Editor's Circle Spotlight: Yitzhak Dalal

Relying upon artistic passion, creative intuition, and an acute awareness of human nature, Yitzhak Dalal has been photographing weddings for over 25 years. Based in Southern California, he was one of five artists asked to exhibit their work at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1996, and was presented with a plaque from the Mayor's office that read: "Your work captures the essence of the art of photography to liberate the secret soul of the familiar, and to remind us of what our eyes have yet to discover in the world around us." Yitzhak has photographed numerous celebrity weddings. Most recently he photographed the nuptials of Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey. Learn about Yitzhak through our EC Q&A, followed by a selection of his breathtaking images.

How old were you when you began your profession?
"I was 18. I had just entered the Israeli Air Force and I had the choice of becoming a missile technician or a photographer. I’d always wanted to be creative and work with people so I chose photography. From then on, my imagination went wild. Afterwards, I returned to the U.S. and decided to take it seriously.

Twenty-five years ago wedding photographers were at the low end of the photography spectrum. I had a background in fashion and cinema and I thought, ‘I can really change this.'

Using extra cameras and shooting from different angles created very animated effects, almost like shooting a movie. It was exciting. And the industry is changing even more, becoming incredibly sophisticated, as more and more photographers with different backgrounds get involved."

What's the most eccentric request you've ever received from a bride?
(Laughs) "I’ll have to see if I can think of any!"

What’s your favorite aspect of a wedding?
The connection between a bride and a groom is what brought us together on that day in the first place. I always watch for the moments when they interact. I love it. It puts me in touch with humanity. It’s a celebration of life. When you capture those instances on film, it’s like magic. It transcends the moment itself and becomes something that has universal appeal."

What other industry would you be in if not this one?
"It would be in fashion, cinema, fine arts, or design. Definitely a creative field. Something with visual appeal. I enjoy beautifying the world."

Which famous wedding in history would you have most liked to work on and why?
"The royal wedding for sure! Price William and Kate. You would be a part of history! It’s true for any celebrity wedding. And you can’t believe the exposure you get for being involved with something like that.

However, truly I love photographing any wedding, big or small, as long as a bride and groom are really connected. That’s all that matters!"