After an exhaustive search on the internet for a wedding photographer, and tiring quickly of the cookie-cutter posed and staged images I found, somehow I landed at the website for Aibek Akmat Photography. I LIKE TO THINK MY GOOD FORTUNE WAS NO ACCIDENT! I was easily drawn into the artistry of the portfolio I found there. With a background in art and design, I admit I am harder to impress than some. But I instantly recognized something special about his images...rich jewel tones, dynamic images that seemed three dimensional as though you could step into the photograph in real time; with interesting textures and beautiful quality of light. I also recognized a casual spontaneity in his portrait images; subjects captured in a natural and relaxed spirit by an unobtrusive observer. While there were no actual images of weddings on the website, the work I discovered by Aibek was appealing in its depth and sensitivity and it prompted me to contact him. It was a wise decision. With less than a month to schedule a photographer before our wedding, Aibek agreed to do the job, and with a leap of faith I felt confident that the decision was the right one. We engaged Aibek for 4 hours on the day of our wedding and for photographs at two locations; the church where the ceremony took place and then following at the restaurant across the city in Georgetown. Despite pouring rain, and the consequent lighting challenges that the weather presented, he was not only patient, but accommodating and generous. Aibek DELIVERED! Our photographs came to us in zip files and on CD less than one week after the wedding ceremony.The images he captured are "brilliant, magnificent" (to quote the minister of the spectacular National City Christian Church who has seen the interior architecture images); the photographs are rich in detail, artful in composition, delightful in capturing precious moments and shared memories of the happiest day of my life. Thank you for caring so much about our wedding photographs, Aibek...for your professionalism, your artistry, and your unerring eye for capturing a moment in time.
As a footnote which will make a difference for many, I would like to add that I disclosed upfront to Aibek that my partner of 30 years and I (both male) were being married in our home church; a Christian marriage with full recognition, legally and spiritually. I gave him the opportunity to decline and he not only accepted us unconditionally, but embraced us in a caring and gentle manner. But,THAT is a consequence of choosing not just a great photographer, but a kind, caring and enlightened human being. I should also add that his photography service was the best value of all the expenses we incurred for our wedding! read more