About Tamara Gruner | Colorado and Chicago Wedding Photographer

FROM LAB WORK TO LOVE STORIES

I’m Tamara Gruner, a former scientist turned love story preservationist. If it surprises you to hear that I hold a PhD in Cancer Research from the University of Cambridge, you aren’t alone! My career path hasn’t been straightforward, yet somehow all of the bits and pieces that preceded my work as a fine art wedding photographer make sense now that I’m six years into the role. Details have always mattered to me—my fascination with the framework of cells has simply shape-shifted into a passion for capturing people, moments, and emotions in all of their intricacies. And it goes without saying that the years I spent working in a sterile laboratory environment only heightened my appreciation for aesthetics and beauty!

The Old World look of my work probably—make that definitely—has something to do with the fact that I was born in Munich and met my husband while completing my PhD in London. We love to travel and return to Europe frequently to spend time with family and friends. Along with exploring the local culture and enjoying a good meal, getting up close and personal with old, romantic architecture is always at the top of my Must-Do list when visiting a new country. I’m at my happiest when photographing a couple against a background of time-worn columns!

Since moving to the States my husband and I have split our time between Colorado and Chicago. I continue to work regularly in both regions in addition to photographing destination weddings, elopements, engagements, and honeymoons across Europe and beyond. Wherever your wedding is taking place, I would be truly honored to tell your love story through the art of photography.

YOUR STORYTELLER

How I Photograph | Fine Art Film Photography
My father was a photographer. Although he passed away when I was very young, I grew up with the desire to carry on our family tradition of telling stories with a camera. I spent my childhood in Germany studying light—how it lit up white mountains, brightened deep green forests, and was absorbed by blue lakes. As a fine art film photographer, my appreciation for natural light only continues to grow.

Film photography is different from digital photography in that it requires both the photographer and the subject to take things slowly. I shoot every frame differently and think about composition in the moment rather than afterward while culling images. The result? Airy, editorial photographs that capture not only a memory, but an associated mood as well. I take a hybrid approach on the wedding day, shooting in both film and digital formats to ensure that no detail goes undocumented.

Thank you, Janis Ratnieks, for this image of my own wedding day held at Lac Leman in picturesque Switzerland.

THE PROCESS

Step One: Fall in Love

First things first: Take your time browsing my Portfolio and Journal and make note of any images that inspire you. If you like the style you see, please drop me a note via my Contact Form.

Step Two: Pop the Question

We will schedule a short phone call to discuss the details of your wedding day or portrait session. Afterward, I will deliver a custom proposal based on the needs you have outlined.

Step Three: Say “I do”

If we both feel that we are a fit, we’ll make things official by signing a photography contract.

PS: Booking an Engagement Session is a fantastic way for us to get to know one another and ensure that you are completely comfortable and at ease on your wedding day!

INQUIRE

KIND WORDS

Heather Dwight, Owner of Calluna Events and named "2018 Best Wedding Planners" by BRIDES

"Tamara's work is exquisite and we feel fortunate each time we get to work with her!"

KIND WORDS

Jade & Jim

I knew I wanted my wedding pictures to look and feel editorial and beautiful as if they were shot for a magazine. When I saw Tamara’s portfolio I immediately fell in love.

KIND WORDS

Emily Campbell, Owner of Bella Event Design & Planning and named "2018 Best Wedding Planners" by BRIDES

“For fine art photography, Tamara is at the top of her field.”

KIND WORDS

April & Mike

"From the very first email when I was just asking for pricing and details, she was perfectly attentive. Her responses to my emails, texts, and calls were always so fast, I couldn't believe it, usually within minutes or hours."