In today’s wedding industry, where couples seek vendors who align with their values, silence is no longer an option. As a diverse team, Clane Gessel Studio is proud to actively uphold equality, choosing to work with clients of all races, religions, backgrounds, and orientations. We believe in celebrating love in all its forms, and like other vendors noted in The New York Times, we understand that taking a stance for inclusivity sometimes means losing followers or clients—but it’s a commitment we stand by wholeheartedly.

The decision to openly embrace diversity has been part of our DNA since day one. Our clients aren’t just “bookings”—they’re individuals who bring unique stories and rich cultural histories to their weddings. We’re honored to capture these narratives and feel a deep responsibility to amplify their voices by ensuring they feel seen and celebrated.

In line with the article’s exploration of wedding vendors and social issues, we’ve also experienced instances where vocalizing support for equality wasn’t universally welcomed. However, we view this as a necessary aspect of creating a truly inclusive studio. With every wedding we shoot, we reaffirm that equality and respect are at the core of who we are.  From the New York Times article, we see Clane Gessel turned down a wedding because they didn’t want a person of color shooting it.  The Clane Gessel Studio is a collection of the best artists that happen to all be different ethnicities, creeds, skin colors, sexual orientations, both women and men, as long as they’re great at what they do, our clients deserve that.  I knew we had to let that event go – because a client that doesn’t want a minority shooting their event can find another Studio, we don’t care to work with people like that.  As it says in the NY Times article – “we should speak up regardless of the monetary penalties involved to do what’s right”.

The Clane Gessel Studio in Switzerland

Our clients look like our studio – we are a collection of artists with a wide range of ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientations, beliefs, creeds, diverse populations, both women and men (but more woman than men).  We believe love is love, and we have always supported that – even shooting same-sex weddings before it was legal across the country.  We believe in equality and that everyone should be treated with care.  This is the same with our couples – and they want the same.

The Clane Gessel Studio in New York

Clane Gessel Studio is more than a photography team; we are allies to our clients and advocates for a more inclusive wedding industry. We strive to be a voice that champions diversity and equality, capturing moments that reflect love in its most authentic form.

The Clane Gessel Studio – an elite collection of artists