Wedding Advice & Photography

Two things we are confident in: Wedding Planning & photography. Van Elk & Co is made up of a team of photographers who love to create portraits of love & happiness and share advice for wedding couples.

This isn't your typical photography blog. We share useful info for couples who are getting married and those who are heading that direction. Let us show you pretty things while you fill your head with all things wedding planning.

August 7, 2020

Man and Woman sit in boat in one of the Best Indianapolis Engagement Photo Locations

Throughout Indianapolis, there are lots of hidden gems when it comes to portrait session locations. Whether it be the outdoors, with beautiful foliage, or an urban setting with colorful walls, it’s hard to go wrong in Indy. If you’re looking for a place to do your engagement session but don’t already have something in mind, […]

July 26, 2020

Having a Winter Wedding or Just Expecting a Rainy Day? Then you probably just came here for a list of locations. So here’s the TLDR of what we think are the best locations for indoor photos in Indianapolis (we’ll post more information about each place later): Indiana Statehouse Indianapolis Central Library Indianapolis Zoo 1899 The […]

July 9, 2020

best masks for photographers collage of steven van elk in different masks in park

If you’re a photographer who has to work or is choosing to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, then you’ve probably been looking for a good mask. I was too. I wanted mask that looked professional and felt comfortable. After doing some Amazon searches, I thought I found one that was perfect. Well, I’ve shot a […]

June 24, 2020

iPhone 11 Pro Wedding with Aunjalee and Joe

iPhone Wedding Photography Last year when the iPhone 11 Pro came out with three lenses, we heard a lot of chatter from photographers about how the iPhone photos looked so good that no one would want to hire a pro photographer anymore. Most of this was just people joking around. We saw a few shoots […]

June 2, 2020

grandparents of bride and groom sit on wooden bench in newfields during an IMA wedding

My dad has always been on more of the sentimental side. He loves photo gifts and anything that you have to put in thought. This has made it really hard to come up with something 3 times a year for 15 (adult) years. If you’re in the same boat, then here are some of my […]

August 4, 2019

beautiful woman in hat hugs son in sunflower pictures at tuttle orchard

Steve had to rope Jenn in for another episode of his podcast, which is the best photography podcast out there. This time Steve and Jenn get a bit experimental. They record an entire episode on the way home from a wedding that they just shot. Steve was the primary shooter at the wedding and Jenn […]

April 17, 2019

Lisa Mark Hines and Rebecca Lozer of the Secret Life of Weddings Podcast

So this is super cool! We were recently asked to do a guest spot on one of our favorite podcasts! The episode just came out, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with all of you! Steve and I got to sit in and comment on wedding horror stories with Lisa Mark and […]

April 12, 2019

selfie of two people in san francisco for a bizarre wedding photography podcast

Jenn had the crazy experience of once again being a guest on the most bizarre wedding photography podcast (but also the best photography podcast), the Wedding Photo Hangover. This is a comedy podcast and basically everything said on it is intended to be a joke… Though in my case not always a good one. Jenn’s […]

February 2, 2019

behind the scenes photo of a photographer jumping on a trampoline with a bride and groom

One thing we’ve been bad at sharing the past (hmmhmm…*cough*) 9 years is behind the scenes photos (we old). So recently, I went through tons of photos this holiday season and pulled out some of my favorites. As you peruse through the photos, you’ll get to see us age. You’ll also see my hair color […]

February 22, 2018

the silhouette of a bride and groom in front of large windows at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown indianapolis with a large chandelier hanging in the foreground

First Look Having a First Look is a new tradition that is emerging for couples on their wedding day.  It is the moment the wedding couple sees each other for the first time on their special day… but this isn’t during the ceremony.  Does it make you nervous? Well, some couples aren’t familiar with the […]