About - AJ Photography
Hi, I'm Armando.
Elopement photographer, planning partner, and the person who's probably already scouted your dream location.
The Origin Story
My Story
I didn't start here. I started the way most photographers do — out in the landscape, just me and a camera, chasing light across mountains and coastlines. Then came traditional weddings. They were beautiful, but something always felt a little off. Too much noise, too many moving parts, not enough of the couple.
Then I photographed my first elopement — two people, an epic location, and a moment that belonged entirely to them. That was it. I've never looked back.
My Thoughts
What I Actually Believe
Most couples who reach out to me say the same two things: "We don't really know how to plan this" and "We're not great in front of a camera."
Here's what I've learned after years of doing this: the couples who feel most like themselves in their photos aren't the ones who practiced poses. They're the ones who felt at ease, who were in a place that meant something to them, with someone they trusted behind the lens.
My job isn't to tell you where to stand. It's to put you in the right place, at the right time, in a location that reflects who you actually are as a couple — and then let the moment happen.
Planning
The Planning Side
I'm an introvert who loves to travel, explore, and plan — which, it turns out, makes me a pretty good elopement partner.
I've spent years hiking through Tahoe, Yosemite, Sedona, and the Oregon Coast. I know which permits you need and how to get them. I know where the light hits best in October, which trailheads to avoid on a Saturday, and how to build a timeline that actually works. When something unexpected happens on the day — and something always does — I stay calm and we figure it out together.
You bring the love story. I'll handle the logistics.
What I handle for you
Permit navigation
Yosemite, Sedona, Oregon, Tahoe — each location has its own rules. I know them and I'll handle the guidance.
Vendor + lodging recs
I know the area. I'll point you toward the right people and places so you're not starting from scratch.
Timeline creation
Built around good light, easy logistics, and enough breathing room that your day never feels rushed.
Day-of support
I'm still there with you — calm, present, and making sure everything unfolds the way we planned.
Location guidance
I'll help you find a spot that matches what you want it to feel like — not just what photographs well.
Backup planning
Weather changes. Crowds happen. We plan for that in advance so nothing catches you off guard.
Experience
Eight years. Hundreds of elopements. The same care every time.
I've photographed elopements across some of the most demanding locations in the west — early morning Yosemite permits, high-wind Sedona ridgelines, snowpack in Tahoe in May. The experience means I don't panic when things shift, and neither will you.
Elopements captured across Tahoe, Yosemite, Oregon & Sedona
200+
Years photographing elopements and weddings
8
5
Google review rating across 59 WeddingWire reviews
Just So You Know
AJ Photography is primarily just me, Armando. On some elopements I bring a second shooter when it makes sense — more angles, more coverage, more moments captured. I'll always let you know what I'd recommend for your specific day.
