It's always fun to browse through Kurty's work and to see pictures of his latest weddings. They show a mixture of creatively staged photography and photojournalistic shots. There are fisheye perspectives and shots with imaginative use of depth of field. One picture focuses on the wedding cake, while the couple is blurred in the background. I love the variations of dancing couples, for which he totally controls the camera. There are unexpected, fun pictures, too, like bride and groom walking through the crowd on the Santa Cruz boardwalk or "the run away bride." He always seems to be hired for interesting weddings, some of which you will find featured on this site.

This visit brought me to his new studio on Portrero Hill. He meets his clients on the comfortable chairs and couches on the first floor, while the fancy studio, with its large window, professional lighting, and backdrops, is on the second floor. Since my last visit Kurty has made a complete switch to digital photography.

Kurty received a degree in photography from the City College of San Francisco State University. His first job was as a photojournalist at a local newspaper. He then worked with art directors for corporations, photographed models and celebrities, and subsequently received many prizes for his work. One of his weddings was aired on the wedding channel.

In 2008 he received an Award of Excellence from the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) for one of his pictures, and a first place album award from the PPGBA (Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area) for one of his coffee table books. He recently added a new line of albums -- sustainable, fiber-based, and printed with pigment-dyed ink.

Kurty works with couples to design their wedding albums. His goal is to create a wonderful memory for years to come. From his many happy customers I received comments such as, "His creative ideas made the wedding album an instant hit." "The reason that he makes such great images is that he loves what he does." "...we were extremely comfortable around him."