We were lucky to catch up with Clane Gessel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Clane, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Over the years, I’ve learned that criticism, whether constructive or not, is an inevitable part of being in a creative field. Instead of letting negativity weigh me down, I choose to channel it into growth and self-improvement. Every couple I work with trusts me to capture one of the most important days of their lives, and that trust fuels my resilience. I focus on delivering excellence and let the work speak for itself. In the end, my clients’ happiness is the best response to any negativity. If you’ve felt that in your field, just remember that criticism is part of the journey when you’re pushing creative boundaries. Everyone who’s ever done anything amazing has had haters, but you have to hold to the purpose of what you do. For me, I see my work as more than photography—it’s storytelling through a global lens. Every time I overcome doubt or negativity, I reaffirm my commitment to capturing the magic of love in extraordinary places. Staying true to that vision has not only silenced critics but also allowed me to inspire others who dream of telling their own unique stories.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most extraordinary locations on Earth—Antarctica, Tuscany, the African plains, and beyond. My work has been recognized globally, including being named the world’s best wedding photographer in 2024, which was an incredible honor. I’ve also had the opportunity to shoot for National Geographic, which has deeply influenced my approach to storytelling and my ability to capture the raw beauty of natural landscapes.
What excites me most is creating art that’s as unique as the couples I work with, blending the intimacy of their love story with the grandeur of the world’s most stunning backdrops. Recently, I’ve expanded my offerings to include same-day photo and video edits, providing couples and planners with instant, shareable memories. My goal is to not only document moments but to turn them into timeless works of art that resonate for a lifetime.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. A Clear Vision
Having a clear vision for my work and brand has been key to standing out in a competitive industry. I’ve always strived to create images that blend fine art with raw emotion, and that focus has helped me define my style. My advice? Spend time reflecting on what makes your work unique and how you want to be perceived. A strong vision will guide your decisions and set you apart from the crowd. For a photographer, I’d recommend practice practice practice. I used to take my camera with me every day on my walk from my studio apartment in Seattle to the University of Washington when I was a student there. I would shot for an hour a day for the entire school year just to practice composition, how to see new things in an interesting way, or the same thing in a different way. I had a hunger to be the absolute best wedding photographer I could, and I knew practicing the very basics was the key to that. It gives you a perspective on your future career, mine being love stories, on how to reinvent yourself with each wedding.
2. Adaptability to New Challenges
Adaptability has been crucial, especially in a field that’s constantly evolving. Whether it’s embracing new technology, like drones or same-day edits, or navigating unpredictable travel schedules, staying flexible has allowed me to grow. For those early in their journey, keep an open mind and never stop learning. It’s really about experience. After doing this for 20 years, I can honestly say the more adaptable you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the unexpected.
3. A Strong Work Ethic
Finally, a relentless work ethic has been essential to my success. And to have a strong work ethic, you don’t have to be the best, you just have to love what you do more than everyone else. If you saw my first shoots you’d probably laugh, but how far I’ve come from then and how hard I’ve worked are the real story behind where I am now. I’ve always believed that hard work pays off. For newcomers, my advice is simple: show up, do the work, and go the extra mile. Not just once, every time, and because you love it. If you don’t love it, find something you do. It’s not always glamorous, but dedication and consistency will set you apart. The best photos of my whole career came just a moment or two after I decided to trek on and not turn back, even though every part of me wanted to.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal clients are the same as me – they say that the most important part of their most important day is their photos.
People that believe the memories of their biggest day are my ideal clients. Weddings have a lot that goes into them, sometimes years of each couple’s lives and no insignificant amount of money. The only takeaway are the images, and that’s not lost on me. I absolutely believe your photographer determines how you remember your big day, and my clients all have that in common. It doesn’t hurt if you’re also adventurous, discerning, and passionate about creating experiences that are unique. My couples have all sorts of backgrounds, we photograph weddings of all kinds. They all value the artistry and storytelling behind every photograph and are excited about tying their special day to extraordinary locations—whether it’s exchanging vows on an Antarctic glacier, under the Tuscan sun, or amidst the vibrant colors of the African savanna.
They trust me to bring their vision to life and see photography not just as documentation but as an investment in timeless, meaningful art. These couples often have a deep appreciation for detail, a love of travel, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, knowing that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Working with clients who share my passion for capturing the raw beauty of their love in breathtaking environments inspires me to push creative boundaries and deliver images that they’ll treasure forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clanegessel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clanegessel
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/clanegessel
Image Credits
Clane Gessel Studio
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