see my latest work & keep up with my adventures on insta: @norasandovalphoto
Welcome!
I'm just your regular old quirky St. Louis native who enjoys provel cheese and knows it's not the heat, it's the humidity. I'm an old soul who found the love of my life, Alex - a goofy, tech-savy, left brained, analytical, musical Libra dude who is a Rush superfan and sometimes acts like a cranky old man but who is actually quite young at heart. He balances me out and makes me laugh every day. Other basics? Pisces. ENFP. Ennegram 4 - so yes, I am always in my feelings. Strawberry jelly > grape jelly. Pathological re-watcher of countless series but ever since I got burned by Hemlock Grove, I'm reluctant to try anything new. Terrified of birds but working on it. If I were an emoji, I would be 💃🏻. Former emo kid - still emo, just sort of an adult now. Lover of DIY and destroying things in my 80s ranch home in the name of making it not quite so 80s - it was a great decade for music, but a terrible one for interior design. I believe in love and the power of our shared experience, and would love to get to know all about you!
I'm just your regular old quirky St. Louis native who enjoys provel cheese and knows it's not the heat, it's the humidity. I'm an old soul who found the love of my life, a dude who is young at heart, who balances me out and makes me laugh every day. When he got me a camera as a wedding gift, I don't think he fully realized he was creating a monster and giving me so much more than a camera to take along for our honeymoon.
This is where it gets really corny, so if you're not here for it, keep on scrolling - In giving me that gift, he reignited my passion for photography, one that I'd let fall by the wayside while I was figuring out how to be a grown-up; He inspired to me to trust my heart and reconnect with the artistic and intuitive part of myself that had been there all along, and to nurture that passion and joy into something bigger, something for more than just my own enjoyment. After shooting our friends' backyard wedding with film and an old DSLR, ideas started percolating in my head. Since then, I've taken my camera everywhere.
My name is Nora Sandoval!
Photography is more than my career - it's my purpose and my passion.
AS YOU EXPLORE my work, i WANT YOU TO KNOW that
I've always been a creative human - a lover of adventure, a dreamer, an artist. I'd shot film for years for fun, but I never ever in a million years considered trying to make photography my life's work; art doesn't pay, right? That was my thought, up until the moment when it felt like I professionally had tried everything else and the universe kept pointing me back in this direction. You can only NOT be yourself for so long, you know?
It started, for me, when the love of my life, my dear husband, Alex got me a camera as a wedding gift, because I'd offhandedly mentioned I wanted one for our honeymoon. I don't think he fully realized he was creating a monster and giving me so much more than a camera. This is where it gets really corny, so if you're not here for it, keep on scrolling - in giving me that gift, he reignited my passion for photography, one that I'd let fall by the wayside while I was figuring out how to supposedly be a grown-up; He inspired to me to trust my heart and reconnect with the artistic and intuitive part of myself that had been there all along, and to nurture that passion and joy into something bigger, something for more than just my own enjoyment. One friend asked me to shoot his wedding, and then another, and Nora Sandoval Photography was born.
Because love is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The truth is, your wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion, and choosing someone to capture that day through photography is a big decision! It is a privilege to witness it, one that should be honored, one that I take very seriously and work hard to respect. Trust me when I say that I am just as excited about your big day as you are; more often than not, I grin so hard my face hurts while I'm editing. Seriously, I'm like a kid on Christmas eve the night before a wedding, and I cherish all of the time we have together on your day as if it were my own.
My clients and their individual stories are what keep me going, when moments are tough and when tensions are high; love never fails, and my clients remind me of that, and inspire me to be my best self and be of maximum service not only to them but also to our world. If you feel connected to what I do and my work resonates with you, I think we're probably kindred spirits and I can't wait to hear from you.
Weddings are 100% my most favorite thing ever to photograph
AS YOU EXPLORE my work, i WANT YOU TO KNOW why
Art is a personal thing that touches everyone differently. I’m not going to tell you I’m the best photographer for everyone, ever -- I just want to be the best photographer for you. The truth is, we all have our own unique style and creative vision that we bring to this world. I chose to shoot weddings because I’ve been given a gift and it brings me joy to have the opportunity to share that with others.
To me, it's not just about getting great photos: it's about getting to know you, honoring your individual story, and being part of your team.
I love finding amazing opportunities in ordinary settings and scenery and bringing out the most comfortable confident side of you. I appreciate the clients who appreciate the details. I shoot weddings to include all of the things you worked so hard to pull together, and the things you’ll probably otherwise forget. I strive to capture candid moments throughout the day, the colors and textures that build the look and feel of your space, and the little pieces and parts woven together to make it YOUR day.
I think it's important you find a photographer whose work you LOVE - but, I believe it’s just as important you find someone who will bring out the best of who you are in your photos and is able to authentically capture the love you have for each other. After all, your wedding day is meant to be an amazing fun-filled celebration and you probably want a photographer who is all about that!
Your wedding day is important; you probably wouldn't still be reading this if it wasn't. Your wedding photos are important; surrounded by friends and family and your forever person, there are a ton of special moments I’ll capture for you, creating photos that, years down the road, will bring you right back to that day. So why choose me? Because I work hard to respect and honor that. As your photographer on your wedding day, you are my number one priority - from the moment we book, I'm on your team and I have your back. I promise I'll do my best not only to ensure you get beautiful pictures, but also to make sure your day is a ton of fun.
What makes me unique?
LET’S BE HONEST, THERE ARE SO MANY INCREDIBLY TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS OUT THERE.
TL; DR?
HERE ARE THE QUICK FACTS:
I love...
All things arts & crafts, especially counted cross stitch; irony, tattoos, anything Chris Cornell, most nerdy things but above all Harry Potter (Ravenclaws, holler at your girl), heartbreaking harmonies, inventing my own words, golden hour sunflares, leopard print, neon signs, and stopping to smell the roses.
For the most part....
I'm pretty much freezing all of the time. Like, regardless of the time of the year. Also, I'm significantly better at solving the down crossword clues than the across.
Music-wise,
My iPhone is on shuffle, but I hit skip until I get to one of the three songs I actually like, which I then listen to about 400 times in a row. Right now, I'm binging Charlie Puth, Kaleo and Bishop Briggs.
My favorite genre
Of photography, besides weddings, is night street photography; my favorite way to explore is wandering around looking for neon lights and fun signs. I especially enjoy when businesses leave their "Open" signs on, even when they're obvs closed.
My design style is
Bold and eclectic. I have a huge soft spot for bright colors - not only in my work, but in my overall aesthetic. Give me the bright, saturated jewel-toney hues all day, every day, please! I love creating an intentionally collected, curated feel in both my space and my work: think mixing family heirlooms with found items and Target staples to create a one-of-a-kind, personalized space. I'm inspired by design that pulls from multiple styles, eras and color palettes and style doesn’t play by the rules. I'm all for mixing prints, gallery walls, and taking old things and making them new again.
My favorite animal is
The Yorkshire terrier; Specifically, our dog, Captain Thor the Destroyer. This sweet angel baby Mr. Nibblet is probably the best thing that has ever happened to our family. He is the most loving, most ridiculous and most endearing creature and is truly a compassionate soul. There is nothing quite like snuggling with a small dog. And to my clients? Please know that the answer to the question "Can we do the session with our dog?" will always be yes. Like, you don't even have to tell me first. Just bring all your pets. Maybe even adopt some on your way.
My favorite place
to visit
Locally? It's gotta be Target. I could get lost in there for hours. Outside of town? Probably Paris. History, food, people watching, dogs, art, food, coffee, pastry, culture, love, food, drama - this city has it all. Fun Fact - it is also a life goal of mine to visit all fifty states WITH my husband; I'm not counting ones we've been to individually or just driven thru. So far, I think we're at about five. He promised as long as there is WiFi, he will come with me, though! We just checked Montana and Wyoming off of the list and I am freaking pumped.
