Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Epic Wedding Story in Mammoth's Majestic Landscapes
Minaret Photo, founded in 2009, is a premier wedding photography service based in Mammoth, California. With over 150 weddings captured across the U.S., Mexico, Panama, and Nicaragua, our approach blends candid storytelling with adventurous outdoor artistry. Our team specializes in leveraging the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Sierra, from alpine lakes to volcanic terrain, to create timeless portraits that reflect the unique spirit of each couple. We prioritize unscripted moments and emotional authenticity, ensuring every image tells a story that transcends mere aesthetics.Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our decade-long collaboration with Mammoth Mountain Ski Area founder Dave McCoy, which honed our ability to capture both human connection and natural grandeur. Clients trust us to deliver a seamless experience, from initial consultation to final album, grounded in transparency, expertise, and a deep understanding of destination weddings.
Services
Wedding Photography
Elopement Sessions
Engagement Portraits
Destination Weddings
Night Photography
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in destination wedding photography.
- Our team specializes in capturing candid moments in unique mountain landscapes.
- We offer a personalized adventure approach to every photoshoot.
- Clients receive a sneak peek of images within a week.
- We create custom albums for lasting memories.
What people say
Monumental photos
Epic portraits
Personalized adventure
Stunning destination
Authentic moments
Services
Wedding Photography
Our wedding photography captures the emotional essence of your ceremony and celebration. We focus on candid storytelling and dramatic landscapes, ensuring every image reflects your unique love story. With expertise in mountain and outdoor settings, we deliver timeless portraits that blend artistry with authenticity.
Elopement Sessions
Elopement sessions prioritize adventure and intimacy, combining scenic backdrops with heartfelt moments. We specialize in small, meaningful celebrations in locations like Mammoth Mountain and June Lake, creating images that highlight your connection with nature and each other.
Engagement Portraits
Engagement portraits celebrate your relationship through dynamic outdoor photography. We utilize the Eastern Sierra's diverse landscapes to craft images that showcase your personalities, from playful forest scenes to serene alpine vistas, setting the tone for your wedding day.
Destination Weddings
Destination wedding services cater to couples seeking unique global locations. Our experience spans Mexico, Nicaragua, and California's high desert, ensuring seamless coordination and imagery that captures both cultural richness and natural beauty in every frame.
Night Photography
Night and astro photography sessions leverage Mammoth's dark skies for celestial portraits. We specialize in Milky Way captures and moonlit landscapes, offering couples a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars, with technical expertise ensuring clarity and artistry.
People
Brandon Russell
Founder & Lead Photographer
Brandon Russell, a Mammoth native with 15+ years in wedding photography, combines lifelong mountain expertise with artistic vision. His work, featured in 150+ weddings globally, emphasizes adventure and authenticity, shaped by a decade mentoring under ski industry legend Dave McCoy.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in for destination weddings?
We specialize in Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra, June Lake, and Mono Lake regions, with experience across California's high desert and international locations like Nicaragua and Panama.
How long does it take to receive final wedding photos?
Clients receive a sneak peek within a week, with full delivery in approximately 12 weeks. Albums are created post-delivery for lasting memories.
Do you offer night or astro photography sessions?
Yes, we offer night and astro sessions under dark Sierra skies, focusing on Milky Way captures and moonlit landscapes for unique, magical portraits.
What is your approach to capturing weddings?
Our approach blends candid storytelling with adventurous outdoor artistry, prioritizing unscripted moments and emotional authenticity in dramatic natural settings.
Can you accommodate elopements or small weddings?
Yes, we specialize in intimate elopements and small weddings, leveraging locations like Mammoth Mountain and June Lake for personalized, meaningful celebrations.
What equipment do you use for photography?
We shoot with Canon cameras, primarily using 35mm and 85mm lenses, ensuring versatility and quality across diverse lighting and environmental conditions.