Unstaged | Unscripted | Real
Documentary Wedding & Elopement Photographer for Washington DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Beyond
“I WANT TO SEE JOY AND LAUGHTER IN MY PHOTOS, DOUBLE-CHINS AND ALL. HONESTLY, THE MORE DOUBLE CHINS AND UGLY CRYING, THE BETTER.”
Favorite Memories
Hey There!
Thanks for stopping by! My name is Kathy and I am the creative genius who has been behind the camera with Love & Adventure Photography for over 15 years.
I became a photographer the same way everyone becomes a photographer… a friend of mine told me to take a Photography class because it was an easy A…. And I fell in love… or I became addicted to the chemicals from the darkroom. Either way… photography has been my life for almost 30 years.
I’ve photographed weddings for over 500 couples all over Washington DC, Annapolis, Baltimore, Northern Virginia… and really the world (I’ve photographed weddings in Greece, Antarctica, and even on safari in Kenya).
What I love most about photographing weddings is capturing the real unplanned moments. While yes, I can create stunning artistic portraits for my couples. What I take pride in is capturing the moments that happened on your day that you may not even remember. As a documentary wedding photographer I am capturing what naturally unfolds; the little intimate moments between those you love most in your life. My photographs will give you that everlasting feeling of love & joy, happiness, and longing every time you look at them. My photography will capture the truth of the moment as it is… instead of curating your day to look like every other wedding.
When I’m not photographing weddings what am I usually up to? Well, this introverted extrovert recently found a new love in Improv Comedy and is addicted to taking what I call happiness classes once a week at a local theatre. I’m also an advocate for all things wild and conservation- leading wildlife experiences around the world including to Uganda to trek with gorillas, safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, and on bucket list adventures to Antarctica & the Arctic. I have travelled extensively around the world capturing images of wildlife in their natural habitat so that I can continue to share their story for survival. Locally I am a Maryland Naturalist and volunteer leading Eco-hikes to elementary school students. I also dabble in Bee-Keeping and I’m currently working with Maryland Bee-Keepers to tell the story of honey-bee farming in Maryland.
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
As your wedding photographer I will be fully present, and artfully document what naturally unfolds around me on your wedding day. I love photographing movement, personality and expressions, both chaotic and calm moments of your day, the subtle glances, and joyous throw your head back laughter.
My photography is real, it’s authentic. As you look through each of your photos you will be transported back to a moment in time and you will feel how you felt in that exact moment.
Being selected as your photographer for your wedding is a special honor that I do not take lightly. It will be a pleasure to capture your story as it is and I thank you ahead of time for considering me to be your story teller.
My clients typically invest $7-10k and enjoy custom packages that start with full day coverage. While I love film and spent many years of my life in the darkroom. I prefer to shoot digitally so that I can focus on making sure I capture the moment.
Love and Adventure Photography happily and enthusiastically works with and supports couples of all races, religions, cultures, sexuality, & political backgrounds.
We fully believe that Love is Love.
What We Photograph
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Weddings
Our creative documentary wedding photography goes beyond the expected, capturing the raw emotions, spontaneous joy, and intimate details that define your love story. We are based in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland but travel worldwide.
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Intimate Elopements
Capturing the heart of your love story against the iconic backdrop of Washington, DC or in the untamed beauty of adventurous landscapes, we specialize in elopement photography that goes beyond the ordinary. We capture elopements around the world!
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Event Photography
We photograph everything from conferences and seminars to product launches and gala dinners. We seamlessly blend into the event, ensuring candid shots and vibrant group photos that reflect the energy and success of your occasion.
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Headshots
Stand out in the competitive market with powerful corporate branding photography from professional headshots to captivating product imagery, we'll craft a cohesive visual narrative that communicates your brand's values, personality, and unique offerings.
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High School Seniors
Our senior photography sessions are tailored to showcase your unique personality and style, ensuring a fun and relaxed experience that will result in stunning images you'll cherish forever. Whether you're an athlete, an artist, a dreamer, or a scholar, we will skillfully bring out your best, creating senior portraits that truly reflect who you are.
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Family Photography
Our family photography sessions are filled with laughter, candid moments, and genuine emotions, creating cherished memories that will stand the test of time. Whether it's a milestone celebration or simply a day spent together, we will artfully document your family's story and provide you with timeless pieces of art to hang on your wall.
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Photojournalism
Our photography features compelling social projects from around the world. Our documentary style brings raw honesty and depth to each image. Embrace the art of visual storytelling and treasure the genuine moments that define our shared human experience. Discover the power of documentary photography with us today.
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Wildlife
Step into the world of wildlife with photographer Kathleen Ricker. Indulge in the raw beauty of wild creatures, a testament to the photographer's dedication to preserving the essence of wildlife. Immerse in the rich tapestry of nature, beautifully captured by an artist whose passion & talent have been celebrated on the global stage.