Unscripted. unstaged.

unapologetically real

Documentary-style photography for weddings, elopements, and every wild, messy, beautiful in-between.

DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER

I'm a documentary-style wedding + portrait photographer based in Joshua Tree, CA + available for travel. I photograph intimate weddings and elopements in non-traditional places and spaces in Southern CA + The Midwest.

I’m a documentary-style wedding photographer specializing in candid, unposed storytelling for celebrations of every size. Whether you’re eloping in the desert or hosting a backyard bash, I bring a candid, photojournalistic approach that prioritizes genuine connection over staged perfection.

PHOTOJOURNALISM

Your wedding day, exactly as it felt.

FOR WEDDINGS BIG, SMALL,

or somewhere in-between

I'm an elopement photographer with a documentary-style, based in Southern CA + the Midwest. I’m Mama to Gigi. Cat person. Feminist. Houseplant collector. Metal head. Avid life-long thrifter. I dislike pants and Diet Culture. I believe that Love is Love and Black Lives Matter.

This is where I’m supposed to say I like long walks on the beach and mention some other universally relatable thing like drinking coffee. I prefer long hikes alone on challenging trails with gorgeous scenery. And, as far as my drink, I just want it to be the appropriate temperature and not contain anyone else’s spittle. Sometimes I hike in National Parks; sometimes I push my cats around the neighborhood in a stroller while my preschooler (in a seasonally inappropriate costume with a full face of did-it-herself makeup) belts out our personal business like she’s starring in a Broadway musical about her day. It’s about balance.

MEET

JAIMIE

(And Gigi!)

I shoot in a way that preserves the feeling of a moment, not just what it looked like. The laughs that turn into snorts, the tears no one saw coming, the quiet in-betweens that happen when you think no one’s watching. I believe the best photos come from you actually living your day—not performing for it. My job is to document it honestly, so when you look back years from now, you remember exactly how it felt to be there.

Love is Love, Black Lives Matter, Fuck the Patriarchy and Fuck Diet Culture. 
I will always fight for the rights of marginalized folks.

is simple 

my 

philosophy

My approach is all about uncovering those moments and letting them unfold naturally.

On a wedding day, I move like I’m part of the story—not an outsider looking in. I’m the quiet anchor in the whirlwind, reading the room and anticipating moments before they happen. I’m not a wedding-day hype girl, but more like your quiet confidant and supportive friend. I’ll share a mimosa with you, fix your boutonniere, and then fade into the background so you can forget the camera is even there.

I’ll step in when you need me, step back when you don’t, and give you the space to actually live your wedding. When you look back, I want you to feel like you’re there again—not like you’re looking at a photoshoot.

WEDDING DAY

with stories within stories. 

every

is layered

-Alexandra + James

My husband and I were nervous to be in front of the camera and Jaimie not only made every moment of photos fun, but she brought out beauty we didn't know existed. 

"From day one, she connected with me because she was so laid back. She made this process so easy for us. Jaimie was no stranger; she jumped right in and even helped me with my wedding gown and gave good tips like she was a part of the family! She was so friendly with everyone, which I liked that about her. Once our photos were ready, we were so pleased! Awesome quality and clarity that I am just in awe of it all!"

Jaimie is awesome! 

- Dorothea + Vince

- Meg + Alex

"My husband and I are so happy we went with Jaimie as our wedding photographer! She made us feel confident and comfortable in her presence, capturing candid photos of genuine interactions.” 

"Jaimie was an absolute dream to work with."

- Jess + Christina

"Jaimie knows exactly how to get people comfortable in front of the camera. She captures the true essence of her clients and how they interact with each other."

 kind WORDS

your guide to planning a joshua tree wedding weekend 

Get my Field Notes: Joshua Tree Wedding Weekend guide — full of local tips, planning ideas, and hidden gems to make your desert wedding unforgettable.

PLAN A WEDDING WEEKEND THAT FEELS LIKE AN ADVENTURE. 

Let's hang & make awesome photos and have an incredible adventure.

Portraits

WEDDINGS

ELOPEMENTS

 My SERVICES

Photographer Jaimie Nicole Krause Wezoree Community Member 2024 award

Contact Form

Next Steps:
There are two ways to do this:

Option 1: Fill out the contact form. I’ll send you a tailored pricing guide and a link to my calendar so you can schedule a call (if you haven't already).

Option 2: Skip the back-and-forth where my reply probably ends up in your spam folder and you never see it. You can jump straight to my calendar, book a time, and I’ll send you all the good stuff afterward. Or, shoot me a text at ‪(760) 209-8008‬.

I make a practice of intentionally putting my phone down and being present in whatever I’m doing, so I’m not glued to it 24/7. I generally text back within a few hours—unless it’s the middle of the night, I’m shooting, or I'm traveling.

Emails that aren’t spam are the new snail mail greeting cards.

Ready When You Are!

Yours will make my day. 

beyond the aisle: 
Your elopement planning guide

Your elopement deserves to be more than a photo shoot. Download this free guide packed with tips, itineraries, and ideas to plan your elopement with intention.