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Kim Willoughby | Destination + Las Vegas Wedding Photographer

@photosbysote

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For couples who value presence, meaningful details, family & legacy, and emotion.
Digital, Film, Super 8, available worldwide
Follower of Jesus 🤍

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Life has been feeling a little unreal lately 😭 shot the wedding of my dreams last week and I’m still on the cloud. I can’t wait to share more from this wedding and to give you a look into the making of these photographs. For now - I’m just going to sit and imagine myself back in these rooms with the beautiful @katherine.a and @jessiesantiagoh

A little bit about this gorgeous wedding day - we started at Katherine’s house to do some getting ready portraits of the two of them (not pictured because Instagram doesn’t give me enough slides 😭) and said goodbye to their widdle baby doggie bailey before heading to their church for their ceremony. My second shooter and I ran around the ceremony space, which was enormous, and captured the most heartfelt exchange of rings, arras, cord, all of the traditional things 🤍 then we ran over to Caesars Palace with just the 4 of us to meet my assistant and there, we started capturing their solo portraits alongside their private vow reading. All the while their videographer was directing fun and creative shots while I directed editorial shots. Then we had a small break before meeting them at their reception at London Events and documented their super emotional and tear filled reception events and headed home once I surprised them with their polaroids that I had been secretly taking all day.

I couldn’t imagine a better wedding, a better couple, a better day. And I am truly so grateful for my team and my clients for trusting me to lead!

Photographer: @photosbysote
Second Shooter: @melschill.photo
Assistant: @eventorials
Videographer: @thevideochef.lv
Makeup: @kasandraartistry
Hair: @samantha.styling
Reception: @londoneventslv
Bride: @katherine.a
Groom: @jessiesantiagoh
Florals: @bloomhauslv

#lasvegasweddingphotographer #lasvegaswedding #caesarspalacewedding #2027bride #weddingdesign taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by @photosbysote

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2 months ago

On a call yesterday, one of my inquiring brides told me that she really loved seeing the process behind the scenes of me guiding and directing couples because the reality was - she didn’t know if the couples looked so comfortable in front of the camera because they were just these beautiful models who were used to taking pictures or if they were actually being guided and directed. She said it really mattered to her to know WHO she would be working with for the entire day.

This really inspired me because I truly post these videos for my clients and oncoming clients to almost get a taste of what the full experience is but to also build trust with them that they know it’s not a forced product happening - it’s genuine connection, trust, and a lot of silliness. Wedding days can be so serious and yes, your wedding photos are extremely important. That’s why I want to take that stress away and help you feel like the best, most natural and comfortable version of yourself 🤍

If you’re a bride from ANYWHERE (not just Vegas, anywhere!!!) looking to feel an actual connection with your photographer AND get beautiful images too, and you’ve found my page - take it as a sign that I’m your girl 🫶🏼

Content: @jaselayson of @aglowmediacontent
Photographer: @photosbysote
Video + super 8: @photosbysote

*please note the super 8 shown here is a simulation bc I literally have to wait THREE MONTHS to get my footage scanned 😭*

#destinationweddingphotographer #californiabride #lasvegasweddingphotographer #hawaiibride #newyorkbride taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by @photosbysote

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3 months ago

No matter how long I’m a photographer for, I’ll always care about every single person I come across. Every path I’ve walked in, every wedding I’ve been a part of has always been such a blessing and I never take it for granted what the Lord has given me. As a person who struggled to make friends growing up and someone who is still anti-social to this day, I feel like my clients have become my friends and it’s healed a part of me while also allowing me to help others capture the photos of their dreams. This job is unbelievably beautiful and I could not imagine my life without being a photographer. To Kathy & Jessie, I’m so thankful for your love and the opportunity to serve you. It’s been such a journey showing everyone just a little bit of the beautiful day we had together and I’m so thankful for your willingness to trust me and allow me to be completely who I am. I pray all of the best over you both and I hope it’s not the last time our paths cross 🤍

Thank you guys for all of the love and support in this episode 3 of “Are You A Good Photographer” — it’s been so fun!!! Episode 4 starts tomorrow!!!!

A beautiful thanks to the team:
Photographer: @photosbysote
Second Photographer: @melschill.photo
Vendor Content: @eventorials
Dj: @djvinotinto
Videographer: @thevideochef.lv
Venue: @londoneventslv
Bride: @katherine.a
Groom: @jessiesantiagoh
MUA: @kasandraartistry
Hair: @samantha.styling

#lasvegasweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #weddingplanning #2027bride #brideandgroom taken in London Events by @photosbysote

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a month ago

Finally talking about this. Book is open. Heart is on the sleeve. Thank you for reading 🤍 taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by @photosbysote

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11 days ago

Candid in the moment shot of @brittanyogle_ getting into the sprinter van with the Arc de Triomphe in the background 🇫🇷

Sharing the most stunning photographs ever taken from my camera with you all today 🤍 follow along on the journey through some of my favorite shots of The Ogle Wedding while I comment on different things, share my thoughts, why I composed things a certain way, and edited all of the photos with love and intention!!!

Special shout out to the beautiful team -
Photographer: @photosbysote
Content Creator (for the couple): @aglowmediacontent
Content Creator (for me): @aglowcontentbyjasel
Coordinator: @emilygraceevents
Getting ready venue (my favorite in town): The Paris
Ceremony venue: @caesarsweddingsandevents @caesarspalace junk gardens
Caesar’s planner (my bestie): michelle madrigal
Hair & Makeup: @beautyhourlv
Rentals: @byancaseventdecor
Dj: @ultradjslv
Rings: @sunnyj.studios
Bride: @brittanyogle_
Groom: @cooper_ogle

#lasvegasweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #editorialweddingphotographer #2027bride #bridalportraits

I had to have @brittanyogle_ do a staggered shot in this garden. It’s just too good to pass up and the levels make cooper look so tall and modelesque and gives Brittany the ability to look more feminine and romantic yet editorial 🤍 all I told them was “straight faces” and they understood the assignment!!

More intimate shots of the bridals session, the top left has been a favorite and it was second shot for me by @kymeegilroyphoto whom I am utterly obsessed with. Bottom left photo is of their private vows to each other (so sweet) and the right photo was an off guard one where no one was looking at the camera 🤍

Kymee and I took a bit of time to floof her dress all the way out as well and it was so worth it. I loveeeee a good puddle shot!!!

Stunning shot of the groomsmen giving cooper a big bear hug. The framing of this is so intimate and detailed. I love it so much. The black and white was a must. I can see this photo on a coffee table 🤍

A must have for every wedding day. A silhouette of the groom looking out of a window. So beautiful. Caesar’s just happens to have the floor to ceiling window by @photosbysote

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4 days ago

Mr & Mrs ♡ I cannot believe I am finally your wife by @photosbysote

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5 days ago

A sentence I could have never dreamed to be real - I flew out a model to photograph in one of the most beautiful beaches in San Francisco for an editorial-styled photo shoot by the ocean before running over to capture a wedding at City Hall.

in many ways, this beach session is a full circle moment which is why it’s so special to me to share this with you guys even though it’s not a wedding. Pictured is my older sister, Lan, who once used me as a lighting assistant and was naturally my muse growing up for silly YouTube videos and taking photos. The girl I once aspired to be is now an engaged, fully grown beautiful woman, whom I now get to photograph from the lens in which I always saw her. Although sisters are known to tease each other and fight (all of which we did growing up) our relationship has blossomed into so much more. She’s become my best friend, and now one of my travel buddies to take along with me on short but beautiful trips.

This next video is going to feature the out-of-this-world photographs that we captured in just 30 minutes on the beach with medium format film and digital photography. I’m so excited to share more and to give you guys something more creative, immersive, and fun.

#beach #travel #editorialphotography #photographerreels #sanfranciscoweddingphotographer taken in San Francisco, California by @photosbysote

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a month ago

Praying God blesses you with these presets that took 4 years to create 🤍 before we dropped last night, my team and I prayed and Jarrad (our designer) said something so beautiful.

He said - Lord, I pray this blesses other people in their journey and business too.

And through the sleepless nights, endless conversations, and 4 hard years of frustration in trying to find an edit that would help me break into the luxury industry and support my family, this is what it all was for. To bless the next person the same way the Lord blessed us.

A few of my favorite things about each preset:

SIEMPRE
Perfect for: Perfect Skin Tones. Siempre gives natural light photographs clean color, beautiful skin tones, and the polished editorial feel I’m known for. It’s subtle enough to let the emotion of the moment lead while giving the image a recognizable orange & teal finish.

LONDON
Perfect for: Indoor Low Light Settings. Inspired by Portra 400, London brings warmth, depth, and a filmic feel to low-light photographs. I use it when I want the atmosphere of a room to remain part of the story, with an artful, editorial finish.

THE FLASH
Perfect for: An Editorial Vibe. My signature preset for flash photographs, from editorial portraits to the dance floor. It brings out vibrant, balanced color and beautiful skin tones, giving those moments the magazine-worthy, celebrity feel my clients love.

SOTE B&W
Perfect for: A Photobook Finish. A classic black and white preset built around texture, detail, and emotion. I reach for it when color is no longer the most important part of the image and I want your eye to go straight to the connection between people.

A special thanks to @hellohellostudio for supporting me through this drop and curating a perfectly designed webpage and graphics that completely have exceeded my expectations. Everything you see on the page is completely their handiwork, visually capturing the true essence of SOTE. Seriously, they are the most talented designers I’ve worked with. And even greater people.

#presets #weddingpresets #photographertips #photoediting by @photosbysote

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19 days ago

Leaving San Francisco with a new worst enemy - the Waymo 🥲 I will always be in awe of the city of San Francisco. Even moreso, I’m so thankful with how God has blessed our business. 3 years ago I was in this city for the first time and it was my first travel wedding that I booked from a Facebook group where I offered to shoot the entire wedding just for travel experience. I never would have thought the experience from that wedding would help land me to this weekend in SF where some of my favorite photos were shot, and some of the most fun I’ve had in a while was had. You underestimate what you can do in 10 years and I truly believe that there is so much more in store for our little business that is blossoming into something much bigger 🤍 thank you to Anna & Kevin for such a beautiful and fun experience along Chinatown. And for reigniting my love for romantic couples photos 🫶🏼

Photographer: @photosbysote

#sanfrancisco #sanfranciscophotographer #sanfranciscoweddingphotographer #photographerreels #posing taken in Chinatown, San Francisco by @photosbysote

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6 days ago

A beautiful super 8 & camcorder video for @_lansgram dress fitting 🤍 I approached this with extreme delicacy and the intention of trying to make it feel timeless and movie-like. I’m so obsessed with the result and even more obsessed with lan and her wedding party + friends. So so thankful for opportunities like this 🤍

I also alwwwwways recommend that you have your fitting documented and it’s something new I’ve added onto my packages and it comes out soooo beautifully. I’m obsessed!!!

#super8weddingvideographer #weddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #super8wedding #newyorkweddingphotographer taken in MaidenWhite by @photosbysote

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2 days ago

A new chapter is beginning for SOTE but it wasn’t overnight. For years I’ve studied the art of filmmaking, cried at compositions of movie scenes, and through this craft I’ve developed an over-obsession with color analysis and skin tone. I struggled so long to try and create the images I saw in my head and put it into real life. And now, I finally have perfected the art of editing. The way I want, for every session, without restriction of “consistency.”

Now, I’m sharing them with you in hopes it blesses you in the same way.

Dropping Wednesday, September 30th at 12 am pst

Link in bio to sign up for the drop.

Photos of me by: @llidaaria by @photosbysote

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21 days ago

Thinking about how life has brought me to this moment, photographing in such a beautiful city, spending time with some of the most genuine and kind people, and surrounded by so much love and support. I am still in so much shock at what’s happening around me.

To share a bit about this day - Jane & Idan got married in Santorini Greece and had one of the most beautifully designed weddings of the year. And this day, I photographed their legal ceremony around San Francisco City Hall. We arrived about 45 minutes beforehand to take photos on the mayor’s balcony with the gorgeous and soft natural light, then we checked in to officially sign their documents, and had a sweet ceremony in the rotunda with the sweetest minister. Not only did I photograph them digitally but also with film, super 8 and my camcorder and Polaroids to truly memorialize the day in a timeless way. Jane wore a custom dress from Manila that had this gorgeous white and amber beading and was glammed beautifully with a classic Hollywood wave and Smokey eyes. Idan wore a beautifully fitted tux dressed with orchids made by @bloomhauslv and Jane carried a beautiful pink, white and green bridal bouquet. Once we were done with their legal ceremony, we focused more on the grandeur of SF City Hall and shot on the classic staircase, played with perspectives across the balconies to capture the windows, experimented with contrast in lighting, and of course brought my love for off camera flash into many of the shots to give it a more fun feeling.

I’m so grateful for Jane & her patience throughout my pregnancy and being flexible enough for me to give birth, recover, and be able to travel again to fly out and see her. This day was one I was looking forward to for months and I couldn’t imagine the photos turning out better. Love you Jane & Idan and thank you for sharing this day with me!

Photographer: @photosbysote
Super 8: @photosbysote
Florals: @bloomhauslv
Hair: @shea.styles
MUA: @xomuajayy
#sanfranciscoweddingphotographer #sfweddingphotographer #samfranciscocityhall #2027bride #elopement taken in San Francisco City Hall by @photosbysote

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a month ago