Douglas Despres
Helios Images | San Francisco Wedding Photographer
Expertly Capturing Memorable Moments Around the Globe for 19 Years
Helios Images is the wedding + family arm of photographer Douglas Despres. Next door or around the world, Doug whirls his cameras while feeling like an old family friend. Near 800 weddings photographed in every light, size and color from Big Sur to Oahu to Bangkok. A true photojournalist, Doug has worked with six newspapers, earned an art degree in photography, and specializes in real natural moments. Doug has been listed as one of the top 30 talents in the world by the WPJA and has been published by Style Me Pretty, Brides, NPR, Le Magnifique, Huffpost, Rock n' Roll Bride, Snippet + Ink, Still Love Film and others.
Douglas Despres of Helios Images is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer known for capturing intimate and meaningful moments. On his photography journal page, he shares beautiful sessions such as a honeymoon shoot at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur and an elegant wedding at Auberge Du Soleil in Napa Valley. His work often involves unique locations, from yachts in San Francisco Bay to cabins in Northern California's redwoods. In his love letters, a testimonial from Colette Cucchia, a seasoned wedding planner, highlights Douglas's ability to capture the real love story of each couple. She praises his artistic, romantic style, emphasizing the lasting impact of his portraits. As one of her top photographers, Douglas provides an unforgettable experience for couples and their families, preserving memories that span generations.
8 Awards for Documentary Wedding Photography
1 TOP Wedding Photographer Titles
The WPJA proudly recognizes Douglas Despres as a TOP International Wedding Photographer. Members holding the most contest points at the end of each year are ranked as TOP Wedding Photographers or, in some cases POY - Photographer of the Year.
9 Client Letters
The following letters are from the clients of Douglas Despres.
Married: 8 years ago
Kerrie and Maureen
Hi Douglas, Thank you so much for everything. I have to say you surpassed all our expectations! The pictures are absolutely amazing! We love so many of them.
Married: 8 years ago
Katherine and Richard
Hi Doug, We cannot thank you enough for all of our wonderful pictures. It has been such a joy this week to go through each and every one. It feels as if we are there once more and reliving our happiest day. They are more beautiful than we could have ever imagined and full of all the love, tenderness, and joy that filled that day. Again thank you so much and we can't wait for the next special occasion to work with you. Warmest regards, Richard and Katherine
Married: 9 years ago
Kiley & Josh
Dear Doug, Thank you so much for sending these images, and for the images themselves which are outstanding. We love so many of them, the hard part is going to be selecting the ones that go in the album! We'll have more time to look and select over the weekend, so we'll probably write to you then or early next week. Again, many thanks for your work -- we are very impressed :) Best, Josh & Kiley
Married: 11 years ago
Nicole & Chase
Hi Doug! I meant to ask you this before but I forgot... What's a good place (or places) for me to write a review of you for future brides to see? You were wonderful and made our day so special and stress-free and I wanted to share that with anyone looking for a photographer :)
Married: 11 years ago
Christine & Bryan
"Doug these are amazing!! I can't even tell you how much I'm in love with them! You did such an incredible job and I cannot thank you enough! They're unreal!"
Married: 12 years ago
Lauren & Seth
It was such a delight to have you at our wedding, we couldn't imagine a better choice.
Married: 13 years ago
Karen & Fumi
You guys were amazing at our wedding!! It was hands down the best day of our lives and we were so happy to have you and Katherine with us on our special day. It was so much fun! I cannot thank you enough for shooting some photos in film. It is one of the best present we received so far! We cannot wait to see them :)
Married: 14 years ago
Eleanor & Dave
Doug you did the most FANTASTIC job! The photos are all so beautiful I can't even make a favorites list because they're all so great. I confess that I even teared up looking at them it was such a happy day and you captured everything. We're so grateful for all your efforts, we really can't imagine having had a different photographer there to share our day with us. Thank you so so much!
Married: 14 years ago
Jenny & Eric
WOW. Pictures are simply amazing. We especially love the super special film photos. Thank you once again for being a part of our wedding, and our life! When you come to Boston next, please shoot us an email! We would love to have you and Katherine over to our place. :)
WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.
