New York Wedding Photographer | Hudson Valley, NY
TIMELESS, PERSONAL,
AUTHENTIC & ENTIRELY YOU.
We get it—nobody loves hours of photo posing. More love, less pose, right? But hey, it’s your wedding day!
Don’t worry, we’ll keep it stylish and make it a blast. The rest of the day? We’ll be in documentary mode, capturing everything from the "getting ready" excitement to your final dance moves.
We use a blend of editorial & natural posing while leaning into classic documentary photojournalism.
Over a Decade of Experience
350+ Weddings
Awarded one of the
Best in the Hudson Valley,
Best in the USA
Meet Diane Stredicke
Hudson River Photographer
I’m Diane, and I’ve been photographing weddings for about 15 years. I count myself lucky to have found this wonderful way to make a living. I get to blend my background in filmmaking and art direction, and I get to meet so many wonderful couples and their families.
My work has been featured in places like Brides Magazine, New York Times, Over the Moon, and Junebug Weddings and in 2023, I was named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the USA & Mexico by Masters of Wedding Photography.
I’m incredibly proud of my featured LGBTQ+ weddings in Out Magazine, New York Magazine, and even two best-selling books, The New Art of Capturing Love: The Essential Guide to Lesbian and Gay Wedding Photography and Capturing Love: The Art of Lesbian & Gay Wedding Photography, available on Amazon.
I live in Rhinebeck, New York, with my wife, Linda, and our rescue pup, Bini, on three lovely acres. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me at the movies, or exploring the Hudson Valley, or traveling abroad or knee-deep into one of my many hobbies like oil painting or woodworking.
The fact that you might be considering me to photograph your wedding is an honor I don’t take lightly. I know there are an overwhelming amount of choices out there. I’m happy to talk with you about how working with me might be a little different.
★★★★★
“Diane was able to capture the love and energy we felt in every single picture. Diane is kind and has an easy nature that made photographing the day simple. Her work is incredible! Diane is the best, and we highly recommend her.”
Brooke + Josh | Wedding at L’Escale Delamar Greenwich
WEDDING IN THE BERKSHIRES
What is Diane's Photography Style?
I get asked this question a lot. Wedding photographers sort of have to be jack of all trades when it comes to photography. But if I had to nail down what I think my style is, I would say documentary with a small dose of editorial.
What does that mean? Most of your day is pure documentary style. Unobtrusive, ninja, just capturing moments as they unfold. But weddings - at least most - want some sort of portraits. So I do a form of natural posing with a bit of editorial twist.
My Documentary Approach
The heart of my work lies in authentic storytelling. I believe the most meaningful wedding photos are the unscripted ones – that tearful glance between you and your dad, the belly laugh during your best friend's toast, or that sweet moment when you squeeze your partner's hand thinking no one noticed (I noticed!). I move through your day like a shadow with a camera, anticipating moments before they happen.
This documentary approach means I'm constantly looking for those heart-grabbing moments that tell your unique story. I don't ask you to fake anything or "look more in love" – because you two already have that covered! Sometimes, this involves me hiding behind cake tables or camouflaging myself among dancing guests. Whatever it takes to get the shot!
WEDDING IN manhattan
The Editorial Touch
For portraits, I know they're essential, but I promise I won't make you stand stiffly side by side like you're posing for a driver's license photo - unless this is your style. Instead, I'll give you fun prompts like "whisper your grocery list in your sexiest voice" that make you forget you're being photographed and bring out those genuine giggles and connections.
The "editorial twist" is just my fancy way of saying I pay attention to making you look amazing – finding that perfect golden light, framing you with stunning architecture, or incorporating cool elements from your venue. These portraits still feel like real you – just the "wow, we clean up nice!" version of you.
The Magic of Light
Light is my jam! I'm that weirdo who gets way too excited about a patch of sunshine coming through a window. You might catch me gasping and pointing at what looks like an ordinary corner to you, but trust me – that's where the magic happens! I've spent years training my eye to find gorgeous light in every venue, whether it's that dreamy golden hour glow that makes everyone look like movie stars, or how string lights turn a simple reception into something out of a fairy tale.
Fair warning: I might occasionally squeal "Look at that LIGHT!" and hustle you over to what seems like a random spot. My excitement level about good lighting is slightly embarrassing, but hey – it's why your photos will have that special something!
★★★★★
“If a picture is worth 1000 words, then we have one million wonderful words from our wedding day. We had such a terrific experience working with Diane.”
Lauren + Jeremy | The Garrison
Wedding Photography
Weddings start at 6000
Elopements start at 2500
Every package includes:
Digital Coverage Tailored to Your Day
We provide comprehensive digital coverage of your wedding, capturing every meaningful moment in a documentary style. Expect true-to-life images with a film-inspired emulation that feels natural and authentic.
Personalized Timeline & Expert Resources
We’ll design a custom photography timeline to keep things running smoothly and stress-free. We’ll also send you a personalized list of local wedding vendors if you need suggestions.
Seamless Access to Your Photos
Your online digital gallery makes viewing, downloading, printing, and sharing your photos effortless. Every image is delivered in high resolution with no watermarks. You can order professional prints directly from our professional lab partner.
Quick delivery of your wedding day photos
You will receive your photos in under 30 business days. Rush services is available.
Travel to your Wedding Venue
Our packages include most travel in the Hudson Valley area.
★★★★★
“Whether you’re gay, straight, bisexual or a trans couple, you want Diane to capture your big day. Diane is a pro and a total joy to work with. She was truly everything we were looking for and defied all expectations.”
Jaimie + Meghan | Wedding at Red Maple Farm
WEDDING IN THE catskills
There Are No "Have-Tos"
Let's have a heart-to-heart here: your wedding is YOURS. Full stop. All those "traditions" and "must-dos"? They're totally up to you! Want to skip the bouquet toss because you'd rather keep dancing? High five! Think formal family portraits sound like torture? Let's minimize them! Rather eat dessert before dinner? I'm already grabbing a fork!
I'm here for whatever makes your heart happy on your wedding day. The last thing I want is for you to feel stressed about following some wedding rule book. The only real "must" is that your day feels authentically you – whether that means taking portraits with your cat in a bow tie (please say yes to this) or swapping traditional vows for quotes from your favorite movies. I'm your photographer, not the wedding police!
Why This Blend Works
This mix of documentary and editorial gives you the best of both worlds: all those genuine, heartfelt moments captured beautifully, plus some drop-dead gorgeous portraits that still feel 100% like you.
I can't wait to tell YOUR story through my lens!
