David Cruz: Owner of Eight Chickens and Self-proclaimed Mezcal Connoisseur

Analog Wedding Photographer from Oaxaca Anchored in Los Angeles

Dixeebee (dee-shee-bay) exclamation, informal: proclaiming gratitude towards mother earth when expressing good wishes before drinking Mezcal

I'm David Cruz, The Drunk Wedding Photographer. A fire rabbit Sagittarius, I own eight chickens, hate the summer, despise wearing shoes, and was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. I’m a self-proclaimed mezcal and street taco connoisseur—a polite way of saying I eat with my hands and prefer to day drink. I’m also a certified Los Angeles local, thanks to my twelve years in the LAUSD from the mid-90s to early 2000s.

 
David Cruz Drunk Film Wedding Photographer
 
 

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Collaborating With Me is as Easy as Taking a Mezcal Shot at 9am

easy for some, off the rails for others

If you’ve never hired a stranger from the internet to be at arm’s length from your loved ones on one of the most significant days of your life, it’s understandable to feel unfamiliar with the process of collaborating with a photographer. Not only that, but this stranger will also see you cry and watch you make out with your fiancée—kind of weird when you think about it. And while most wedding photographers follow a similar approach, I skip the infamous sneak peeks on social media because I want you to experience your wedding day photos printed and in your hands for the first time—not on a soulless blue screen.

    • You lurked through the website, perused my client’s galleries, were drawn to my competitive pricing, and decided to hit me up via one of the contact forms.

    • I usually reply in a couple of hours, Monday through Friday. I ask for a mood board on what you have in mind, so if you have that ready on first email, greatly appreciated.

    • After initial contact, we’ll schedule a Zoom call within the week at your convenience. And don’t worry, it’s not a sales call.

    • My Zoom calls usually lasts 30-40 minutes, and don’t worry—it’s not a sales call. My pricing is competitive, transparent, and exactly what you see on the website.

    • This call is mainly for you to get a sense of who I am personally. The only major question I’ll ask is what you have in mind for your wedding day timeline and answer all your pressing questions.

    • If you feel we’re a match, I’ll send over the contract to make it official. And depending on when you book, we’ll schedule a second Zoom call a month before your wedding date. In the meantime, we can stay in touch via email or Instagram. Emails I reply within a few hours and direct IG messages usually right away.

    • In this call, which I typically like to schedule a month before your wedding date, we’ll go over any last-minute schedule changes, parking details, and insurance paperwork if required by the venue. I’ll also connect with your wedding planner (if you have one) and coordinate with the video team if you’ve booked one.

    •  Sure, both my brand name and logo look a little wild, but rest assured I will bring a calm, kind, and caring demeanor while present with you and your family.

    • Contrary to my brand name, I don’t usually drink at weddings—unless, of course, you offer, in which case I’ll gladly accept a drink or two.

    • It typically takes four to six weeks for the film lab to process and scan your film. After that, I spend about three weeks editing, printing, and mailing out your proof prints.

    • So, plan on a solid two months before seeing your photos in print, right in your hands. Trust me, it’s well worth the wait—there’s nothing like seeing them in print compared to a small screen for the first time. You’ll then receive the link to the online gallery, where you can share photos with friends and family and order additional prints.

    • In between that time, I’ll keep you updated if either lab is running behind schedule.

The Process

FAQs

  • If your wedding or elopement is outdoors during daylight, then yes, most of it will be photographed on 35mm film. After sunset or in moody indoor lighting, I may switch to digital, as my goal is to take beautiful photos no matter the camera, time, or lighting. I do sometimes use film indoors in specific conditions, but ultimately, your venue and location will greatly influence how I photograph your wedding.

  • I’m a one-man band, so I’m the one who shows up. Which is why I only book small and micro weddings, elopements and backyard weddings to not rely on associate and second photographers. Open and clear communication is very important to me, so I’m the one you email, call and eventually meet, always.

  • These days, most photographers provide elite-level quality photos with an exceptional client experience. And to be honest, everyone charges about the same so you really can't go wrong with anyone. That said, if your heart is set on booking a film wedding photographer, know that most photographers use film as a marketing ploy and offer it as an additional add-on or worse, as a digital preset inspired film look.

    On the other hand, I photograph the entirety of a wedding on 35mm film, light permitting of course. Lastly, instead of delivering an uneventful digital download of your photos as is standard in the industry, I deliver a complete set of 4x6 prints to your doorstep that you will hold in your hands for the rest of your life and pass down to your children. Some wedding photographers might send you a handful of prints, if at all.

  • Absolutely internet stranger! I have photographed several confidential weddings in L.A., and I have no hang ups on not using your photos for promotional purposes. This explains why I don't have many photos throughout the site, and why some photos feature no faces.