The Studio

We used to shoot weddings.

Twelve years in, we noticed the same faces coming back and realized the market had a second act nobody was photographing. The craft is identical: light, timing, and knowing where to stand when someone starts to cry. Only the paperwork changed.

The Parting Shot studio: black walls, gold frames, a velvet chaise under a single light

The sitting room, Suite 9. Clients wait in separate but equally appointed corners.

The Photographers

The principals

Portrait of Vivienne Osei, principal photographer, in black and white

Vivienne Osei

Principal, Signing Days

Fourteen years of weddings taught Vivienne to anticipate a tear at forty paces. She shoots every decree signing herself and holds the studio record for most consecutive golden hours without a missed exposure. Her favorite subject is the handshake nobody expects to happen.

Portrait of Emil Draper, principal photographer, in black and white

Emil Draper

Principal, Still Life & Albums

Emil photographs the division of effects: the records, the ring dishes, the one good frying pan. He trained in Dutch still life and it shows. He also binds every album by hand and has strong opinions about foil, all of them correct.

The Process

How a commission unfolds

I. The Consultation

A quiet conversation about the day, the venue, and who will be there. Held jointly or separately. Most choose separately, then say the same things.

II. The Day

We arrive before the light does. Coverage is unobtrusive: no direction during the proceedings, gentle direction on the steps. The pen photograph takes eleven seconds.

III. The Album

Editing takes three weeks. Albums ship in identical pairs with your title foil-stamped in gold. We keep no copies beyond the portfolio, and only with permission.

“People ask if the work is sad. The work is honest. Weddings gave us hope in good light; this gives us relief in better light, because we get to pick the hour.”
Vivienne Osei, principal

Meet us before you sign

Consultations are complimentary and confidential, even from each other.

Request a Consultation