Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Schelling.
Hi Tom, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I picked up a camera for the first time in 2013, learned everything I could about the science and art of photography and ran with it, launching a wedding photography business just months later.
A few years in, my wife Heather joined the team—she’s now our dedicated videographer, allowing us to offer both photo & video, creating a seamless and cohesive experience for couples on their wedding day.
We’re both originally from New York and we moved to Carlsbad a few years ago, achieving a dream we’ve both had to live in southern California. We love the energy, lifestyle and, of course, the weather out here. We now live across the country from almost all of our family, so it’s been a transition, but we wouldn’t change a thing and we’re so grateful for the community we’re building here in San Diego.
Photographing weddings is such a unique experience and we’re so honored to be witnesses and artists the day of, capturing all the highs and chaotic moments that are part of the day. You see so much deep connection, vulnerability and love—it always reminds us of all the good in the world.
I really love the business side of what I do, too: creating a warm client experience, focusing on human connection and creating backend systems that support us and simplify the mechanics of running a business.
This year we’re also branching out into coaching—using our combined experience (my creative direction and business skills, Heather’s background in content strategy and mindfulness coaching)—to help other wedding photographers rise above the grind of running their business and feel more fulfillment in their everyday work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I love to surf and I like to think it’s prepared me in a lot of ways for running a business over the past decade. When you start out, you might look a little silly out there in the water, you’re going to fall a lot, wipe out. But you keep getting back up because when you do get a good wave, it’s thrilling. It’s that way with starting a business too. You don’t necessarily hit a groove right away. It can take time to feel like you have a good system and that’s so normal. So it takes time and effort to get good at surfing, just like it takes time and effort to grow a business. The rewards are so worth it though.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re a husband-and-wife photography and film team specializing in weddings throughout southern California, New York and beyond.
Our work focuses on honest, emotionally grounded storytelling—capturing not just how a wedding looks, but how it actually feels.
We’re known for our calm, steady presence on wedding days, helping couples feel at ease so moments unfold naturally rather than feeling staged or rushed.
What we’re most proud of is the experience we create—for couples and the vendor teams we work alongside.
We place a lot of value on collaboration, clear communication and making the day run smoothly, which has led to strong relationships with planners, venues and creative partners.
What sets us apart is our seamless photo + video approach: one unified team, one shared vision and a cohesive aesthetic that allows the story of the day to be told more intentionally from start to finish.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to create beautiful, lasting work while contributing to a wedding day that feels relaxed, thoughtful and genuinely joyful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has certainly played a role in our growth, mostly in the sense of being in the right rooms with the right people at the right times.
What we’ve learned is that those moments tend to come from showing up consistently, doing good work and treating people well over a long period of time. Relationships (with clients, planners and fellow vendors) have been the biggest “lucky breaks” in our business.
We’ve also learned that challenges and setbacks have shaped us just as much as any good fortune. They’ve pushed us to refine our process, clarify what we value and build a business that’s resilient and intentional.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tomschelling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomschellingphoto/
- Other: https://coaching.tomschelling.com
Image Credits
All images are taken by Tom Schelling Photography
