About Terrence
The Mind Behind Each Frame
I care about how it feels
Most wedding photographers focus on how their work looks. I care about how it feels.
And most couples? They just don’t want to feel awkward. They worry about looking stiff, getting tired of the camera, or doing something wrong. That’s normal.
My job is to get to know you—how you move together, how you show affection, what feels natural and what doesn’t. Once I understand your dynamic some, I can guide you in a way that fits you.
As you settle into each other, the camera fades into the background. And when that happens, the images handle themselves. The result isn’t stiff posing or generic “pretty pictures,” but something that reflects you artistically.
When people feel calm and seen, the photographs stop feeling like pictures and start feeling like memories.
Hi, I’m Terrence (he/him)
I’m here to be steady and guide you in front of the camera. While you focus on each other, I shape the light, the framing, and the story unfolding around you.
This life ain’t a movie
At least not in the way that people imagine.
I’m Terrence Irving, a Black wedding photographer based in Ledyard, Connecticut.
And yes, I’m the one who keeps talking about “artistically-engineered photography” on this website.
There’s a reason for that.
I believe weddings deserve more than documentation.
They deserve direction, planning, and structure that makes real emotion possible (and preserves it visually as it’s happening).
Here’s my little Hollywood moment—a short film that gives you a glimpse of what working together looks like.
My first wedding
My first wedding was in the summer of 2019. It was raining; it had been all morning.
I remember sitting in my car outside the venue, wondering if I’d completely underestimated what I’d signed up for. Being an engineer by day and selling landscape photos online by night suddenly felt simple by comparison.
When I stepped out of the car, I landed directly in a puddle. Inside, the bride was already getting ready and managing her nerves about the weather. I could sense how quickly the mood might shift.
I wondered: would all weddings go like this? Small problems waiting to become bigger ones? Managing tension before I ever lifted the camera?
Then I remembered something: I had prepared for this.
A week earlier, I had ordered a parasol-style umbrella and packed it in my trunk, just in case. I grabbed it, walked back over, and opened it for her. The rain didn’t stop, but her shoulders dropped and the tension eased.
That moment stayed with me. Not because it was dramatic, but because it clarified something: preparation creates calm. And calm creates space. When I’m steady on a wedding day, it gives everyone else room to breathe.
That’s how I approach every wedding now. I plan with purpose. Most of that work is invisible. What you feel instead is steadiness—even when something unexpected happens.
Great photographs are never accidental. They’re the result of thoughtful preparation.
My values as a wedding photographer
Family
I’m a Black wedding photographer. As a husband and a father, I think a lot about what I’m modeling for my kids—kindness, curiosity, and respect for people who are different from us.
Representation matters. Comfort matters. The way people are positioned, lit, and spoken to matters. I embrace diversity in life and in my photography.
On a wedding day, I’m not just documenting faces, I’m honoring relationships. Loud ones, quiet ones, even complicated ones.
Anyone can take a photo. I want to convey connection in a way that feels dignified.
Art
Bold visuals and storytelling have always been the through-line. Music, movies, TV, and drawing all shaped how I think about mood, rhythm, and emotion.
When my parents handed me my first film camera, that language became tactile. As I learned how to use it, light wasn’t abstract anymore. It was something I could shape.
I don’t believe wedding photography should be decorative. I believe it should feel authored.
That’s why I care so deeply about images living beyond a screen. Prints slow you down. Albums give moments weight. They turn memories into things you can hold.
I’m not chasing trends or flawless perfection. I’m shaping atmosphere, creating interesting images that make the viewer pause and consider.
Every couple I work with is bold in their own way. Some show it outwardly. Others carry it more quietly. But when I suggest something unexpected, they lean in.
They’re willing to try it, even when it steps outside traditional wedding photography. They’re curious about what happens when we move past the default.
That’s where the art lives.
Engineering
Alongside my creative background, I’m also an electrical engineer. I’ve always been curious about systems—how they’re built, how they hold up under pressure, and how they respond when something shifts.
Weddings are unpredictable in their own way. Timelines move, weather changes, light fades, and emotions run high. My technical mindset helps me anticipate and handle those variables. I plan for flexibility and adjust quietly as the day evolves.
That same mindset shapes how I approach my tools. I carry backups for my backups and treat your files as the invaluable records they are. I genuinely enjoy the gear I use and the craft behind it.
When the technical side is handled well, it disappears into the background. What remains is steadiness—and that’s what gives the art room to breathe.
What they say
“He was a calming presence on our wedding day.”
…He has wonderful attention to detail and is a great communicator. He took into account all of our preferences, special moments that we wanted captured, and really invested time into getting to know us….I would highly recommend his services[;] they are top notch!
Julia and Nick
Mystic, CT wedding clients
“Terrence will capture your moment perfectly!”
…His gallery had some of the most beautiful photos we had ever seen; some were dramatic, which is what my husband loves, others were soft, warm, and candid, which were my favorites…Terrence’s package was over our budget…I was convinced I could find someone within budget. I searched and agonized for an additional two months. Finally, my now-husband convinced me that the photos would be the one thing from the day we would get to keep forever and we sprang for Terrence and let me tell you, both of us have agreed the extra cost was more then justified…We look forward to working with Terrence in the future for other big life moments.
Amanda and Josh
Hudson Valley, NY wedding clients
“He is way more than just a photographer…”
…We literally cannot give a more glowing report. From the first conversation with Terrence, we were hooked. His work is truly incredible and he made sure to help us and be available to us along every step of the way…My wife was very nervous going into our first meeting with Terrence for our engagement photo shoot, but Terrence went well out of his way to make her comfortable and make the entire process fun. On the day of he and his team did an amazing job of capturing every moment of our special day and making it into a wonderful story in the album. I could go on and on. But the point is, we are beyond grateful for everything Terrence did and cannot rate him highly enough.
Camille and Jake
Providence, RI wedding clients
“Terrence’s work speaks for itself.”
…He did such an amazing job from start to finish…he put us completely at ease…He has a great eye, the photos were so beautiful and artistic…If you’re lucky enough to have him available for your wedding date book him ASAP and thank us later!
Gosi and Nick
Portland, CT wedding clients
Select features and recognition
You don’t get images like these by accident
Working together
I take on a limited number of weddings each year—typically around 10—so I can give each couple the time, focus, and care their story deserves.
Full wedding photography collections begin at $4500 for six hours by one photographer. Custom options are available depending on the scope of your celebration.
For a detailed look at offerings and options, you can review the pricing page.
Let’s begin
If this feels like it might be a good fit, I’d love to hear what you’re planning, even if you’re still figuring things out.
When you’re ready, tell me about your day.