10 Questions with Casi Yost

Casi Yost Photography

Photographer - Casi Yost

10 Questions with Casi Yost
  • Business: Casi Yost Photography
  • Location: Santa Barbara, California CA
  • Experience: 5 Years
  • Photography Types: Engagements, Weddings
  • Profile: Casi Yost Photography
  • Website: casiyost.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi! I'm Casi Yost, a wedding and elopement photographer based in Santa Barbara California. I started with film photography in 2006 in college and fell in love. It was the first class that I ever registered for and I should have known then that it was my calling. It wasn't until after college that a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I had no idea what I was doing but fell in love with documenting such a huge day in someone's life. It left such a mark on me.

My Grandmother, Nan, was the documentarian in our family and she left many albums filled with candid images of our family that meant the world to me. Now I look back on photos of her and they are the most valuable things I have. I truly didn't realize the impact of photography until after she passed. I took up her mantle and wanted to do that for my family and for others.

Some of my earliest memories of my Nan are of her directing us to smile for the camera. She lovingly filled countless albums and frames with the faces she most loved. I wanted to be just like her, so when I was 11, I created my first album of my own. I snapped photo after photo of our family. And although many of them poorly-lit and blurry, they were mine. And they preserved the beaming faces of my favorite people in the whole world. When my Nan passed, and these amateur images were all I had left of her, I finally understood why she always had a camera in hand. Photography is a time machine, allowing us to relive the moments we cherish with the people we love most.

This is the gift I am proud to offer to each of my clients. Through vivid, honest galleries, they have a window back to the best day of their lives. They can relive every laugh, tear, and epic dance move. And one day, they can pass their story along to the generations that follow, knowing they will live on forever.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I have been shooting weddings since 2018. I have shot around 110 weddings and elopements so far.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

My photography style is filmy, editorial, romantic, candid and natural. I prefer to edit minimally to allow for the actual emotion and story to be told just as if you were there in person. I think that the editing style is just as important as the way I approach photography. I want the images I take to look good 30 years from now and prefer to match my editing with what a film camera creates.

My approach to serving couples and documenting the wedding day:

1) My goal is to photograph you, your partner and wedding day in the best light, literally and figuratively. So I will work collaboratively with you and your planner to ensure each part of the day is given the thought and attention to detail to make that happen. This means that sometimes I will be a fly on the way and document the day as it unfolds, and other times I hop in and direct as needed.

2) I strive to be a calm presence, problem-solve and take care of everyone involved as status quo from inquiry to gallery delivery. Planning and preparation are my two middle names, but I do troubleshoot when necessary.

3) My mission is to photograph the day truly as it is and how it unfolds honestly so that you are able to re-live It and be immersed in the emotions and memories.

4) Aside from photography, I am a servant at heart, and will always offer to lend my expertise to you so that your wedding day and photography experience are truly exceptional.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

I book about a year and a half to two years out so as soon as they get engaged, they should reach out to their favorite photographer.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I prefer to tailor my package to the couple and their needs as some couples want multiple-day coverage for rehearsal through the day after for their post-wedding brunch. Some couples want to get married in a chic ceremony at the courthouse and run around the city, so it truly depends on their needs.

My most popular collection however is my "Signature Collection" which is full wedding day coverage from beginning to end. This collection also allows couples to add things like albums, extra hours, etc. later on. Many couples opt for second-day coverage so they can get in their bridal attire again and take time to photograph just them.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

I (Casi) am the main photographer for my brand, however I do have associate photographers who also photograph weddings under my brand when I am booked. Lindsay Newton and Sarah Johnson are highly talented professional photographers who I've worked with for years before signing them as my associates. They know my shooting style, how I run a wedding, and how I take care of my couples. To learn more about them you can go to: https://casiyost.com/cyp-associate-photographers/

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

It depends on where! If it is outside of Oregon, I do include the travel fee in my collections. Within Oregon, I don't charge a travel fee!

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

I do include albums and prints in my Bespoke Collection. They are Add-On for all of my other collections.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

I try to under-promise and over-deliver. My stated turnaround time in my contract is 90 days, but I am much much faster than that.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Retainer fees are non-refundable and must be paid upon booking to secure your date. My cancellation policy is very flexible. If you cancel within 90 days, there are no additional fees and any monies paid over the retainer will be refunded. You can reschedule your wedding date within one year of the original date with no pentaly. If you must reschedule again after that, a new retainer fee is due.

Gallery

Awards

WeddingRule Editor’s Choice 2021