You don’t want to leave the search for a photographer for a once-in-a-lifetime event like a wedding or party to chance. To give you a sense of the talent available, we interviewed four professional photographers from the Hudson Valley who are available for weddings, events, concerts and a variety of freelance work.

Bridget Badore

Badore began taking photographs in elementary school after teaching herself to shoot with her father’s old 35mm camera, using her late father’s notes and old Kodak manuals.

She is not only a photographer, but also a creator. She is an artist, writer and curator whose artistic vulnerability and dedication to understanding human emotions encourage her subjects to do the same. She describes her photography as “a tender approach to documentation – seeking connection, exploring themes of grief, identity and what it means to feel seen.”

She has created an artist-run community gallery, gift shop and community space at 34 Broadway on Kingston’s waterfront. Called the Holding Space, it offers open studio-style photo shoots. Badore curates art exhibitions of local artists and encourages creative people to connect with each other and themselves.

Badore was featured in The New Yorker, Vogue India, Conde Nast Bustle, And Instyle MagazineHer notable clients include Google, Airbnb, Urban Outfitters, Healthline and the Oscars. Her romantic view of the world can be applied to any topic.

Badore is based in Kingston and is available for commissions anywhere in the world. Email [email protected] to make enquiries and visit www.bridgetbadore.com or www.holdingspace.place to purchase prints.

Amelia Williams

If you are looking for multi-dimensional creative photography, contact

Mixed media artist and photographer Amelia Williams, whose background in mixed media art, fashion and collage has led her to take a personal and artistic approach to photography to capture her clients’ precious memories.

Based in the Hudson Valley, Williams rejects the traditional style of wedding and event photography and approaches event assignments as a fine art photographer, documenting the occasion.

What do you like most about photography?

“I love photography as a means of artistic expression,” she replied. “It allows me to show my unique view of the world. I love finding beauty in unexpected ways and capturing the briefest of moments. For me, photos are memories, history and diary entries.”

Her traveling art exhibition titled “The Lovebugs” immerses audiences in “a transformative exploration of identity, trauma, and uninhibited emotions.”

According to the bio on her website, her approach combines various artistic mediums “to create captivating visual narratives while skillfully preserving the emotions, details and stories that make each event and wedding truly unforgettable.” Her love of street style pop art results in bold and vibrant creations that utilize multiple mediums.

Williams photographs events, weddings and freelance commissioned projects. She also has experience in branding, fashion, lifestyle, portraits and real estate photography. You can contact her at [email protected] or make an inquiry on her website.

www.ameliacwilliams.com. Prints can be purchased on her website.

Jeremy McEvoy

Jeremy McEvoy, an IT specialist turned photographer, wanted to create memorable visual narratives and founded JQM Photo in the Hudson Valley out of a love of the extraordinary in the everyday. He specializes in capturing and preserving special moments. He is known for his creative storytelling and ability to capture fleeting moments that last a lifetime.

Knowing how intimidating cameras can be, McEvoy pays close attention to his subjects and makes sure they feel comfortable and relaxed.

Although he says he enjoys the technical side of photography, he finds particular joy in knowing that his photos make people happy.

“What I find most rewarding as an event photographer and videographer is seeing or hearing the reaction of my clients after they watch the event I captured,” he said. “The joy and surprise they express when they notice the unexpected moments I captured. The open expressions and funny faces confirm the value of my work.”

McEvoy photographs all types of events including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and more. You can reach him via email at [email protected] or at www.jqmphoto.com where you can purchase prints.

Brooklyn Toe

Brooklyn Zeh began taking photographs as a child to capture moments she never wanted to forget. Since then, photography has become her primary form of expression, allowing her imagination to run wild.

Zeh enjoys photographing people in their natural environments to help them see life outside of their own. She is a music photographer and has most recently worked on music videos, single covers and merchandise for the record label Keep Good Company Records.

She will photograph singer-songwriter Ginger Winn as she tours the West Coast with the Gypsy Kings. She co-directed and shot several of Winn’s music videos, one of which, titled Off Course, won the award for Best Music Video at the Touchstone International Film Festival.

Zeh co-directed with Oneonta-based photographer Mikala Gallo. The cover of the single “Off Course” was photographed by Zeh and edited by Gallo.

“I believe that my experiences make me who I am, and by capturing them through the lens, I capture myself,” Zeh said. “I strive for my photographs to connect to the parts of the human experience that we all share. They are an exploration of myself that I hope to pass on to my viewers. That makes me feel that, how does that make you feel?”

Zeh can be reached via her website www.brooklynzeh.format.com/#1 or Instagram@BrooklynZeh.