Rodrick & Jonathan

I do say it quite often but this is true. People come from all over the states and in some cases the world to get married in San Francisco City Hall. And why wouldn’t you! It’s a unique venue that allows people to have a simple civil ceremony at a very low cost.

Jonathan and Rodrick came with their family from the Philippines. They were such an amazing couple and just a real pleasure to work with. I really liked their matching socks and I wanted to have an image to showcase them without being too cliche.

Boris PolisskyJune 27, 2023sfcityhallweddingphotography, sfcityhallwedding, sfcityhallphotography, sfcityhallphotographer, sfcityhallphoto, photography, wedding, sfcityhallweddingphotographerComment

Amanda & Nicholas

I love the first look. I don’t mind arranging it. I’d make sure the groom is positioned in the right place and not looking around too much. I’d arrange to meet the bride at the City Hall entrance and walk her to the right spot.

In case of Amanda and Nicholas, I wanted to hype it even more. I built up the anticipation with Nicholas and then took a few photos of him. I showed them to Amanda and told her he was very nervous (and he truly was).

Amanda looked beautiful and obviously Nicholas hadn’t see her yet. So I told her to take her time when she walks and build that anticipation for Nicholas even more.

And we got some awesome photos from that.

If you’re ever wondering why book the 4th floor for a private ceremony having an awesome harpist could be one of the reasons.

Here are some highlights from our 2 hours session

city hall wedding, sf weddings, sfcityhallvendors, sfportraitBoris PolisskySeptember 13, 2022sfcityhallweddingphotography, sfcityhallstylist, sfcityhallphoto, sfcityhall, photography, cityhallsf, photographer, sfcityhallwedding, sfcityhallweddingphotographerComment

Barhopping with Tiffany & Greg

When Tiffany reached out to me saying that her and Greg are getting married in November but would love to get some pre-wedding photos done in their 3 favorite bars in the city, I said ..”tell me when. I’ll make it work!” Think about it! Most of engagement, pre-wedding photos are from parks, pretty locations, maybe with Golden Gate bridge behind the couple. And there absolutely nothing wrong with that. I enjoy those sessions and over the years have shot many of them.

Admit it.. bar hopping for engagement session is quite original. It’s even more special because Tiffany and Greg actually met at a bar in the Nob Hill area. They said that bar isn’t there anymore, but they really enjoy the idea of going out on the weekend and hitting some places walking distance from where they live. And I like the idea of not just imposing a photo session on a couple but using their real environment and build a session around that, not the other way around.

We met at the Peacekeeper and took it from there. Tiffany and Greg have so much of that natural chemistry and my goal was to ease them in front of the camera at first and then let the drinks do the rest :) In reality we just hit it off quickly chatting about life, people, places they like, their wedding plans, a bit about me and my family. It truly felt like old friends hanging out, having a few drinks and talking. I wanted to make sure I capture very candid, real photos but I also wanted to give them few artistic shots, include the mood, feel of the place and show my perspective on how I see them.

Each location was quite unique. The Peacekeeper has this modern, fresh look with a lot of natural light. Royale has a very cool 2nd floor. I love frames and it provided the perfect location for that. In few other shots I incorporated the location and general San Francisco vibe. Ace’s is where we spent the most time.

With around 200 photos, it was hard for me to select these photos as highlights.

Boris PolisskyMarch 6, 2022photography, weddingsf, engagement, barhopping, barengagement, sfengagement, sanfranciscophotographyComment

Audrey & Daniel

When you’re shooting at a beautiful place with lots of cool spots and backdrops it makes a photographer’s life easier. Locations like San Francisco City Hall with the Grand Stairwell, large balconies full of natural light and grandeur, look outstanding on the photos and allow us as photographers to get away with some imperfections of the moment. You have a couple walking down the stairwell, there’s no one else in the shot, it’s a clean look and the image looks outstanding. Well.. the backdrop is outstanding but many couples still need guidance as not everyone is a professional model or just appears naturally on camera.

This is where the photographers real abilities come in. You have an outstanding backdrop, now let’s bring out the emotions, make the couple feel comfortable and just be themselves in front of the camera. To me that can mean many things but I always think of movie director analogy. My couples are not professional actors but they are in love, and are enjoying their big day. So no acting is needed but they often times a simpler reminder to just enjoy it, have fun and don’t forget what this day really is, goes a long way. And it’s not about posing for cameras. It’s my job to capture the couples’ true relationship, their feelings and emotions as they go through the wedding day. I know I say emotions a lot in this post and others but to me it’s the key. Yes, light is very important. Yes, a nice location is definitely helpful. But without honest, true emotions it’s just nice light in a pretty place. It says nothing about the couple. And my goal is with the images to say just that. And if I have to be silly, a terrible comedian, bring out some moments from their past, make them talk, laugh or cry, I will do whatever I have to do to achieve that. During image post processing I want to look at these images and make sure I feel something. I often look at them and smile because it just feels right and I’m happy we were able to capture the joy and fun of the day the couple will remember for the rest of their lives.

With Audrey and Daniel I wanted to capture their feeling for each other, their care, tenderness but also goofiness and silliness which makes life fun. We started at Baker Beach on a cold, very foggy morning. Then we drove to San Francisco City Hall for the ceremony.

Boris PolisskySeptember 13, 2021sanfranciscowedding, sanfranscisco, bakerbeach, sanfranciscocityhallphotographer, sfcityhallweddingphotography, sfcityhallphotoraphy, sfcityhallphoto, sfcityhall, weddingsf, photography, sanfranciscophotographyComment

Graduation photoshoot

Graduation is a big deal. Think about it - someone spent a good portion of their life studying towards a career. It’s a bigger deal when it’s graduation from Law School.

When Victor reached out to me he wanted to take some photos after he graduated Golden Gate University. He originally wanted to do the photos inside of San Francisco City Hall, but since it’s closed due to Covid restrictions, I suggested we shoot outside of the CIty Hall instead.

Normally a busy location, we enjoyed a quiet Tuesday afternoon near the CIty Hall area. We took advantage of this quiteness to get some dramatic shots.

Many many years ago I was planning to become a laywer as well. I got my Bachelors degree, interned for several lawyers and was going to apply to Law School. I eventually decided against it to focus on more creative aspects of my life. So this session was personal to me and I wanted to approach it with a concept and have some ideas coming into the session. While they don’t always work and need to be adjusted I find that having concepts before the session is a must.

Victor was such a cool and easy guy to work with. He is aiming to work as a family and immigration lawyer. My goal was to capture the seriosness of someone who works in a law firm already, someone who deals with people who has issues and tries to help them. It’s a tough job because in family law dealing with people’s pain is part of the job and it’s hard to tune off when you go home. And i felt that Victor is very empathetic and caring. So being a family lawyer can definitely weight down on you.

I wanted to show many sides of him. More dramatic, serious and at the same time as a fun, easy going person. We spent 2 hours talking, walking around, running in some cases while taking various photos

Boris PolisskyApril 27, 2021SF City Hall Photosanfranscisco, sanfranciscoweddingphotography, sanfranciscocityhallphotographer, graduationphotography, sanfrancinscograduation, sfchphoto, sanfranciscobayarea, sanfranciscophotography, sfcityhallphoto, sfcityhallphotography, photography, portraitphoto, portraitphotography, graduationphoto, goldengateuniversitygraduationComment

Veena Studio Portrait

I was always interested in not just taking photos of people, but in creating a concept around what they like, what they enjoy and what is part of who they are. When Veena reached out to me that she wanted to do some portrait photos I didn’t just set the time, i asked questions. I wanted to know what she liked, what she couldn’t live without, what makes her happy, etc.. I wanted to get a feel for her as a person before she even stepped into the studio. So i wrote down some ideas I felt i should consider for our session. When she came in, I instantly threw half of them away and focused on the ones that felt right and fit the mood both of us were in. While Veena was nervous at first - which is quite natural - she relaxed shortly and her true self came out. The room filled up with peacefulness, harmony and a load of positivity.

My goal was not to force any concept or idea on her but to build the imagery around her personality and showcase Veena as she is and also to visualize her warmness and openness as a human being.

Boris PolisskyMarch 26, 2021redsaree, redsareeportrait, photography, portraitphotography, portrait, sanfranscisco, sanfranciscoportrait, redwineportrait, redwine, wineglassportrait, winephotography, sanfranciscophotography, sfphotographer, sfphotography, sanjoseportrait, sanjoseportraitphotographyComment

Betty

Whenever i travel i always bring my camera with me. I guess that’s a given being a photographer. While i love shooting at the beach the key for me is not be repetative. But it’s also improtant to work with someone who’s willing to be playful, have fun and just try different things. I met Betty while at the Riviera Maya where i went to celebrate New Years Even with my family.

We chatted a bit but when we truly connected is when taking photos. We were both filled with energy and enthusiasm, ready to do whatever is needed to get some of the fun shots. I also wanted to capture Betty (who’s about to turn 17) in this very innocent way of the girl who’s whole life is ahead of her - all the choices, big decisions, new experiences are all waiting and are not that far off.

Here are some of my favorite images from our shoot

Boris PolisskyJanuary 15, 2021portraitphotography, photography, photo, photo album, photohrapher, professional photography, beachphotographyComment

Lana & Tom Sutro Baths Wedding

I love when couples called me because I was recommended to them by their friends. To me that’s the biggest compliment one can get. So when Lana contacted me about a wedding they were planning in November I was excited. After talking with Lana and Tom over the phone i felt that this is my kind of couple. And it’s hard to explain exactly what that is but generally there’s a connection. And to me having that connection is extremely important. It allows for complete trust in each other. It also allows the couple to be a lot more relaxed with me. And from the start there was no tension. We didn’t need 5-10 minutes to get to know each other and overcome meeting new people sort of deal. As i said we just connected and as a result we were able to get some really cool images.

Lana and Tom contemplated a few locations for their ceremony till they settled down on the Sutro Baths in San Francisco and we agreed that “the golden hour” and sunset would be the best time for what we wanted. The ceremony was very intimate. Just them, an officiant and myself. They day was just perfect. The sky especially was gorgeous and my eyes were drawn to it. As a result i wanted to make sure we have the beautiful sky in the background on a lot of the shots.

sf weddingsBoris PolisskyNovember 18, 2020SF City Hall Photophotography, sutrobathsphotography, sutrobathswedding, sanfranciscowedding, sanfrancisco, weddingsf, sutrobathssf, goldengatebridgeComment

Tiffany & Bernard

One of the main reasons I enjoy shooting City Hall weddings is because majority of the time they are very intimate. There’s a small number of guests, often it’s the just the couple only. Don’t get me wrong, large, elaborate weddings are interesting, but they just aren’t as private. Often times they are about the guests more than about the couple getting married.

In the case of Tiffany and Bernard it was just them and their parents. Having 2 plus hours to spend with such a small group creates a sort of intimacy and an atmosphere where the couple gets to know you and I get to know the couple. To me they are not some people i just met. We have a moment to talk and get to know each other a little. I get to understand what they like, what they are into, how they met, etc… And the end result is we had time to do preparation photos at the hotel, first look, the ceremony, group photos, a very good variety of portrait photos as well as some individual shots.

We partnered with IqVideography to get a very cool highlights video - https://vimeo.com/379934906/85fc9e368c

Brittany & Dustin by SF City Hall Photo

We all know that City Hall gets busy and even when officiants try their best to be on time, things can run a bit late. But that wasn’t the case for Brittany & Dustin. Everything went smooth from the moment they checked in to the Clerk’s office. No wait time.

As we were coming up the Grand Stairwell for the ceremony, the stairwell was practically empty. I politely asked a few people to hide behind the columns so i can take a nice wide shot of the couple on the Grand Stairwell. I personally love clean stairwell shots, when the attention is drawn to the couple with the stairwell going up.

After the ceremony we headed to the 4th floor which was clear for us. Even though we can take group shots in various area, I really enjoy doing group shots on the 4th floor due to all that natural light that comes through the windows.

And of course as I always once we are done with the serious and fun shots I wanted to experiment a little - the couple had their own little pose/sign they wanted to do and I decided to take it next level.

guide, sf weddings, city hall weddingBoris PolisskyJune 26, 2019SF City Hall Photosf city hall photo, sf city hall, city hall, photography, photographer, wedding guide, weddingpgotogaphy, weddings, sanfranciscocityhall, sanfranciscoweddingphotographer, sanfranciscocityhallweddingphotographer, sanfranciscocityhallweddingphotographyComment

Carleigh & Adam by SF City Hall Photo

Who says you can’t have a small wedding ceremony in the City Hall without your bridesmaids and groomsmen? Carleigh and Adam definitely didn’t think so.

Yes, it was small.. yes it was intimate.. and it was perfect! We got great emotional ceremony photos, lots of group photo variations and of course a good variety of photos with just the couple. Couldn’t help it but take extra photos of just the lovely bride by herself.

sf weddings, city hall weddingBoris PolisskyMay 21, 2019SF City Hall Photosf city hall photo, san francisco, san francisco city hall, wedding photographer, weddingguide, weddingphotography, photographer, photo, photography, photojournalism, photoalbum, professional photography, City HallComment

Irem & Berti by SF City Hall Photo

When your family is not in the same country when you decide to get married, you bring your close friends and Skype.

I have photographed large wedding, very large weddings. I do enjoy that, but a smaller wedding is more relaxing for bride and groom as well as their guests. Everyone gets time to talk to them, joke around, take photos and it ends up being more personal and emotional to capture.

That’s how it turned out when Irem & Berti got married. Once we shot the ceremony, group photos and most of Irem & Berti photos that i wanted to do, I did a few portrait solo photos. As you talk to your couple while shooting and behind the scenes, you learn a lot more. Like the fact that Berti was studying to be a photographer and does some great aerial photos - i checked out his instagram later on.

The best part about my job is that I get to meet people i normally wouldn’t meet. I get to hear stories, learn about their lives, what they like, what they do and at the same time be part of one of their most memorable day.

Boris PolisskyApril 23, 2019sf city hall photo, sfchwedding, sfwedding, sfcityhallphoto, san francisco, san francisco wedding photographer, sanfranciscocityhall, city hall, city hall photo, weddingguide, weddingphoto, weddingphotography, photography, photographer, photoalbumComment

Badhia & Zack by SF City Hall Photo

People meet in different places, under different circumstances. They come from different countries, cities, cultures. And then one day a few months later, few or even 10 years later they feel that getting married is the next logical or emotional step. And if one lives in San Francisco why look for another place to get married. People come from all over the world to tie the knot in beautiful San Francisco City Hall.

Badhia and Zack like many of us get shy in front of the camera and were not sure how the whole experience will go. But 15 minutes into our session they felt at ease and even started chatting about life while I was posing them. We spent some time in the City Hall and then headed to Crissy Fields and Palace of Fine arts to complete our photo collection. At the end we got a great fun, serious, silly series of images that they felt represent them.

Boris PolisskyAugust 16, 2018weddings tips, weddingguide, weddingpgotogaphy, wedding, weddings, photo album, photoshoot, photojournalism, photography, sf city hall, sfcityhallphoto, sfweddingphotographer, sfwedding, sanfranciscoweddingphotography, san francisco city hallComment

Aislinn & Philip by SF City Hall Photo

Ailsinn and Philip came all the way from Chicago to get married in the City Hall. No guests, no large parties... just the 2 of them. I served as their witness, photographer and guide around the City Hall for about an hour. Aislinn mentioned to me earlier that her parents got married in the City Hall, so it was a special location for her. She even showed me a photo of her parents on the steps of the City Hall and asked if we could do a similar photo. We did, minus the pigeons that seemed to have made their habitat on the steps years back. Nowdays you don't get to see that. All though it would make for some good photos.

Boris PolisskyMay 29, 2018weddings tips, weddingphoto, weddingguide, weddingpgotogaphy, weddings, photography, photojournalism, photoshoot, photographer, sf city hall photo, sfcityhallphoto, sf city hall, sfchphoto, sfweddingphotographer, sfchwedding, sf, cityhallsfComment

Tati & Brian

Couples come from all over the world to get married in San Francisco City Hall. Over the years I've met people who flew from different states and different countries to tie the knot in beautiful City Hall.

In this case the groom is local Californian, while his bride came all the way from Brazil. Only Brian's family attended, but we made sure to capture the ceremony and plenty of family and portrait photos for the family in Brazil. As a side bonus we recorded a video of the ceremony just because we could. They were a real pleasure to work with. These are the moments i wish we had the whole day to photograph the couple. But oh well.. after about an hour we had to let them go to enjoy the rest of their lovely day.