Get to know us.
We're a two-person photo-video team here at Desert Swell. We're photographers, filmmakers, documentarians, journalists, artists, and adventurers. We're grateful to be based in one of the most spacious and geographically diverse parts of the country - that little slice of heaven where the San Juan Mountains meet the red rock desert.
Ilana Newman
photoGRAPHER
I've been documenting moments and telling stories through photos for twelve years, starting as a black and white film photographer focusing on cityscapes and portraits. Since then, I have gone through many jobs, but photography has always remained a guiding light.
As the portrait photographer for Desert Swell Creative, I love trying out new creative techniques and documenting your genuine love. I take a documentary approach to photography, with as much or as little direction as each couple wants.
When not taking photos, I'm either creating something by writing — fiction or journalism, knitting, baking or sewing. Or I'm outside, climbing, skiing, running and exploring the San Juan Mountains and the red rock desert.
I find joy in small beauties — from morning light on a cup of hot tea to the swaying of evergreen branches in the breeze — and my photography draws from it all.
Matthew Tangeman
Photographer & VIDEOGRAPHER
I discovered photography as a ten year old, determined to tell my parents the full story of my first backpacking trip out on my own - I was free range both then and now. I stuck with it.
I'm inspired by the mountains, deserts, and ecosystems around me, and connect with those places through skiing, climbing, and running. Outside of weddings, I'm a full-time commercial and adventure photographer, which keeps me traveling for at least 4 months out of the year to some of the most incredible locations around.
From the icy and wind-blasted peaks of the Southern Andes to the teetering sandstone spires of the Colorado Plateau, I take pride in my ability and willingness to capture the moment anywhere, no matter how technical or inaccessible. It's a skillset I am proud to bring to Desert Swell (even if your wedding is just in your backyard).
"Amazing experience! Both my wife and I were a little nervous before the shoot, but Matthew and Ilana’s calm, laidback energy put us at ease. The entire experience felt more like friends hanging out in the mountains than a stuffy photoshoot. Their simple posing directions gave us room to be ourselves so nothing felt forced. They gave us a clear turnaround timeline after the shoot and they stuck to it. We would highly recommend Desert Swell Creative to anyone in search of beautiful, high quality images taken by some truly amazing human beings."
-Brendan, North Cascades Elopement
We're most at home at the top of a peak or deep in the desert.
We're both photographers.
If you choose one of our photo-only packages, we'll both be there, documenting every moment of your day. Combined, we have 20+ years of experience photographing people and places professionally.
We have an intimate knowledge of the places we shoot most, and the technical experience to make adventurous shots happen. Want to make the climbing or skiing photos of your dreams a reality (in a wedding dress!!)? We're there, 100%.
Our local knowledge also helps us help you plan your day, from vendors to timelines to making sure you get plenty of time to yourself on your wedding day.
We shoot both weddings and elopements — let's make your dream day a reality.
Matthew is our videographer.
If you book a video + photo package, Ilana will be shooting photos and Matthew will be documenting everything with video and drone.
He's a technical wizard with a camera and behind-the-scenes editing, and he will create something that makes 100% of our clients cry tears of joy when they get to watch themselves experience their wedding vows and beautiful day - and rewatch, for years to come.
What to know before booking.
It’s important that we connect with the couples we work with. We’ll spend more time with you on your wedding day than just about anyone else (sometimes even your partner!) so it’s vital that we become friends!
When you inquire about working with us, we’ll set up a video call so that you can learn more about us and decide if we’re a good fit.
Once you sign a contract and submit a deposit, we’ll all be celebrating! Then we’ll be in touch with any other information regarding your wedding or elopement and work with you or your wedding planner to plan the timing of your day.