John Carnessali Photography

I have only been on "The Knot" for a very short time, so if you would like to view more reviews from couples, please visit my "Wedding Wire" page. Love is the most sacred bond we experience. I absolutely love to photograph weddings and consider it an honor as well as a great responsibility. I can think of no other service that day, which is more lasting or holds greater responsibility. The photographs taken will provide you and your family the opportunity to remember the special moments and the people whom you shared this very special and sacred day with. It may be the hopeless romantic in me, but photographing weddings holds a special place in my heart. What is more inspiring than two people committing their lives together? The responsibility of capturing a couple's wedding day cannot be overstated. It's not just about capturing but also creating! You want to feel confident in your photographer's ability to capture this once in a lifetime event in a way that makes you also feel comfortable and authentic. I have been photographing weddings for over 15 years. My approach to photography is very photo-journalistic - I like to capture the day as it unfolds rather than try to orchestrate every moment since it ends up feeling fake or staged. With that said, when it comes to the formals (pictures of the couple, wedding party, family) I will help pose and choose locations to create those iconic images. The best way to see and understand me and my style is to meet in person and view several full weddings. Ever since I was a little boy, I have been drawn to creativity and art. Before become a professional photographer I lived out west (Oregon, Santa Fe, Arizona and Los Angeles) and was a practicing massage therapist. During that time I was also a sculptor (my pieces were cast into bronze) and had my work in several galleries. You could always find me with a camera in my hand (before cell phones - when it was still film!). Eventually I assisted Ron Jaffe (in L.A) where my photography really began to blossom. I am so grateful I have been able to pursue endeavors that aligned with my passions. My work has been published both nationally and internationally. Some clients I have worked with include; Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Mayor Ben Walsh, President of The United States, MacKenzie-Childs, Burger King, Carrols Restaurant Group, Ed Pagano (Chief of Staff for Senator Patrick Leahy), Bauer Hockey, ProLiteracy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Labatt’s Brewing Company, Lambda Legal Defense, Aspen Dental, and New York Times Best Selling Author Tamora Pierce – among many others.