Business Details
13 Years
experience
Trusted Documentary Wedding Photographer in Oakland, CA
I founded C Wagner Photography in 2013 with a commitment to capturing authentic moments through documentary-style wedding photography. My approach blends candid observation with technical expertise in both digital and film formats, including Super 8 cinematography. With over 300 weddings documented, I prioritize creating an unobtrusive presence to authentically preserve the emotional essence of each celebration. My background in birth photography has honed my ability to anticipate decisive moments without intervention. I serve couples across the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California, offering tailored packages that include engagement sessions, second shooters, and heirloom print options.My process emphasizes personalized communication through text/email check-ins and collaborative timeline planning. Clients receive curated online galleries within eight weeks, with select preview images available within 48 hours. As a first-generation Filipinx American immigrant and mental health advocate, I bring cultural sensitivity and personal resilience to my work, understanding the enduring value of preserved memories.
Services
Wedding Photography
Elopement Coverage
Engagement Sessions
Film Photography
Super 8 Videography
Photo Booth Rental
Heirloom Prints
Online Galleries
Timeline Planning
Vendor Recommendations
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Documented over 300 weddings with a photojournalistic approach since 2013
- Specialize in both digital and analog film photography including Super 8
- Offer customized packages tailored to individual wedding visions
- Provide 24/7 client communication via preferred contact methods
- Maintain 8-week guaranteed delivery of fully edited image galleries
What people say
Candid moments
Professional demeanor
Timely delivery
Emotional storytelling
Flexible approach
Services
Wedding Photography
Documentary-style wedding photography capturing unposed moments across digital and film formats. Specializing in emotional storytelling through candid observation, with optional formal portraits. Includes timeline planning and heirloom print options. Serves Northern California and Southern California regions.
Elopement Photography
Tailored elopement coverage including location planning assistance and permit guidance. Offers weekday packages starting at $2,500 with flexible scheduling options. Combines film and digital documentation for comprehensive storytelling of smaller celebrations.
Engagement Sessions
Pre-wedding photography sessions building rapport between photographer and couple. Creates authentic visual narratives for save-the-date materials or personal keepsakes. Available as standalone service or package add-on with coordinated timeline planning.
Film Photography
Traditional film photography services using 35mm and medium format cameras. Preserves timeless aesthetics through chemical processing techniques. Available as standalone option or combined with digital coverage for hybrid documentation of wedding events.
Super 8 Videography
Vintage Super 8 film recording capturing wedding ambiance and key moments. Provides tactile, nostalgic motion imagery complementing still photography. Includes professional processing and digitization for modern playback compatibility.
People
Cherlyn Wagner
Owner & Lead Photographer
Documentary photographer since 2013 specializing in weddings and elopements. Former birth photographer with over 300 weddings documented. First-generation Filipinx American immigrant advocating mental health awareness through visual storytelling. Holds BA in Photojournalism from San Francisco State University.
Questions
What defines documentary wedding photography?
This approach focuses on candid observation without staging, capturing authentic moments as they naturally occur during your celebration.
Do you offer coverage outside the Bay Area?
Yes, I serve Southern California regularly and travel nationwide for destination weddings with customized pricing.
How are pricing packages structured?
Packages start at $2,500 for elopements and $6,000 for full weddings, with customizable options for film, second shooters, and extended coverage.
What formats do you shoot in?
I use both digital and film cameras including 35mm, medium format, and Super 8 for hybrid documentation combining modern convenience with vintage aesthetics.
How long until we receive our photos?
You'll get preview images within 48 hours and full edited galleries within eight weeks after your event.
Can we request specific photo styles?
While I prioritize candid moments, I accommodate family formals and specific requests while maintaining documentary integrity.
