After a year of working with established photographers, I’m now focused on my own distinctive brand and expanding my network within the wedding and event industry. This year is about growth, creative independence, and forging meaningful connections with clients who resonate with my aesthetic…”
Bonnie Gillis, Photographer, NYC
Featured in editorials such as The New York Times and ‘AVENUE’, NYC-based photographer Bonnie Gillis is renowned for her expertise in capturing the elegance and emotion of weddings, events, and editorial campaigns for luxury brands and boutique hotels worldwide. With a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to tell stories through her lens, Bonnie has cultivated a diverse portfolio that reflects her commitment to artistry and professionalism. Her work not only highlights the unique moments of special occasions but also embodies the sophistication and allure of high-end brands…
C&B: “Bonnie, we love your black and white editorial shots and also you work from Europe; what first inspired you to specialise in luxury lifestyle photography, and how did you begin to attract work in this field?”
BG: “My journey began during my consulting career, which involved extensive travel. In my free time I found myself capturing the interiors and ambiance of the hotels I stayed in. What started as a passion project, shooting purely for enjoyment, evolved into collaborations with luxury properties offering complimentary or discounted accommodations in exchange for my work…”
My natural demeanour is very calm and quiet, which serves as a counterbalance on most wedding days. Couples often comment that my quiet and unobtrusive presence help ground them amid the whirlwind of emotions and activity. I believe that the most authentic images emerge when people forget they’re being photographed…”
Bonnie Gillis, Photographer, NYC
C&B: “There’s nothing like being able to combine work with luxury travel! Do you manage to combine projects? For example a luxury hotel interior in Europe just before or after a wedding shoot?”
BG: “Yes, travel assignments most often coincide with other projects in the region I’m already visiting. There’s something beautiful about blending work and discovery, whether I’m in Italy capturing a destination wedding or extending a personal vacation to include a photography session…”
C&B: “Can you describe your process for consulting with wedding couples to ensure their unique stories and preferences are reflected in the final images?”
BG: “My consultation begins with genuine curiosity by inviting couples to share their love story while I listen intently for the elements that make their relationship distinctive. I create detailed mood boards and encourage my couples to share inspiration that resonates with them. I find that visual references communicate more than words ever could. Some of my most rewarding experiences come when couples simply say, ‘We love your work, we trust your vision completely.’ That trust is something I never take for granted…”
Slim Aarons has always been a tremendous inspiration to me. Beautiful people in beautiful places doing beautiful things. Looking ahead, I’m developing a collection of travel prints for release next year…”
Bonnie Gillis, Photographer, NYC
C&B: “You’re based in a city with amazing locations, but when you travel, it’s eye-opening to see all the historical venues and beautiful hotels. Which do you particularly like?”
BG: “Italy consistently captivates my heart. Last year, I had the privilege of shooting a wedding at Palazzo Avino in Ravello and documenting an intimate elopement at Villa Cimbrone. The Amalfi Coast feels like a second home after spending several summers vacationing there. While it’s undeniably the most breathtaking place I’ve ever experienced, choosing the right hotel – Villa Treville, Miramalfi, or Santa Caterina – elevates the entire experience. At home in New York City, The Plaza holds a special place in my portfolio for its timeless elegance…”
I’ve recently formed wonderful partnerships with both the Hotel Chelsea and the Lotte Palace Hotel, creating bespoke styled shoots as one of their preferred photography vendors. This collaboration allows me to showcase their wedding spaces through my distinctive visual perspective…”
Bonnie Gillis, Photographer, NYC
C&B: “What are some strategies you employ to adapt to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of weddings in an urban environment like New York City?”
BG: “New York presents unique technical and logistical challenges from navigating the dramatic contrast of shadowy hotel suites to making the most of cramped getting-ready spaces and calculating cross-town transit times between venues. Unlike destination weddings with predictable natural light, I’m constantly preparing for varied lighting scenarios across multiple indoor settings. This is precisely why location scouting has become essential to identifying those perfect pockets of light and architectural interest for portraits…”
C&B: “Last question, Bonnie: In your experience, what are the most significant challenges associated with wedding photography in such a bustling and diverse city as New York, and how do you cope?”
BG: “New York City demands flexibility and foresight. I prepare plans from B through Z, for whenever plan A falls through, but I hold them loosely. The city has taught me to anticipate without being rigid. Wedding day timelines shift, traffic snarls unexpectedly, and weather changes can happen in an instant. My ability to remain calm while pivoting quickly has become one of my greatest assets…”
CONTACT: http://www.bonniegillis.com
