Meet Carsten
Carsten Schertzer
Second / Associate Photographer
Hello! My name is Carsten. I’ve photographed over 200 couples and even had the pleasure of working with couples on 4 separate continents. I am currently based in Ventura County, but am shooting all over.Education
Workshops / Conferences
Fearless Conference Phoenix 2014
Two Mann Balls Out Workshop New Zealand 2016
Fearless Conference Bali 2017
Extraordinary Engagements Callaway Gable 2016
Foundation Workshop Spain 2018
Fearless Conference Croatia 2018
Fearless Conference Aachen 2019
GEAR LIST
Cameras / Lenses / Flashes
Bodies:
Nikon Z7ii
Nikon Z7ii
Nikon Z6
DJI Mavic Pro 2
Lenses:
Nikon 14-30mm 4.0
Nikon 20mm 1.8
Nikon 24-70mm 2.8
Nikon 35mm 1.8
Nikon 70-200mm 2.8
Nikon 85mm 1.8
Flashes:
Godox V860ii x 5
Godox Ad200 x 3
PORTFOLIO SLIDESHOW
Award Winning / Portfolio Images
FAQ
VIEW MORE
How can I get in contact?
You can email me directly at Carsten@iluminastudios.com.
How many wedding have you photographed?
Ive averaged about 30-40 weddings a year for the last 7 years. So I've photographed somewhere between 300-400 wedding across 8 countries on 4 continents.
What photographic style do you tend to shoot in?
I would consider my shooting style as creative photojournalism. My first priority is to capture and tell the story. My second priority is to tell that story as visually interesting and engaging as possible. I not only want amazing photographs but I want them to make sense as a series, to have a story that can be shared and understood by its viewers. Because of my desire to tell stories as interestingly as possible I try to utilize composition and visual techniques to my advantage, for instance I looking for natural compositional framing opportunities, using off camera flash to highlight key elements, looking for reflections, or including elements in the frame that will further benefit the story.
I would consider my shooting style as creative photojournalism. My first priority is to capture and tell the story. My second priority is to tell that story as visually interesting and engaging as possible. I not only want amazing photographs but I want them to make sense as a series, to have a story that can be shared and understood by its viewers. Because of my desire to tell stories as interestingly as possible I try to utilize composition and visual techniques to my advantage, for instance I looking for natural compositional framing opportunities, using off camera flash to highlight key elements, looking for reflections, or including elements in the frame that will further benefit the story.
Can you photograph details?
I am capable of photographing details but it is not my strong suit. If you are anticipating needing someone to handle numerous ring, dress, shoe, table, and other detail shots. I am probably not the right photographer for you. That being said however, I am more than happy to grab a few quick details when needed.
How do we handle the transfer of images?
All of my cameras are dual card slot cameras in which I shoot both slots in RAW. That way at the end of the wedding I have two copies of every photo. I can either shoot one card slot on your provided cards, or you can take one set of my cards home at the end of the night and mail me back the cards. Every photo I take is backed up immediately after the wedding when I get back home. This ensures I always have a backup, in the event that something happens with your copy of the images.
Are you available for travel?
Yes! Absolutely! I am available for wedding all over the world. I have second shot weddings in Ireland, Mexico, and all over the United States. As long as I am available, I am more than happy to travel. For destination weddings I will charge my normal rate, plus flight and hotel.
What is your expected pay rate for Second Shooting? What about as an associate?
For second shooting
For second shooting
For Ventura County - $50/Hr with a minimum of 5 hours
For Los Angeles - $55/Hr with a minimum of 5 hours
Worldwide - $85/Hr with a minimum of 8 hours
For associate shooting
$125/HR with a 5 minimum of 5 hours
What does your availability look like?
I cap my own wedding bookings at 25 weddings per year. This leaves a significant amount of dates open for second shooting.
I cap my own wedding bookings at 25 weddings per year. This leaves a significant amount of dates open for second shooting.
Have you every second shot for any notable photographers?
YES! Over the years I have been fortunate enough to shoot for some pretty amazing photographers.
YES! Over the years I have been fortunate enough to shoot for some pretty amazing photographers.
Tyler Wirkin
Shaun Baker
Ken Paak
Richard Clarke
Dima Douglass
Marissa Joy Daly
David Jon
Among many others.
Can I see a Full, unculled and un-edited gallery?
Absolutely! Below is a full, unculled and unedited gallery.