Striking Photography + Videography 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 spent a decade building my career around storytelling.
My associates and I use photography and videography to tell the story of your wedding, your relationship, and the people who matter most to you. And the best version of your story gets told when you’ve got a great plan in place, when you’re working with resourceful and flexible artists, and when communication is clear. That’s what you can expect from Fits & Stops Photography—along with a healthy dose of laughter.

Wedding Videography Now Available!

ABOUT ME

Get to know the heart behind the camera
A man sits on a chair, holding a camera on his shoulder.
I make images for hopeless romantics, so it helps that I am one. I’m passionate about who and what I love.

For instance, I married the girl of my past, present and future dreams. I’m raising three kids with her help, and diving deep down the rabbit hole of parenting. And since I’m an incurable dog person, of course there’s golden retriever too.

What else do I love? Give me Star Trek and Star Wars. You’ll often find me reading about camera gear, cars 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 hopelessly romantic too? I might just be the photographer 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 Sacramento wedding photographer from a short list of folks with great style and emotional intelligence. When you add videography services, the talented and intuitive Spencer Knight will serve as your wedding videographer. 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.

A man and woman share a gentle kiss on the cheek, smiling warmly at each other.

“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!”

A smiling man and woman stand together, radiating warmth and happiness.

“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.”

A castle perched on a rocky hill, surrounded by natural terrain.

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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A group of people smiling and posing together for a 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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A scenic beach featuring smooth rocks and gentle waves lapping at the shore.

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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A wooden cross draped with white cloth hangs against a neutral background.

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 man and woman share a kiss inside a dimly lit cave.

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

My passport is pretty worn after traveling through 17 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.







    Are you interested in wedding videography as well?

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    How did you hear about Fits and Stops Photography?


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