couples who come to me are drawn to the timeless, classic style I produce, so there’s a true aesthetic alignment from the get-go. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many amazing planners and creative partners. Each one brings their own unique design and event management approach, and I appreciate them all…”
My dream project would be anything with Sinclair & Moore; Steve is one of the kindest, most talented people I know and being on a creative team with him would be incredible…”
John Schnack, Photographer
C&B: “It looks like a fun career; however, we’re well aware of the challenges that come with wedding photography. What are some of the more tricky aspects of documenting a wedding, and how do you overcome them?”
JS: “There are so many challenging aspects to effectively photographing a wedding – working with a wide range of personalities, knowing when to direct and when to let a moment unfold, and working in often challenging lighting conditions within strict time limits. And all of this has to be done knowing that you’ve got only one shot to bring home the goods. Having spent the early part of my career as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper, I developed a crucial skillset that has allowed me to thrive under the pressure of a wedding day…”
In Southern California, my favourite wedding venue is the Fairmont Grand Del Mar (above). Its architecture really lends itself to a timeless aesthetic, which is what draws couples to my work. Elsewhere, I really love Villa de Piazzano in Cortona, Italy…”
John Schnack, Photographer
C&B: “Yes, it’s a huge responsibility ensuring that you get the right shots and deliver what the couple is expecting, sometimes against all odds! Is there a particularly memorable moment or experience you can share that you’ve had while photographing a wedding?”
JS: “All of the weddings I’ve photographed are celebrations of two families coming together to begin a new chapter in their families’ legacies, so they’re all unique and memorable in their own right. But if I were to pick one, I would say photographing a wedding in a Belize rainforest – and the portrait sessions amongst Mayan ruins – is a definite highlight…”
The work that my brand is best known for is represented cohesively throughout my website and Instagram feed. My team and I deliver a handful of highlight images within 24 to 36 hours of the event; we then deliver the curated collection of photographs 4 to 5 weeks after the event…”
John Schnack, Photographer
C&B: “That sounds incredible – a once-in-a-lifetime moment! It takes real courage and expertise to launch yourself into an environment as exotic and unpredictable as that and capture the perfect shots. You’re the expert, so what advice would you give to couples when selecting a wedding photographer such as yourself?”
JS: “My advice to them would be to find someone who not only aligns aesthetically with their vision but also delivers a bespoke experience based on their desires…”
CONTACT: http://www.johnschnack.com
