Shell Creek Photography Reviews
Reviews
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4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
14 Reviews
94% recommend it
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![Olivia]()
Olivia I. Sent on 01/25/2022Lovely photographer. Wonderful photos.
I'm thrilled to have stumbled across Shell Creek Photography when my partner and I started planning our elopement. I can’t say enough about how professional Malachi is and the quality of work that he provides. He was prepared and went beyond what one could expect of an elopement photographer. My partner and I are so pleased with our session and final photographs that we will recommend Malachi to our friends planning weddings. -
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![Claudina]()
Claudina Sent on 02/09/2022Easy, fun, beautiful adventure elopement
Malachi made our elopement absolutely awesome! He was recommended to us by a photographer friend, and when we met with him online and found out he was a bird person just like us, we knew he was perfect to photograph us. His work obviously speaks for itself; look through any of his photos online and you'll see he is a master of his craft. The other aspects of an adventure wedding with Malachi are that he makes you feel comfortable, can find beautiful locations to take you, and has every piece of gear you may need available in his truck and all you need to do is get married!
We met Malachi 2 weeks before our spontaneous elopement. We wanted to catch the aspens while they were still yellow so we had to move quickly and he was up for the challenge! He scouted out various locations that we might be interested in (aspens, lakes, mountain overlooks, etc.) and we narrowed down the sites we would visit 1 week before. With that said, definitely go with the full-day elopement option! It reduces stress because you don't need to stay on a tight schedule and allows you to visit a few locations for photos.
We didn't really have any specific requests for our elopement besides seeing the aspens and gorgeous nature so Malachi just offered up some great ideas and we went with those. He made the whole process super simple and stress-free for 2 very indecisive people.
The day of our elopement we had some rainy weather that would make hiking less than ideal because clouds would block some mountain views. He showed up at our lodge and offered to rearrange our order of locations so that we could still catch some clear skies. It was nice to not worry about sticking to a schedule and just do what worked for us. Malachi brought one of his super fun birds on the trip too!!!
The trail we hiked up to our ceremony was perfect. It was a beautiful forest with aspen glens that we got changed in, and only saw 2 people right when we parked. The rest of the day, we had the trail all to ourselves. Malachi took photos throughout the hike, and during and after our little ceremony. He did a wonderful job of directing 2 awkward and dorky people so that we looked natural and happy and less-than-awkward in all our photos.
The photos turned out beautifully! Everything about the day was perfect. It was stress-free, fun, and the pictures captured our love for each other. Malachi was an amazing photographer/elopement planner for 2 easy-going people so we definitely recommend him for your adventure! -
![Sydney]()
Sydney W. Sent on 01/11/2021100000000/10 - The Best Experience
My (now) husband and I were so nervous about having photos taken of us because we are both so unnatural and awkward in front of the camera. This all quickly subsided as soon as we met Malachi! He has such a friendly and natural presence and way of making you feel instantly comfortable around him. Not only this, but he truly went above and beyond on our wedding day. He tied my husband's bow tie, helped decorate our cake with greenery when I was running behind, provided us hand warmers and spikes for our shoes so we'd be comfortable while hiking to get photos, the list goes on! On top of all this, I must say the photos are absolutely incredible; they perfectly captured the beauty of the scenery while still somehow keeping the focus on us. They are everything I could have hoped for and more, and people are still raving about how beautiful they are. Malachi truly blew away any and all expectations and hopes I had for our experience and I am forever grateful we chose him for our wedding day!! -
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![Jon]()
Jon C. Sent on 08/11/2019Perfect experience
Malachi is a fantastic photographer who is truly passionate about his trade. He captured our engagement session (gorgeous hike through slot canyons in Utah) as well as our beautiful outdoor wedding in the foothills of Colorado. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who is going to do a fantastic job, look no further than Shell Creek Photography! -
![Laura]()
Laura Sent on 04/30/2019Memories to hold on forever thanks to Shell Creek Photography!
Malachi photographed our vow renewal in Colorado. He was so amazing with coordination. We had a meet 'n' greet via Skype where I learned about his photography background & what inspires him, as well as shared my vision of my husband's 10-year vow renewal. He offered really great recommendations on location in Colorado over our month of planning as we were from out of state. He even put together my bouquet for me. What a man of many talents! The day of our vow renewal was an adventure! Spring in the Rockies is so unpredictable and we were caught in Spring snow storm all day during our hike. But Malachi was patient, let me borrow his gloves when mine were soaked, and made sure we had fun every step of the way. The photos and video he delivered to us were exceptional and I couldn't be more happy. Thank you Malachi for giving us these memories to hold on to forever. If you're looking for an adventurous photo session or a unique way to celebrate an elopement or vow renewal, Malachi of Shell Creek Photography is the best choice. -
![Shelby]()
Shelby Sent on 06/24/2020Unforgettable Experience
My fiancé and I live in Texas, but got engaged in the Rocky Mountain National Park since it has been such a big part of our story. I knew the moment we started planning I would love to have pictures that captured our joy of hiking and adventure, but still wanted the nice dressed photos. Not knowing where to start, how we would get these great photos, or when the best time was to get the colors I wanted, I did some research on Instagram. That’s when I found Malachi and I’m SO HAPPY I did!
From the first time reaching out, he was quick at responses, clear about pricing, best times to go (for us it was sunrise which I highly recommend), he allows as many changes as time permits and asking us questions that would help him capture our personalities on film. The day of, he picked us up promptly at 4a, when we got to the trail head he had headlamps, iced coffees and bars (a thoughtful touch as we were consumed with remembering outfits), and guided us at our pace, while keeping an eye out for the sunrise and getting the photos we now LOVE! Malachi is a really cool, easy to talk to, chill guy which made the whole thing less awkward and more fun. He directed us when needed, laid in freezing snow to get the perfect shot, and provided us with pictures we will cherish forever.
If you’re considering an adventure engagement shoot or adventure elopement, I could not recommend Malachi more. It was an experience we’ll never forget! -
Ryan S. Sent on 08/24/2021
Telluride Elopement with Shell Creek Photography
Malachi was great to work with, super helpful and knowledgeable helping us plan our day around Telluride. He helped us plan with ideas for shooting locations, including several different options of lakes, trails and hikes that we could take around the area. We ended up going up Imogene Pass and taking photos on the top of the pass, and then set up a picnic a bit further down towards Yankee Boy Basin and Ouray. He was very friendly and professional all day long, and even helped wrangle our dog during some of the shoots to get his attention to get the best possible photos. We ended the day shooting some sunset pictures on Last Dollar Road which was completely his suggestion and the photos turned out amazing. We would highly recommend to anyone wanting to elope, as he provided an all-inclusive service helping us plan the day, and provided great pictures that captured the day perfectly. -
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![Cierra]()
Cierra C. Sent on 10/13/2021Missed photos with poor composition.
Disclaimer: I have given Malachi more than a month and a half to communicate with us and our original photographer directly regarding our concerns and to date he has chosen to ignore us. I am happy to share examples of the poor work he provided for our day as proof.
The amount of dread, disgust and disappointment I feel is overwhelming looking through the album. What Malachai did is not enough. It’ll never be enough to make up for what was missed on a day that we will never be able to change. This is not a day we can ever get back or recreate. It’s over, gone, and all we have to show for it are some careless photos that an amateur could’ve taken and our memories.
For context our wedding, like many others, had to be rescheduled from 2020 to 2021 due to Covid. Because of this our original photographer had to hire an associate photographer to shoot our day. Knowing how important photos are to any couple- but especially one where the bride models- she chose Malachi of Shell Creek. He graciously accepted. I was excited because he is supposed to be the premier elopement photographer known throughout Colorado and the Midwest. This is where good things I have to say about Malachi end.
He was awkward and seemed uninterested during our initial consultation which I brushed off as the strangeness of having a phone call intro. He was a no show for our final meeting 2 weeks before the wedding. It was a red flag but I continued to rely on his reputation for amazing photos and the portfolio he displays on social media. 2 days before the wedding he finally texted me saying he “had been out of service”.
He arrived and was awkward from the get go, acting more like a newbie photographer who had never photographed a wedding before. Hesitating and asking me what shots I wanted- when he had been provided a shot list from myself, as well as directions from my main photographer who had hired him, and a timeline from myself and our wedding coordinator. Throughout the day he continued to disappoint by not seeming to know the timeline, the photos wanted, or even a general sense of what traditional photos you’d think a couple would want from their wedding. Though admittedly our timeline was running behind (like many weddings) Malachi made things no better by seemingly disappearing for a short time in between the getting ready hotel and the venue (a less than 10 minute drive). Calls to his cellphone went unanswered and my groom ended up seeing me because this disorganization.
There’s many photos where the composition, layout, arranging of people, angles and creativity are missing. The lack of attention to details is horrible. The majority of our photos feel like he didn’t care to even try to direct or get the shots that he typically shares. During what should’ve been first looks there’s never even a straight on shot with myself and my brother- dad or my husband. They’re all taken from strange angles and in sub optimal lighting. As a professional he should’ve known how to shoot or compensate for the lighting.
The typical details- having bouquets, straightened outfits, detailed rings shots, etc. all missed. Asking everyone to look in the same direction was missed. No romantic holding shots or even a single photo of our rings on. Nothing. Some detail shots are easy enough to fake a recreate. But so many moments we should’ve gotten with our friends and family were missed.
As a couple we will never be able to get the memories of our wedding day back and He has yet to answer for what he has done. It’s a day I dreamed of for many years and planned for 2- only to have few photos of that I can be proud of posting. I have cried many tears over this and now my only hope is that other couples do not have this experience with him and think twice before hiring and trusting him with their most special day.Shell Creek Photography's reply:
Hi Cierra, I am very sorry to hear this was your experience. I truly wish you would have directly reached out to me beforehand so we could have talked more and come to a resolution. It is very important to me that couples not only get beautiful images but an amazing experience on their wedding day.
I’d like to clarify a few things to explain this situation. To be clear, I was not the business hired for your wedding. I’m very sorry that your original photographer was not available for your date—which is why they reached out to me, and hired me as an “associate photographer” to come and take photos day-of for them. As I was not the business you hired and was not in charge of delivering or even editing your photos, I was unaware of the extent of your feelings until reading this review. The only thing your original photographer that you hired mentioned, is that you were not fully happy with the service you received. I got an email and responded to her but after that you never reached out to me to talk things through—so it’s disheartening to hear this for the first time, here in your review—especially as I was not the business you hired.
You are correct in saying I’ve worked hard to uphold a good reputation as a photographer here in Colorado. It is very important to me for couples to get great photos and to enjoy the experience. I can truly say that I tried my absolute best given the circumstances of your wedding day. A wedding day is a real life event with things that don’t always go to plan—and as an associate photographer who is purely hired to show up and photograph (not plan, consult, edit, or deliver photos)—I can definitely attest that what I was able to capture for your on you wedding day with the given circumstances is indeed different than what I am able to capture for a client who hires and works with me directly. Nevertheless, I enjoy helping out others, so I agreed to take on this job as an “associate shooter” for your hired photographer, and truly did my absolute best every step of the way—given there is so much I was unable to control.
I enjoyed our first call together and took notes from it which I then passed on to your original photographer since your photographer hired me as an associate photographer. I was planning on our originally planned video chat together, but then you wanted to change it to a phone call and changed things around last minute. As an associate photographer, I was only contracted to show up and shoot. But I knew that meeting with you was important so I tried to make the final meeting but couldn’t due to a scheduling conflict—however your original photographer said it was optional. I contacted you both immediately after the meeting but was told that everything was good to go and notes would be sent. I had been in contact with you over a week before the wedding, then again a couple days before, then right before the day of the wedding, and the morning of the wedding. The only time I was unable to be contacted that week was for a few days because I was shooting an elopement in the mountains with no service.
When I arrived at your wedding, there was definitely a lot going on. I had the provided shot list and timeline on my phone already but I asked you if there were other important photos because the shot list was fairly generic and the questionnaire you had been provided wasn’t filled out and I wanted to make sure I captured what you wanted. Things also change on wedding days so I always like to ask couples if there are any other additional things you want photographed to ensure your needs are met. There were many other shots I captured because I asked you day-of or just by using my own intuition and expertise because you did not fill out the questionnaire provided.
Location and timeline are definitely also factors to consider in all of this. The wedding timeline was running behind but I was eventually able to help get it back on track. You also provided pages of a photo book with different photos you wanted to be recreated which of course I am happy to do, but it did take up a lot of time. Location also plays a huge factor into the elopements I am usually hired directly by clients to shoot. A city park, dark venue, and interstate exit are not the locations I usually shoot at. I was not in charge of choosing locations and it was cloudy all day so the lighting was the same everywhere—so the work I was able to do on your day is indeed different than a day in which I am able to help advise on location and timing.
Editing-wise, as an associate photographer, I was only hired to hand over the raw photos to your original photographer so they could do all the sorting and editing. Unfortunately it appears that your original photographer did not know how to best edit the specific raw files from my camera, and even left some unedited photos in your gallery. Some of the shots that are awkward without people looking were taken by the second photographer, and in my opinion, some of those photos should not have even been included. I was right by your side or shooting candid guest photos almost the whole day and only took a few minutes to eat so I could continue photographing your day—so I am not sure how I could have “missed” so much. In one situation, I asked the second photographer to go and grab bouquets but because we were running behind, you said not to get them.
Overall, while I am so sorry that you are upset about your resulting gallery, on my end, I am not seeing how the experience with me, day-of could have been so bad as you say here. At the end of the day you were so happy I was able to fill in for your photographer—you hugged me, thanked me, and tried to send me home with wedding cake. Even though everything didn’t go according to plan and we had to cope with a little rain, you seemed really happy with the experience provided. Not every shot can be guaranteed, especially when wedding days run far behind.
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you I’ll bend over backwards to make things right. I offered refunds, to do or pay for photoshop edits, to do the edits of the photos myself since I wasn’t the hired photographer, and even offered a reshoot where we could have gone to better locations further off into the mountains but we were not able to come up with a satisfactory solution. I have screenshots, photos, screen recordings, emails, text messages, Instagram messages, phone call logs, location data, time stamps, contracts, firsthand info from other vendors there, and more to prove everything here. I have been in business for years and have shot hundreds of weddings and elopements. It is always my highest priority for couples to have an amazing experience on their day and to be happy with their resulting images, and I’m very sorry that the situation of being a contracted photographer to someone else’s business left me with very little control over the final product you were delivered.
While I don’t believe this review reflects the experience of any of my other clients, I take your feedback seriously and will continue to reflect on this.
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