Hi, I'm Clay.

I've been photographing weddings since 2015, and after all these years I still get butterflies when the doors open and a groom sees his bride for the first time. That's the stuff I live for: real moments, real emotion, and the little in-between seconds that go by too fast.

I'm based in Portales, New Mexico, and I photograph weddings across New Mexico, West Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. I've worked at mountain ranches and red-rock deserts, small-town churches and big-city venues. Wherever you're saying "I do," I'll happily drive there.

What it's like working with me

My style is relaxed and natural. I'll guide you through poses when you need it, so you never feel awkward, but most of the day I'm watching for the honest moments as they happen. You won't be stuck in an hour of stiff photos while your guests are at cocktail hour.

I'm the one photographing your whole wedding, from the first look to the last dance. You won't get handed off to an assistant or a second shooter you've never met. My wife comes with me to every wedding, too. She fluffs dresses, wrangles family for group photos and helps keep the day calm and on schedule. Couples tell us all the time that having her there made the day easier.

After the wedding

You'll get a private online gallery with 40 to 50 edited photos for every hour I'm with you, ready to share and download. If you want something to hold onto, I also offer leather heirloom albums and fine art print collections.

Let's talk

If you're planning a wedding or elopement, I'd love to hear about it. Send me a message with your date and venue, and let's start planning your story.

Getting to Know Clay Benedict