Capturing Unforgettable Moments as Your Trusted Second Shooter in California + Beyond

Malachi Lewis at Shell Creek Photography

Traveling Photographer Based in Orange County, California

Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, & frequently traveling across Colorado & Washington (as well as other locations), my name is Malachi & I bring over 8 years of specialized experience in wedding photography. From intimate mountaintop elopements to grand cultural celebrations, I’m experienced in diverse settings. I’d love to chat about second shooting for you!

↓ View Portfolio ↓
Couple gets married at Artist Point in Washington near Mount Baker.
Two grooms kiss during their elopement day in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Colorful sunset adventure elopement in Death Valley, California.

Experience & Expertise

Bride and groom walk into their post elopement reception surrounded by friends and family ready to celebrate with them.

Vibrant Celebrations

I’m experienced in the dynamic requirements of large-scale cultural weddings & large traditional weddings, understanding the details & moments that matter.

Camera Gear

Equipped with modern Sony digital cameras, a variety of prime & zoom lenses various flashes, & film gear, I’m prepared for any scenario—from desert sunsets to dimly lit receptions.
↓ FIND OUT MORE ↓

Adventurous Weddings

Passionate about adventure, I’ve tackled 12+ mile hikes to capture stunning elopement ceremonies in remote locations & am experienced with travel for destination weddings & managing logistics on a wedding day.

Digital Gear

Sony A7iii
28mm 2.0
35mm 1.4
55mm 1.8
85mm 1.8
70-200mm 2.8

Film Gear

Pentax 645nii
45mm 2.8
75mm 2.8
104mm 2.4
Canon 1V
50mm 1.4

Bride and groom enjoy the stars near a campfire after their elopement day in Moab.

Other Gear

Variety of flashes for digital + film gear
Godox AD200 with trigger
Tripods
Super 8mm cameras
Other vintage cameras

Have Questions?

I’m adept at splitting my focus as needed throughout the event—whether that involves capturing intimate moments with either partner, assisting with lighting setups, or ensuring all angles are covered. And I’m always happy to schedule a call to talk more!

I am accustomed to traveling long distances! For weddings where I am contracted for 8 or more hours at a minimum rate of $75/hour, I’ll travel up to 2 hours without an extra travel fee. I am willing to travel further whether by car or flight if travel costs can be reimbursed.

My rates typically start at $75/hour for second shooting weddings. If you want me to be be the lead or an associate shooter, I am open to it based on pay & duties. My typical rate as a lead is $150/hour. I am open to discussion on these rates, just contact me & let’s talk!

I am accustomed to signing non-disclosure agreements & upholding the utmost discretion for private events for clients that value privacy. I am happy to work within your existing frameworks & contracts. I am an experienced photographer & do not need to build a portfolio. I’m there to serve you & your clients!

I tailor my services to meet your specific needs, ensuring seamless coverage of the couple’s wedding day. My expertise ranges from capturing candid moments and group portraits during cocktail hour to providing technical support with film & digital cameras, including off-camera flash. I excel in both lead & support roles, adept at managing details like gear organization & wedding attire adjustments. Communication is key; I’m ready to align with you through pre-event calls to ensure we’re ready for the day. I can match your style including shooting with particular lens choices or photographing with a shallow depth of field, underexposing highlights or whatever else is needed to better match your style of photography & editing.

Absolutely! I am happy to work with all sorts of couples including LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC couples, as well as persons with disabilities.

Yep! You can view a full gallery here. This gallery has a mix of indoor + outdoor, sunset, darker photos, full sun, etc.

You can also view another one here. This gallery was shot during a rainy day, had a darker sunset, more indoor photos, & flash used for the indoor reception. I also have more galleries available upon request.

Second Shooting Portfolio

What can I help with? If you need someone to shoot details, portraits, cocktail hour, back you up for film, shoot film, shoot wider or tighter, tell me what you need & I’m there for you! Below you’ll find a gallery of images from a few recent weddings I’ve taken while second shooting. Feel free to browse the rest of my site for more of my work.

Contact Me

Contact me & let’s talk! I’d be happy to answer your questions via email or text, we can also schedule a call to make sure I’m a good fit.

Email

malachi@shellcreekphoto.com

Text

402-615-3061

Malachi Lewis, a destination wedding and elopement photographer, with fiancé Kaleb.
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