Behind the Camera

Black and white portrait of an Oregon wedding photographerwearing a beanie hat, resting her chin on her hand and looking at the camera. She has long hair, rings on her fingers, and is dressed in a sweater.

I’m Very Much a People Person (Like… Very)

I’m super extroverted (like 92% apparently lol) and connecting with people comes really easily to me. Which is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job.

I don’t just want to show up and take photos.

I want to:

  • get to know you

  • know your people

  • understand your story

Because the more I know, the more your photos actually feel like you.

I’ll remember your friends’ names. I’ll talk to your parents. I’ll probably end up laughing with your bridal party like I’ve known them forever. That's the whole point for me!

My wedding photography is rooted by moments bursting with emotion—images that feel like your favorite date stuck in your head all day long. I’m drawn to the beautifully imperfect moments: wandering through mossy forests or down the eclectic Portland streets, when your hair gets a little wild, your shoes get a little muddy, and you’re laughing so hard you forget about everything else. Those in-between moments where you instinctively reach for each other and remember, oh yeah, this is my person.

How I Got Here (and Why I Care So Much About This)

I’ve pretty much always had a camera in my hand. But it wasn’t until more recently that I really figured out why I love this so much. It’s not just about the photos. It’s about people.

As a Portland Oregon wedding photographer, I’ve realized the part that sticks with me isn’t the perfectly planned moments…

It’s the ones you didn’t expect. The ones that just happen. The ones that feel like real life. That’s the stuff I care about the most.

There’s magic hiding in the everyday—in playful nudges, crooked smiles, and hands that always seem to find home in one another. And from that moment on, even the everyday feels extraordinary and the simple became special, the mundane turned meaningful, and life became one big, beautifully messy adventure you now get to live side by side.

Hiiii!! I’m Sarah Markstaller, a Portland Oregon wedding photographer who’s honestly just obsessed with people and the way they connect.

I’m not one for super posed shots because to me… those just don’t feel like you.I’m way more into:

  • the candid moments

  • the in-between stuff

  • the moments you didn’t even realize were happening

When I’m not photographing weddings, I’m probably:

  • hiking somewhere in the woods

  • designing something random

  • playing indoor soccer with my husband + siblings

  • or finding a new coffee shop in Portland (I will ALWAYS have recs for you)

I love road trips with no plan, concerts with my dad, and honestly… I probably have too many hobbies, but I’m okay with that.

This Isn’t Just Weddings for Me

This job has given me way more than just a career.

It’s given me people. So many of my couples turn into actual friendships.

The kind where:

  • we stay in touch

  • I photograph their next chapter

  • we grab coffee when we can

And that means a lot to me. Because I don’t want this to feel transactional. I want it to feel real.

If you’ve made it this far, hi… I already like you. 

And if you’re planning a wedding and want someone who’s:

  • going to hype you up

  • make you feel comfortable

  • and actually care about your day

I’m your girl.

Let's Do This
Black and white image of bride and groom celebrating on a boat in Oregon for their PNW wedding, captured by a Oregon wedding photographer

INQUIRE NOW

Let’s work together.

This is where the magic happens. Reach out through my contact form below and we can start creating your vision together.

Please see my wedding photography page for more info on pricing and expectations! I want you to have an idea of what you are getting yourself into when booking with me! Please don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions!

Thanks for being here.