Tristan Crane Photography

I recommend Tristan Crane Photography 100%, without hesitation. We got married last year in the California redwoods, near where we used to live. The catch? We are now living 3,000 miles away in Massachusetts. Tristan didn’t even blink an eye when we contacted him to ask about planning photography from the other side of the country. The contact arrived promptly via email, and all booking communication was smooth and timely. We had several Skype sessions in which we all got to know each other, and had excellent conversations about what we wanted out of the photography and the wedding photography experience. We were impressed with the attentiveness and sensitivity to the process that Tristan showed, and felt we would be in good hands.
On the day of, Tristan showed up on time and ready to go, and despite the second shooter being home sick with strep throat, we got all the photos we wanted, and it seemed Tristan never even broke a sweat. My family loved working with Tristan, and despite having multiple family members who are both camera shy and self-​conscious, he managed to put everyone at ease enough that the family photos look amazing. Tristan has a gentle talent for teasing out everyone’s best side — and he gives GREAT tips on how to stand or position yourself to look composed and beautiful on a day when all you want to do is grin like a loon!
We received teaser photos within a few days, which was enough to tide us over until the full, completely fantastic set arrived, which we we received on time. We are incredibly happy with the photos, they are everything we hoped for and more — tons of inspired candids, couples shots which truly capture the love and amazement of our wedding day, and all the shots highlight the natural beauty of our wedding’s setting. A++, a fantastic experience all around.

Tristan was recommended to us by a good friend when we needed a photographer for our wedding. We could not have been happier with our decision to hire Tristan.
He is supper sweet, calm and walked us through the entire process. He made suggestions on logistics which were right on point. He was great with all the guests, kids and adults and two crazy brides!
We received our pictures and could not have been more trilled with Tristan’s work, just beautiful.
Thanks Tristan for making our special day perfect!

You know what you really, really want in your wedding vendors? Calm, sane professionalism.
I had never gotten married before. I knew squat about choosing shots or second photographers or any of this stuff. Tristan walked me and my sweetie through the entire process, presenting us with clear options, explaining patiently when our frazzled brains forgot things or flaked on details, and giving us a clear contract and pricing structure.
I’d already decided I liked his style of photography — his staged shots are gorgeous, but his candids really shine as well — but Tristan’s sane, wry humor and calm professionalism when I was freaking out about dozens of minor details are what really stand out about the whole experience. Tristan actually got me to calm down and laugh and smile and enjoy the moment a half-​dozen times during that hectic day when I needed it — and was unobtrusive and totally professional for candids, but firm and professional about herding the cast together for shots. I am sorry I have forgotten the name of the second shooter he works with, but she was also great.
And the photos are amazing. We all look so good! And so happy! I’m really pleased with the results, and looking forward to getting around to finishing assembling my wedding album. Tristan’s Web site and hosting made it easy for family and friends to order prints, as well. And I already treasure the photos and all the work he did to make us look as happy as we felt, and preserve the memories of our best day yet for us.
In short, the whole experience was delightful and I can’t recommend Tristan highly enough. Tristan loves alternative and unusual weddings, and was happy to work with our wacky cast of characters, kilts and kimonos and wheelchair and all. Not just for weddings, either — he may be the only photographer who really loves kittens and babies as subjects. If Tristan’s as soothing and sweet with them as he was with me, I’m not surprised his shots always come out so wonderfully. He really inspires trust.

Tristan Crane recently did two shoots for my husband and me: Our civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, and a fantastic maternity/​pre-​parenthood shoot in Golden Gate Park and at our home. They were shot in very different styles, but both are so perfectly appropriate to the mood and meaning of the events that they capture them better than I could have imagined. The City Hall shoot was largely in black and white, which complemented our 40s-​style black clothing and the classic setting wonderfully. The maternity shoot took advantage of the glowing green of GG Park, the fitting backdrop of nature for showcasing pregnancy, and some charming action shots of my husband and me playing music together. Both shoots are just so «us,» but different sides of us, and everyone loves the photos. What a wonderful thing to have to look back at. His creative suggestions of locations and activities, the wonderful work with light, the artistic but natural execution. Tristan captured the best of us at this time and place, which is a magical gift that’s hard to come by.
In addition, Tristan is a pleasure to work with. He is respectful, compassionate, flexible and absolutely trustworthy to capture the best of the subject. I would highly recommend Tristan for any kind of wedding or family photography. He takes pictures with skill, with art and with love.

Tristan recently photographed my wedding at the Fairmont. She did a fantastic job. Wedding photography is expensive, but Tristan was worth every penny. In fact, considering the quality and quantity of her work, I considered her an extremely good value.
She shot more formal portraits of me and my husband, but she also caught a lot of candid moments between us and guests at the reception. Some of the candid shots were our favorites! Throughout it all, she was reliable, professional, and an all-​around pleasure to work with. She addressed our individual concerns and preferences and before the wedding, came up with a plan that suited us as a couple. All our family and friends were really pleased with the pictures.
Weddings are expensive and stressful, and I feel so fortunate to have had Tristan taking care of us. I’d hire her again in a heartbeat.

Tristan was professional and efficient– a breeze to work with! I was initially draw to Tristan’s work when I saw gorgeous portrait photos of someone on Facebook and read the fine print: photos by Tristan Crane. Leafing through Tristan’s portfolio I was excited about the range represented, from wedding and family to boudoir and head shots.
During our shoot Tristan was effusive with positive feedback and gentle, encouraging direction, even stopping me several times so I could «shake it out» and not feel stiff or posed. Tristan has an eye for when it’s working and when it’s not!
When I (very promptly) received the link to my proofing gallery, I was elated to see that, even without the retouching, almost every image was a winner! A smooth proofing gallery system was also a relief!
Yay Tristan!

I have had the fortunate experience of working with Tristan many times over the years. From still shots to video, the results are incredibly satisfying.
Tristan is an inspired & committed artist that owns the shots; blends with any environment and mood but keeps an ever watchful eye out for that ‘thing’ — that something that turns a picture or moment into a piece of art.
Whether I am feeling fabulous and wild or awkward and shy or maybe even hungover, Tristan’s energy puts me immediately at ease and coaxes what is needed out of me & the surroundings to make the shoot a success. I often look back and go, how did Tristan DO that?
Definitely at the top of my Rolodex.

I’ve seen Tristan work in a variety of settings. There’s been beautiful captures at live shows and events, poignant candid captures, portraits full of story, and fierce concept shoots.
Working with Tristan is such a treat! I’ve had few photographers make me as comfortable, and the combination of unobtrusive art direction with such attention to detail is hard to find. I would confidently recommend Tristan to anyone!