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“If you want a photographer who truly listens, is wildly non-judgmental, understands your style, and delivers incredible results, Talya is your person."
So happy to meet you, i'm talya!
I’m your adventure wedding consultant, guide, space holder, hype girl & photographer
If you want to celebrate your hobbies and personal journeys along with your vows, I know just the place - trust me, I am a San Diego Native and world traveler.
My goal is to craft an experience that feels once-in-a-lifetime epic - like when I was hiking Angels Landing with my 73-year-old dad thinking how badass this is!
Or when I took off 6 months to trek and volunteer in Nepal in my 20s, knowing that life is too short to rush.
And here’s what couples like you have said:
Her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to capture the moment were flawless, no matter the weather or lighting. Her use of digital and film feels like the perfect combination for documenting our elopement to become a future family keepsake.
-Victoria and Cole
I’m going to help your wedding feel so meaningful, full of aw and joy that you will be talking about it for the rest of your lives together.
I know how overwhelming wedding planning can feel, and I never want you to go through it alone.
From the moment we start working together,
I’m here to make things easier —
whether that means talking through decisions,
calming last-minute nerves,
or just being a sounding board when you need one.
That’s why I offer unlimited Zoom calls, texts, and emails—so you always have someone to turn to.
Why choose me to be part of your big day?
There are so many details to navigate in bringing your dream wedding adventure to life.
You deserve to feel 100% confident, knowing that you are in capable & caring hands.
I am an adventure expert
Ask me about backpacking solo or leading outdoor trips for teenagers, since completing my outdoor survival course when I was 15, I have become best friends with adventure and know the tricks to making the adventure a success in any weather. (Just ask me about leading a mindfulness backpacking trip that got hailed on the entire time)
Support here means emotional & technical
I know that planning this experience can bring up so much - especially when choosing a path that differs from others. I am not only here to offer unique planning tips, but to help you and your partner celebrate and continue to stay excited throughout the whole planning process.
You get to feel like yourself in front of the camera, regardless of the pose
I know how awkward it can feel to be in front of the camera and I fully believe it’s my task to put you at ease so you can focus on more important things like looking at your partner and thinking how freaking badass this is!
Digital, film & Polaroid Photography
To me, film photography is like summiting that mountain, and digital photography is a backpack stuffed with first aid, warm clothing and a Garmin - just as necessary for the adventure, and making sure that your memories stay safe.
Showing up for you isn't just a job. I mean, I am incredibly grateful that I get to do this as my job - my main goal is to tap into how much this day means to you two, to learn what your love feels like, what your values and goals are - and to show up fully for who you are.
8
years of
photographing
love
19
countries visited
11
National Parks
visited
I grew up in California and spent the winters skiing and the summer biking and swimming.
At 18, I moved to the other side of the world to live out my dreams. I volunteered for two years working with kids with special needs and as an outdoor guide.
Building a positive impact on the world felt essential and I went to law school to become an environmental attorney.
I felt the urge for a creative outlet and signed up for a photography course.
Soon friends started hiring me to document their special occasions and I fell in love with these photo sessions, supporting couples and creating space for authentic connection.
As an environmental advocate, its an honor to combine my passions of the great outdoors and photography by planning epic elopements and adventure weddings in a sustainable way.
Believes in:
In my free time:
Favorite travel memory:
My why:
Inspired by:
comedy as much as meditation & cultivating loving and inclusive spaces
aunt life, ecstatic dance, listening to podcasts on walks and scouring thrift stores
couch surfing and hiking mt. fuji solo in time for the most epic sunrise
by authentically supporting, empathizing and honoring couples on their day, I am able to add more light to the world.
my dad’s influencer era (his facebook posts are next level), national geographic, music festivals and how good breathing and stretching always feels.
Few Unique Things About Working With Me
Carbon Neutral Travel
As you know I am an environmentalist with years of experience in reducing environmental impacts. The carbon emissions from my travel are offset by financing carbon sinks. I can offset your elopement travel too and make your wedding carbon neutral! I also source eco-friendly albums and prints, and will guide you in planning an elopement that is friendly to our planet.
Outdoor Expertise
As a backpacker and lifelong outdoor adventurer, you can trust my experience in the great outdoors. I know how to plan and pack for adventures thoroughly and will guide you throughout the process.
Mindfulness Specialist
I hear too often that your wedding goes by too quickly and part of my job is to slow down these moments. I will naturally bring in mindfulness practices to have you two connect and stay in these breathtaking moments.
Inclusive & Proud
As a queer-owned, BIPOC inclusive business, I am honored to pay witness and celebrate your love. I also understand that some poses, locations or vocabulary won’t work for everyone. I take the time to get to know you, your preferences and your story.
Where Have I Been?
Austria - Belgium - Canada - Costa Rica - Egypt - France - Finland - Germany - Greece - Thailand - Italy - Israel - Japan - Jordan - Mexico - Nepal - Netherlands - Vietnam - Philippines - Poland - Portugal - Russia - Spain - South Korea - Sweden - Switzerland - United Kingdom
Elopement Bucket List
1. Mountain Biking in New Zealand after sunrise vows at Mt. Cook
2. Backcountry Skiing in the PNW Volcanoes and private vows overlooking Mt. Hood before a reception with your best friends
3. Catalina Island for views, sunset vows with friends and family and then backpacking the Trans-Catalina Hike
"Talya Herring is a dream to work with! She has a talent for finding the perfect angles and lighting, and I was blown away by how easy she made everything feel”
When I am not photographing adventure weddings
Backpacking and getting into shenanigans - It’s all about being a weekend warrior and getting out to the wilderness
Music and Yoga Festivals - I love the silly moments, the creative experience - send me your recommendations for your favorite festivals!
Music and Yoga Festivals - I love the silly moments, the creative experience - send me your recommendations for your favorite festivals!
Thrifting through all the markets. I strive to only shop second hand!
Dancing - I try to start every morning with a lil boogie to get pumped for the day, happy to send you my playlist too!
Reach out to start planning your dream destination wedding!
Don’t worry, even if you have little to no plans at all, I can help translate ideas into really understanding your values, goals & dream plans. I can't wait to speak with you, no matter the stage you are at!
"Talya has this insane ability to notice the smallest details and turn them into something truly beautiful.
She is not merely capturing images, but the essence of a soul, a moment.
Her way of working with light, movement, and the surroundings felt effortless, but you could tell it was so intentional.
She gave just enough direction to make everything flow naturally, and I felt like I could completely trust her vision.
Every part of the process felt like a creative collaboration.
-Melani
And the photos? Breathtaking!! Each one reveals something so real and full of life. If you’re looking for someone who can genuinely reflect your essence and make the whole process unforgettable, Talya is your girl."
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