EP 123 - Destination Weddings, Adventure Couples, and Composition with Jordan Voth
In this episode, I’m joined by Jordan Voth to talk about building a destination wedding and elopement photography career. Jordan shares how being laid off from his finance job led him to pursue photography full time, how travel shaped his brand, and how he became known for shooting weddings and elopements in incredible natural landscapes.
Meet Jordan:
Jordan Voth is a Seattle-based photographer who has been shooting full-time since 2015, traveling worldwide to photograph weddings, portraits, and lifestyle stories. Known for a documentary approach and a love of meaningful, honest imagery, his work is shaped by years on the road and a deep focus on storytelling.
From Accounting to “Crazy Nature Places”
Jordan is known for shooting in what he calls “crazy nature places.” Think deserts, cliffs, wide open spaces that make you feel small in the best way.
He didn’t set out to be the “nature elopement guy.” He just followed what excited him. He started traveling. He brought couples into landscapes that felt bigger than tradition. Engagement sessions in remote places slowly turned into full elopements.
It was around the early Instagram era - when adventurous elopements were just starting to feel like a movement - and he was right there in it. Not chasing trends, just shooting what he genuinely loved.
That’s something we talk about a lot in this episode: how your taste, if you follow it long enough, becomes your niche.
The Desert vs. The PNW
Even though he’s based in the Pacific Northwest, Jordan lights up when he talks about the desert - especially the Page, Arizona area.
He loves the contrast. The openness. The way the colors hit differently. Coming from the dense greens of Seattle, the desert feels freeing and creatively expansive for him.
Yes, He Owns 28 Canon 5D Mark IIs
We also get into gear…
Jordan still shoots on Canon 5D Mark IIs. Not one. Not two. Twenty-eight of them.
In a world obsessed with the newest release, he’s stayed loyal to a camera he loves for its color profile. He does use newer bodies like the R6 when needed, but the Mark II is his ride-or-die.
And honestly? I respect that so much.
It’s a reminder that your eye matters more than your equipment. If you love how something renders light and color, lean into it. Older gear doesn’t mean outdated artistry.
Composition, Movement, and Staying Curious
One thing that stood out in our conversation is how much Jordan talks about moving. Physically moving. Adjusting. Reframing. Not settling.
He experiments. He risks shots. He doesn’t stay static.
That mindset - constantly exploring, even after two decades - is what keeps his work evolving.
Why I Loved This Conversation
This episode isn’t just about elopements or deserts or camera bodies.
It’s about:
• Turning a layoff into momentum
• Following taste instead of trends
• Building a style by actually living it
• Staying curious long after you “figure it out”
Jordan’s path is proof that you don’t have to force your niche. Sometimes you just have to keep saying yes to what excites you.
See you next week 🤍
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Connect with Jordan:
Website: https://www.jordanvoth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanvoth
