Daniela Rensch Fotografie

Daniela Rensch Fotografie is the business of Daniela Rensch, a photographer from Graubünden who lives with her husband and their 3 children in Castrisch, in the Surselva, at the entrance to the Rhine gorge (Rheinschlucht). She photographs weddings and elopements across the canton, naming the Surselva, Chur, Davos and Flims, and also couples, pregnancies, newborns and families. Her wedding page publishes two clear starting prices, and her site is in German.

Who she is

Her about page is short and warm. She grew up in the Val Lumnezia, which she calls the "Tal des Lichts", the valley of light, and her mother tongue is Romansh. After many years in Zurich, the family moved back home, where she values the mountains, nature and the special moments of life. Travel, hiking and a good cup of tea, she writes, keep giving her new ideas.

She describes herself as open and enthusiastic, someone who likes meeting new people and recording their stories. On her travels, in particular a trip around the world and her work with Aerzte ohne Grenzen (MSF) in Südsudan, she took countless pictures; what fascinates her most is people and the variety of cultures. She still travels a lot, mostly with her family. One of the small facts she shares: she used to develop black-and-white pictures in the bathroom, which is where her love of photography began.

How she photographs a wedding

On her wedding page she writes that a wedding day is full of special moments, real emotions, small details, and that she wants to record it in authentic pictures, exactly as it really is. She accompanies the couple "dezent, ohne den Ablauf zu stören", discreetly and without disturbing the schedule. Her aim is that in a few years the couple can leaf through their photos and feel as if they were in the middle of it again. On the about page she adds that she wants her pictures to reveal details the couple may have missed on the day.

Most of her shoots take place outdoors, because, she writes, that is where the most natural photos happen. For couples who do not know the area, she offers to explore locations together, and she gives outfit tips for shoots: wear what you feel comfortable in, with neutral tones and colors that go together, avoiding loud patterns and large brand logos. She says she is open to photographing wherever they feel most comfortable.

Packages and prices

The wedding page lists two offers:

• Zivile Trauung (civil ceremony): from 2 hours, all successful images, edited in her style in color and partly in black and white, delivered in a password-protected online gallery for download and sharing. From CHF 1250.
• Hochzeitsreportage (day reportage): all successful images, the same editing and online gallery, and a short couple shoot included, from 8 hours. From CHF 2900.

Both are "from" prices, so the final figure depends on the day.

Delivery

Her FAQ says editing usually takes 3-4 weeks, because she edits each picture individually to bring out the best colors, moods and details. Once finished, the pictures arrive in a password-protected online gallery where couples can view, download and share them. Her other shoots work differently: after 2-3 weeks clients get a gallery to choose their favorites, which she then also edits in black and white before a final download gallery, a process worth knowing about if a couple book a separate couple shoot.

Booking

The contact page sets out three steps. First, an inquiry through the contact form; she replies within 48 hours (and asks people to check their spam folder), checks at once whether the wedding date is free, and helps couples who are still flexible to find a date. Second, for weddings and elopements, a no-obligation call to get to know each other and discuss wishes, so both sides can see whether it fits. The wedding page repeats that she offers this get-to-know-you conversation for every wedding. Third, the date is fixed and she helps with the preparation. The form asks for both partners' names, email, mobile number, the service wanted, a date and a message. Contact is also possible by email at hallo@danielarensch.ch or by phone on +41 79 250 11 55.

Travel and weather

Asked whether she photographs outside Graubünden, her answer is yes, gladly: she loves to travel and discover new places in Switzerland and abroad, whether in the mountains, by a lake or at any other location.

For bad weather her FAQ is practical. It does not need to be sunny for good pictures; light rain, fog or snow can give photos a romantic or mysterious atmosphere. For weddings specifically, she writes that it rarely rains all day, that they agree an alternative in advance, use breaks in the rain for outdoor pictures, and work with umbrellas or under cover. For a separate shoot, if the weather really does not cooperate, which she says is rare, they find a new date together.

A client's words

The wedding page carries one short testimonial from S&A, who write that they are speechless at how beautiful the photos turned out once again, and thank her for coming along again, so at least some clients return to her.

What the site does not settle

The site is in German. It does not state whether she works in English, although the no-obligation call is the natural place to find out. It does not say how travel outside Graubünden is charged, whether a longer couple shoot or an engagement shoot can be added, or what the booking terms are, such as a deposit or cancellation. Prices for elopements are not on the wedding page.

Who it suits

Daniela Rensch suits couples marrying in the Surselva, Chur, Davos, Flims or elsewhere in Graubünden who want discreet, natural photos with a lot of outdoor time, from a photographer who grew up in the region. The two published prices make budgeting simple, and the civil ceremony option suits a small registry office wedding. Couples who may want family or newborn photos later can stay with her.

She suits less well couples who need English-language service confirmed in writing, or who want every add-on priced on the page before first contact.