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a piece of my heart will always be in Maine. 
One thing that remains constant is my passion for photography and storytelling.
I am a photographer because I can't imagine being anything else. I love working with people and telling their stories. I enjoy every aspect of a wedding. From the planning to the sparkler exit. My favorite moments are the in between moments. The moments the bride shares with her dad before walking down the aisle. The groom right before the doors open. The parents watching their children share the first dance. The look the couple shares right before they drive away, starting their new adventure. These are the moments I strive to archive. 

My focus on film and photography began at a very young age. In fact, my family and friends will tell you that they have rarely seen me without a camera. I started my first photography business when I was in high school. In college, I studied film and worked my way through school as a member of the film crew for the TCU football team. After graduation I was part of an Emmy-winning production team for NFL films. The producers at NFL Films are some of the most creative storytellers in the industry, which influenced me to return to my roots in still photography.
As a military wife I am constantly on the move, but I will always have roots in Houston, as a seventh generation Texan and 

so Happy you are here.  I BELIEVE IN THE TIMELESS AND EXPRESSIVE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHS.

hello there, i'm helen

publications

As Seen on The Knot
weddingwire.com

why i'm different

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name a few).  They have influenced my process. To me, creating a beautiful photograph means capturing the right balance as a moment unfolds, and oftentimes the beauty is in the unintended in-between moments. Movement, light and emption are central these in my work inspired by my roots in cinematography. 
Its my desire to archive the precious moments of your special day so that you can share them with generations to come. I want them to know what it was like to be a guest at your wedding. 

As your wedding photographer I hope to put your mind at ease on your wedding day. I want you to laugh, cry (happy tears), dance and enjoy all the little moments. I promise to not miss a beat or a single precious moment. A sentimental person at heart, I know how precious every single moment of your special day is.
I have always been a diehard romantic. In fact my love of story-telling stems from my love of classic romantic films and novels (Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany’s,  The Princess Bride and Pride & Prejudice to 

THERE IS NO BETTER COMPLIMENT THAN A COUPLE ENTRUSTING ME TO DOCUMENT THEIR LOVE STORY.

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joshua tree, ca

10.25.21

providence, nc

09.16.21

Tabernash, co

08.20.21

telluride, co

08.16.21

newport, ri

08.09.21

san diego, ca

08.03.21

castine, me

06.12.21

newport, ri

05.07.21

santa ynez, ca

04.14.21

miami, fl

03.24.21

atlanta, ga

03.08.21

vail, co

02.17.21

currently traveling to

COPYRIGHT 2021 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | VALERA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTO BY HELEN MCGEE