Striking Photography for Hopeless Romantics

SACRAMENTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
P.J. OSWALD

I'm a wedding, engagement, and portrait photographer based in the heart of Northern California.
I'm also a sucker for a good story.
Perhaps that's why I've built my career around storytelling. I use my camera to tell the story of your wedding, your relationship, or the people who matter most to you. Eight years of experience and a heart full of empathy mean that I'll craft your images with the care of an old friend. And I'll keep you laughing.
Sacramento Wedding Photographer

“More amazing than I could have imagined. From the first conversation to getting our photos they were super responsive, professional, and just a joy to work with … we couldn’t have asked for better people to be part of our day!”

Sacramento Wedding Photographer

“They were extremely flexible and adaptive to the many different environments, changes in timeframe, a sick groom and even a couple dogs … All of the pictures were simply breathtaking.”

ABOUT ME

Get to know the heart behind the camera

I make images for hopeless romantics, so it helps that I am one myself. I’m passionate about who and what I love. So let me get concrete about those loves, okay?

I’m a family man. I married the girl of my past, present and future dreams. I’m raising three kids with her help, and always learning how much there is to learn about parenting. Whew. And since I’m an incurable dog person, of course there’s golden retriever too.

I’m an unabashed geek. As in, give me Star Trek and Star Wars. You’ll often find me reading about camera gear and tech for fun. Learning is my jam, and I love to get into deep conversations. But ride mountain bikes with me and you’ll see me hoot and holler. I love music. Check out my Netflix history and you’ll see it’s full of sci-fi, Nordic Noir mysteries, and British anything. I’m probably daydreaming about travel abroad right now.

I’m a follower of Jesus. I hope this has made me more compassionate and empathetic artist. My faith also colors my work as a Sacramento wedding photographer. So with each frame I capture, I’m also bringing calm and joy to your wedding day or portrait session.

Are you a hopeless romantic too? If so, I suspect I might be the photographer for you. I’d love to hear more about you and how I can capture some incredible images for you.

How would you describe your photography style?

I blend a photojournalistic style with a dash of fine art. That means I bring an eye for storytelling about what it is that I see in your wedding or in your relationships, and capture candid photos that tell the story. Though I’ll also be on the lookout for the most flattering or creative ways to photograph you based on your location. So you can count on me to help you pose in ways that make you look great, while also capturing those authentic “inbetween moments”.

Where does "Fits and Stops" come from?

Doing something in “fits and starts” is an old way of describing a process done in bursts of activity … sometimes in a herky-jerky way. That’s how venturing into photography was for me. After falling in love with photography on a trip to Scotland, I started blogging about my photos. And then I did a bit of paid photo work as a side hustle. But it definitely took me some years to work up the faith and courage to make photography my career. When it came time to pick a name, I wanted something that described my journey, but that was also unique (easy to find on the internet). And since photography measurements are taken in “stops” of light, I changed the expression to fit the business. That’s how Fits and Stops Photography was born.

What kind of gear do you use?

Great tools make for brilliant art, and all my tools are professional grade. I sling Nikon Z9 and Z6 II mirrorless camera bodies. I also carry six different lenses that let me cover wide vistas to tight close ups and everything in between. And I usually bring flashes on light stands to each session or wedding so I can be ready for anything. Be careful though–asking me about camera gear gets me talking too much!

Who are your "second photographers"?

I’ll be the only photographer at most portrait or engagement sessions. But when your wedding or session includes a second photographer, I’ll call upon another wedding photographer from a short list of folks with great style and emotional intelligence. They are expected to bring professional level camera gear–and plenty of kindness–to your wedding.

Is photography really your full-time job?

Yep. I took the full-time plunge in 2019, though I had worked part-time as a Sacramento wedding photographer since 2015. I love what I do and I love the people I get to serve!

Do you shoot with natural light or flash?

Both! I love the natural look provided by sunlight and I’ll default to harnessing it whenever I can. Though when I’m shooting in bad weather or under low lighting, I know my way around flash as well. I’m ready for what comes my way.

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Fact #1: I've got a love affair with Scotland

I bought my first camera for this family vacation. Along the way, I fell in love with the country, the culture, and even photography. Dinna fash yersel!
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Oswald Family Photo

Fact #2: I've got a tribe of my own

Being dad to these three kiddos and husband to this once, twice, three times a lady is the adventure of a lifetime.
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Landscape Photo of Playa Penca in Costa Rica

Fact #3: Landscape photography fills my sails

My inner introvert likes nothing better than getting out to a remote place as the sun is rising or setting and shooting the heck out of what I see.
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Photo of a wooden cross at a wedding

Fact #4: Jesus changed my life

God rewrote my understanding of love, making me want to love everyone around me in richer ways. We even started a simple church to better follow Jesus through life.
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A couple kissing in an Iceland glacier

Fact #5: I've got the travel bug. Bad.

My passport is pretty worn after traveling through 16 countries, and I'm ready for what's next with Erica at my side. Italy, here's looking at you!
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MUCH LOVE

My work, featured online and in print

CAN I TELL YOUR WEDDING STORY?

So glad you asked! First things first—let's see if I'm available to capture all the fun on your wedding day. Fill out the form below and I'll let you know ASAP.




    When is the wedding date?

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    Where I'm At
    Sacramento, CA 95821
    Call me
    916.281.9616
    9AM - 5PM, Monday - Friday