not poses

FAQs

capturing real moments

Jaimie is a documentary-style photographer based in the Midwest and Southern California. She feels lucky to call both St. Louis, MO and Twentynine Palms, CA home. Her daughter is her world and her cats are a close second. She eats Smarties by the bag and loves a good thrift store find. You can find her planning her next trip or snuggling under a pile of cats.

JAIMIE NICOLE KRAUSE is an award-winning wedding + elopement photographer

Answering Your Questions About My Authentic, Stress-Free, Documentary-Style Photography Services Across Southern California, the Midwest, and Beyond

I'm a photographer of people through all of life's adventures, so I photograph intimate weddings, adventure elopements, engagement sessions, family portraits, couples adventure sessions, and fat-neutral boudoir in the Midwest and Southern, California areas of the United States. I'm always available for travel, and many of my clients come to me. 

Do you just photograph elopements or do you shoot other things?



Travel within the United States and Mexico is included in all of my elopement collections. 

If I'm photographing you, then I go where you go. You are responsible for any admissions or fees incurred during your photography session / wedding / elopement that are not included in the permit and/or venue fees. 

If you are not in SoCal or the Midwest and are interested in a session, contact me to find out about my travel schedule! 

TRAVEL FEES

Are there any hidden fees or costs that I should be aware of?

So... How do

WORK?

Simply put, it's me—my life experiences, resilience, and unfiltered approach set me apart. With over 22 years of wedding photography under my belt, that experience is fucking invaluable.
In a previous life, I worked in direct patient care at a Level 1 trauma center ER and a world-renowned teaching hospital. Trust me, the things I've seen and the stories I have could fill a book.
I've been in four tornadoes—yes, actually in them, even outside for one. Growing up where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet, I've faced long floods and flash floods, driving through more water than anyone should. I've been bitten by a poisonous spider and carry the hole in my thigh as a souvenir.
I've been married, widowed, and remarried. I'm as rock solid as the boulders in Joshua Tree. I might be pint-sized, but I'm a powerhouse—mentally and physically. At 25, I wouldn't have believed I'd be physically stronger at 40, but here I am.
All these experiences have shaped who I am. They allow me to navigate any situation on your wedding day with calmness and confidence. I bring that strength, empathy, and a no-bullshit attitude to every elopement and wedding I photograph. I know how to read a room, let moments breathe, and step in when needed—all to capture real, raw moments that reflect your unique story.


6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1. What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

ALL wedding days are layered -- like the onions I’m so very allergic to. There’s a big story, and stories within stories. It’s about being open to finding them. I use my emotional intelligence and vulnerability to “read the room.” I know when to let moments breathe and when to step in and give a little gentle guidance or direction. Through carefully detailed planning, mixed with my ability to blend into the background to allow your day to unfold naturally, your photos will be more than poses in pretty places. You’ll actually be having the time of your life, doing the things you love, in the most stunning locations on earth. 

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1. What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

On your elopement day, I’m both your photographer and coordinator. As I mentioned earlier, I use my emotional intelligence to “read the room,” so to speak. Basically, I’m very sensitive to the vibes other people are giving off, so I’m constantly re-assessing my impact on the situation -- I always want the space around me to be comfortable, open, and accepting, where you feel free to be your true selves. I gently guide you through the schedule, keeping things on track without making you feel rushed, and I casually document the whole thing. This allows you to focus on each other and have the time of your fucking lives together.

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1. What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

You have to be flexible. On elopement days, shit will go wrong. It just happens, and that’s okay. Pretty sure that's a saying. Anyways, I always have backup plans and contingencies to handle whatever the fuck pops up unexpected. Whether it’s weather, location availability, or whatever other potential surprise, I’ve got it covered. My anxiety allows for nothing less. The rural Midwest makes you the toughest kind of radioactive cockroach when it comes to preparedness. 

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1. What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

After our initial consultation, I’ll work with you to create a customized plan for your elopement. You're going to share with me your deepest, wildest elopement dreams -- from where you stay to what you do during your elopement day, it's all part of your experience, and your elopement experience should be nothing short of amazing and full of everything you love. We’ll discuss timelines, locations, logistics, activities, meals/picnics, and any special requests you have. I'll send you a short list of vetted vendors to choose from -- and they are going to make abso-fuckin-lute magic together for your elopement day. From the first idea to the final timeline, I'm your Matron of Honor Wedding Planner Travel Advisor BFF. 

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1. What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

6. What should we expect regarding the final deliverables and timeline for our photos?

5. How does unlimited email planning work?

4. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day of the elopement?

I know that sharing your adventures is important, especially when you're in the most beautiful places on earth – so I’ll be taking BTS footage on my phone all day that I can Airdrop or Dropbox to you at the end of the day for you to immediately share with loved ones.

I’ll also have a handful of photos for you within a day or two, depending on where we are and what internet is like.

Typically, I deliver the final gallery within 4-6 weeks. You’ll receive a mix of digital and film images. The film images have been scanned and converted to digital. For a super cool, tangible keepsake that's AI-proof, you can even keep your negatives. 

3. What kind of guidance do you provide on the day of the elopement?

2. How do you incorporate documentary-style into elopement photography?
1.What makes you different from other elopement photographers?

A

Q

FAQs

Follow the link to my calendar. We’ll get on a call or meet virtually and talk about your elopement dreams. I really, truly do want to hear even the littlest ideas! If you've got Pinterest boards, send 'em to me!

After our call, I’ll send you a proposal. Once you’ve signed the contract and paid the retainer, we’ll start planning! 

"Okay, so how do we book?"

-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

contact

  1. Fill out my contact form. Tell me about you, your love story, and how you want to spend your wedding day.
  2. I’ll send over a tailored pricing guide & a link to schedule a call.
  3. We hop on a FaceTime or Zoom (warning: one of my cats will likely show you his ass). You’ll tell me all your wild ideas for the day.
  4. I send over a contract. We make it official. Time to make your dreams a reality!
  5. We meet up, go on an epic adventure, and you get married! Bonus: you’ll have a stunning gallery of photos to remember it all.
Or just skip the bullshit and go straight to step 3 and schedule a call.

Before We Adventure:

Fuck yeah, you are!

 So... you ready to make some magic?