Hart & Sol West

Sunol, CA · Prices from $3500 to $5000

Why do you want to work with APW Couples?

I want to work with APW couples simply because I freaking love you guys. And I’m one of you. Long before I was a sponsor, I was a terrified wedding undergraduate who had no idea how to have a wedding and not lose her mind. But with the help of APW, not only did I get married, but I turned around and started photographing weddings too. APW readers have made my business possible, and it delights me to no end that I get to keep working with you time and time again. Frankly, APW readers have spoiled me with their awesomeness and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Describe your artistic approach to weddings?

I think the most powerful aspect of a photograph is its power to bring up memories that have been buried deep in our minds. And for me, those memories are so much more powerful when they are authentic to who you are, not me. Which means minimal posing during weddings, keeping things close to home for engagement shoots, and never pushing you to be something you’re not (read: no putting you in the same field as my last clients and making you do the same poses as all my other clients while holding the same props that I always use in my shoots. Just kidding, I don’t use props. Silly.)

What are your non-work-related hobbies?

I spend way too much time watching Law & Order: SVU, spooning my dog, and chasing geese off my front lawn. When I’m not doing that, I’m playing dress up with Goodwill clothes and perfecting the shape of my fauxhawk.

What’s your favorite book?

When I was a kid I would read any book with the word chocolate in the title, so I ended up becoming quite fond of “The Chocolate War” and “Like Water for Chocolate.” Surprisingly, this tactic hasn’t let me down yet.

What’s your favorite movie?

“The Princess Bride,” hands down. “Anybody want a peanut?”

If you could have a one minute dance party at your desk, what song would you pick?

Miley Cyrus, “Party in the U.S.A.” (I’m sorry, please still hire me?)

Explain your travel policy:

Travel fees are included in my base packages (there are only two. One for California, one for the rest of the country.) No gimmicks. No hassles. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. And other cliches.