Samm Blake is a New York City based photographer, but grew up in a small seaside town in a remote corner of Australia. Combining her fine art photography & journalism studies, along with a skilled and sensitive eye for portraiture, her images garnered acclaim for their honesty, vulnerability, and unfeigned connection to its subjects. Well traveled and always up for an adventure, she has photographed celebrations across the world, from Iceland to Indonesia, the UK to the UAE and beyond, always bringing a unique editorial and artistic sensibility to the wedding world.
With twenty years of professional experience, Samm’s photographic journey has assumed a rich and varied path. Samm has been named top ten wedding photographers in the world by American Photo & best wedding photographers by Condé Nast Brides. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, C Magazine and more.


SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Vogue : The Bride Wore Custom Vera Wang for Her Classic Summer Wedding in the Hamptons
Vogue : Model Jessie Li’s Intimate New York Wedding Was Inspired by English Country Gardens
Vogue : CJ McCollum and Elise Esposito’s Wedding Was an Intimate Affair in Oregon Wine Country
Brides : A Colorful, Garden-Inspired Wedding at Home in Bridgehampton, New York
Brides : Academy Mansion - Cindy + Colin
Harper’s Bazaar : Caroline + Ben
Martha Stewart Weddings : Eden + Jack
Vogue : A Sophisticated Wedding Celebration at the High Line Hotel in New York City
Brides : Academy Mansion - Erika + ST
Martha Stewart Weddings : Brooklyn Winery - Ali + Mark
FEATURED IN
Vogue
Harper's Bazaar
Martha Stewart Weddings
Brides
C Magazine
The Knot
Refinery 29
Oncewed
Carats & Cake
Together Journal
Hello May
Style Me Pretty
Rangefinder
Green Wedding Shoes
100 Layer Cake
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Communications with a double major in Photomedia & Journalism.
Edith Cowan University, Australia (2003)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2021 - Named one of the top Wedding Photographers in the USA by Brides
2020 - Named one of the top Wedding Photographers in the USA by Brides
2016 - CinefestOz - Community Screening Program of women filmmakers in Australia - ‘A Long Way Back’
2015 - Premier of ‘A Long Way Back’ documentary in Albany, Australia
2013 - Named one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World by American Photo Magazine
2010 - Named Top Ten Wedding Photographers in Australia – Capture Magazine
2009 - Named Top Ten Wedding Photographers in Australia – Capture Magazine
ARTIST STATEMENT
When my couples are looking back on their photographs I want them to see a genuine depiction of who they are. I’m interested only in real smiles, sincere expressions, unprompted emotions. I feel that is what gives my photographs the poetic simplicity they’re known for.
I love the moments when people are truly able to let down their guard and let go of their inhibitions. My intention with every shoot is to help create a sincere and intimate space where that can happen - where the people in front of my lens can be themselves even amongst the chaos and anxiety of a wedding.
It’s a privilege to create images that families will keep forever and above anything and everything else, I want them to look at their photographs and remember, even decades down the line, the joy and love they felt on that day. I want to create photographs that matter.
I seek out documenting the unique ways couples celebrate love and my goal is to always capture the day purely, joyfully and honestly. I’m thankful that my work allows me to pursue my passion for photography and let's me travel to unique places to connect, witness and document the many different ways people come together to celebrate.
I think of my images as the building blocks of an unfolding story. They’re little moments that capture the honesty and pure emotion of a wedding day, focusing on subtlety over fanfare and vivid feeling over a visual who’s-who. What you’ll find in my work are quiet interactions, stolen glances, laughter or tears in instances when people are so present they forget they’re being photographed.
Overall, I view each wedding as a collaboration with my couples. I don’t see myself as a distant observer or documentarian, focusing only what’s in front of me - I am capturing how it felt to be there too.
Kind Words



Samm was an absolute pleasure to work with , and we couldn't be happier with the candid moments she captured and beautiful images delivered from our wedding day.
My husband and I had an intimate wedding reception in Brooklyn with family and close friends, we wanted a natural and authentic feel, nothing too contrived....Samm was spot on.
Samm was also super efficient and organized, guiding us every step of the way and communicating often. Her relaxed and calm demeanor was a plus, putting everyone at ease and contributed to great candids. Definitely one of the best investments for our special day!
- Betsy & Dylan
Samm Blake is a magical creature. She is not only one of the nicest, most calm photographers I've ever worked with, but her work is, hands down, stunning. My family and my husband's family are not easy people to please, and they were floored by the beautiful images that were delivered to us.
Samm has an eye for beauty. The level of talent she possesses is beyond. I may not remember anything about my wedding in 20 years time, so I'm beyond grateful to have these images of our wedding. She also delivered a slideshow to us with the catalogue that was so wonderful, my husband and I burst into tears watching it. If you're looking for someone to capture intimate moments between you and your beloved, hiring Samm is the best decision you could make, no matter what kind of wedding you're having.
- Eden & Jack
Samm was one of the best decisions we made throughout our entire wedding planning process. The images she captured from our wedding were exactly what we wanted and then some. We wanted a photographer who could capture the day in a natural way, highlighting intimate moments without making anything feel staged. Every photo she took feels so organic. The editing was just enough. We didn’t want the photos to look overdone, we wanted them to feel like a documentary of our day and that exactly what we got.
Our photos feel so magical. The lighting, movement and mood all so dreamy. If you’re looking for a photographer to find the special moments in your day, without ever having to call for her -Samm is that person. Beyond the photos, Samm is such a lovely person and she went above and beyond when it came to the details.
There were so many thoughtful surprises she gave to us along the way. We would have been thrilled with just getting our photos, but we quickly realized we were more than “one day” to Samm and I’m amazed that she’s able to put such care in to every couple. We will be forever grateful to Samm for having these memories.
- Jovanna & Julian