Meet Kari Tello | Film & Digital Travel Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kari Tello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kari, what do you attribute your success to?
Staying grounded in what really matters — real connection, good storytelling, and creating images that feel like my clients.

I’m a California-based film and digital wedding photographer with a big heart for travel, especially elopements and destination weddings in places that feel wild and personal — think the Eastern Sierra, National parks (I’m a big landscape girly), or tucked-away coastal towns. The more I leaned into what lit me up creatively (film, storytelling, the freedom to roam), the more aligned my work — and my clients — became.

A big part of my brand is trust. I want couples to feel fully seen and taken care of from start to finish. And for other photographers, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through a styled shoot x workshop coming up this August, + lots of honest conversations about what it takes to build a soulful, sustainable business. I really believe there’s no one right way to do this — just the one that actually feels like you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a wedding photographer, but more than that — I’m a storyteller. My art is about capturing how something felt. Not just the pretty or the posed, but the in-between stuff: the quiet, the wild, the unfiltered love.

Shooting film is a huge part of what sets my work apart. It forces me to slow down and be present, which naturally brings that same grounded energy to the people I’m photographing. Film gives my work a sense of nostalgia — like a memory you didn’t realize you were already starting to miss. That honesty and imperfection is where the real magic lives.

I’m especially drawn to travel weddings and elopements — the kind of celebrations that happen in places that mean something, where the couple feels free to just be themselves. I’ve built my brand around documenting these experiences in a way that feels raw, romantic, and true to each couple’s story.

Getting here wasn’t easy. It took years of trial and error, creative burnout, and learning how to run a business that honors both my artistry and my energy. The biggest lesson? If you chase what actually lights you up instead of what trends, you’ll attract the kind of people who really see you.

These days, I’m not officially mentoring — but I’m an open book, always happy to share what I’ve learned. I’m planning my first styled shoot with that same intention: to create a space that’s deeply intentional, creatively fulfilling, and safe for other photographers to show up, ask questions, and feel supported. I hope anyone who’s navigating this wild industry knows they can reach out — I’ve been there, and there’s room at the table.

If you take one thing from my story, let it be this: you don’t have to do things the loudest or fastest to make an impact. You just have to do them your way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my out-of-town besties are visiting (which is actually happening this Memorial Day! – They’re coming from Charleston, SC), we’re doing it right: all the California vibes, surf adventures, and good food packed into one unforgettable long weekend.

My husband and I would kick things off at San Onofre, either at Old Man’s (where I actually learned to surf!) or Lowers, one of the most iconic surf breaks in California. After a solid morning in the water, we’d hit Pedro’s Tacos for a classic SoCal burrito or head to our go-to: Bear Flag Fish Co. for the best poke burrito in Orange County.

If we’re feeling fancy, Matsu is hands-down our favorite sushi spot — super authentic and always worth it.

For a day trip, my favorite getaway from Huntington Beach (where we live) is either Santa Barbara or Joshua Tree. Santa Barbara is all about the Funk Zone — winery and brewery hopping, great seafood, and just a fun, walkable downtown to explore.

If we’ve got more time, Joshua Tree is always a favorite. We’d explore the national park and grab dinner and cocktails at The Tiny Pony, Pappy & Harriet’s, or Mas o Menos — all solid spots with character.

And if we really had time? I’d take them to Mammoth Lakes. It’s the only place besides my hometown that I know like the back of my hand. I grew up going there, and it’s got everything — alpine lakes, epic views, and that quiet mountain-town charm that hits different.

That’s my kind of California trip — a little bit of everything, mostly revolving around food, shared with people I love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’d be doing what I love without the people who believed in me before I believed in myself.

My husband has been my biggest cheerleader since day one — we were high school sweethearts, and he’s watched this little dream of mine turn into a full-blown career, encouraging me every step (and road trip) along the way. And my family? They are not quiet supporters — they’re front-row, rowdy hype crew energy. The kind of people who show up loud, proud, and ready to celebrate every win like it’s the Super Bowl.

In the photography world, Cambria Shelley was my OG mentor — the one who taught me how to see light, trust my gut, and run a business rooted in kindness. I still second shoot for her whenever I can. And then there’s Klaui Varadi — my photo bestie, sounding board, and creative equal. We’ve grown our businesses side by side, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am without her.

I’m also so grateful for the creative women I now call regular mentors and friends — Summer Grace, Nadine Wendorf, and Tess Gearhart — each of whom has offered wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that there’s room for all of us in this industry.

Lastly, a big shoutout to my couples — the ones who’ve trusted me with their stories and let me document them exactly as they are. You’re the reason I get to do this.

Website: https://karitellophoto.com

Instagram: @karishootsfilm

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@KickYourBootsOff

Image Credits
All photos by Kari Tello (Me)