She doesn’t arrive with a shot list dictated by trends or an agenda to “stage” your day. Instead, Karin approaches weddings like a documentarian with an artist’s heart—drawn to natural light, intuitive composition, and the fleeting glances that say more than posed portraits ever could. Her photographs feel like memory itself: warm, unforced, and unmistakably human.

From Brazil to Florence to Vancouver Island

Photography found Karin early—her first professional course came in her teens back in Brazil, when film photography was still the standard. Those hours in the darkroom, learning to work with film and develop it by hand, were more than just training; they became the blueprint for how she sees the world.

Her biggest influence came from her aunt and godmother, Renate Oertel, a Brazilian artist and architect. Renate’s lessons in architecture, light, and design left an indelible mark. “Light is what makes us see,” she once told Karin. “If we can know an object—its color, its shape—it’s because of light.” That insight became the cornerstone of Karin’s creative philosophy.

Years later, living in Florence, Karin began filming for Italian architects, capturing villas and gardens where centuries-old design met living beauty. The experience expanded her sense of storytelling, teaching her how to frame not just space, but feeling.

The Botanical Alchemy of Memory

One of the most distinct things about Karin’s work is her approach to film photography. In a quiet rebellion against harsh chemical processing, she developed her own botanical method—using flowers and foliage from a couple’s own bouquet or wedding décor to develop the film. The result is more than an image; it’s a physical artifact of the day itself, infused with the textures and colours of the event.

“It’s not just about how it looks,” Karin explains. “It’s about creating something personal, something that carries the day’s energy in a tangible way.” It’s this blend of sustainability, artistry, and intimacy that has become her signature.

Weddings That Breathe

Today, based on Vancouver Island, Karin photographs around 15 weddings a year, splitting her time between photography, videography, and hybrid coverage. Her calendar is a mix of intimate Island celebrations, elegant Italian ceremonies, and the occasional Vancouver or mainland booking.

Her style leans toward full-day coverage, ensuring she tells the complete arc of the day—from the quiet anticipation of the morning to the riotous joy of the dance floor. While she maintains a consistent approach to shooting—balancing planned images with candid spontaneity—each wedding reflects the unique tone of the couple and their story.

Her editing style honours true-to-life colours and classic black and white tones, keeping the work timeless rather than tethered to trends. And while she works with the latest mirrorless gear, she’s equally comfortable picking up a vintage film camera—bridging past and present in every frame.

Artist, Educator, Storyteller

Beyond her work with couples, Karin teaches art and photography to high school students in Nanaimo. The classroom is where she passes on the curiosity and craft that drew her to the medium in the first place, introducing students to both digital techniques and the tactile rituals of analog film development.

“There’s a storm and then there’s the peace that follows,” she says of the wedding season’s rhythms. “I look back on the work, see what went well, learn from what didn’t, and carry that forward.” It’s a sentiment that reflects both her resilience and her quiet, steady commitment to the craft.

For Karin, weddings are about more than images—they’re about human connection. They’re about translating the intangible into something you can hold in your hands decades later. And in a world full of fleeting moments, that’s a gift worth keeping.

Website: karinoertel.com
Instagram: @karin.oertel