Toni Axelrod

Lead Photographer

The magic of photography first grabbed my attention as a child when I first saw a picture come to life in my father’s darkroom. What was a diverting hobby for a child took a serious step when I saved enough money from my first job after college as a graphic artist to buy a used Hasselblad camera. My adventurous nature took me to Colorado and I made photography a full time occupation when I accepted a job first as a news photographer and then photo editor and my photography career took wing.

While shooting for various news organizations, I began to recognize the power that a single photograph could have- to create awareness and positive change, to make a lasting impression, or to freeze a moment into a memory. I realized I was not just shooting for a news organization, but for those people who could not be present, and to remind those that were. My style grew from capturing a scene as it happened naturally, tripping the shutter only when the moment calls for it, allowing the impact of the photo to rely on the expressions on my subjects’ faces. My attention to detail and careful composition come from over a decade working as a professional photographer. Let me surprise you with the moments you didn’t notice that I am able to connect you to.

I find myself most challenged and fulfilled when capturing the daily life of the people I encounter in my travels. Lacking a common language, I have to rely on my ability to build rapport with my subjects wordlessly through respect, curiosity and a genuine interest in their lives. I bring these skills to every shoot to make people comfortable, which allows me to capture them at their very best.

I continue to work as a freelance photographer for The New York Times and many other national publications. I'm proud of the recognition my work has received in the past, such as the Colorado Press Award, Wedding Wire & Martha Stewart’s Bride's Choice Award, and The Knot’s Best of Weddings Award.

I look forward to speaking with you about making your vision a reality.

Joe Kania

Lead Filmmaker

I was already an avid photographer when I found my way to filmmaking while picking a major at the University of Colorado. Earning a degree in communication, I've spent my career shooting and editing video for many different types of productions, from sports (Air Force Academy football, World Cup skiing) to commercials, medical and scientific videos, corporate videos, indie film, animated films, music videos and many more. My duties have ranged from videographer, sound recordist and lighting grip, to writer, editor and producer, among others.

Having settled in the Vail Valley I have found a great opportunity for creative filmmaking in wedding videos. With scenic backdrops, detailed decor and well-dressed actors, every event is a set ready for cinematography. And the thrill of live production is always there- there's no second takes, every shot counts and I love the challenge of getting the best possible result the first time, every time. Since no two weddings are the same, it makes the process of capturing and editing uniquely exciting, weaving music and song together with dialog and visuals to create a one-of-a-kind finished piece for a couple to treasure all their lives. I feel truly blessed to be asked to share in these most important moments of peoples' lives and produce a very special keepsake for them.

Having managed and shot in many capacities, I am ready to assist you in any event that needs comprehensive video coverage, from multi-camera to ENG style run-and-gun, and specialty techniques such as slow motion and timelapse. 

I look forward to collaborating with you on your next project!