Studio Thao — NYC Wedding Photographer
About Studio Thao
Studio Thao is the work of Thao Colucci, a New York City wedding photographer shooting digital and film across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the East Coast. Her images live in the space between documentary and editorial—candid without being accidental, composed without being constructed. She's drawn to the peripheral: the moment before, the moment after, the thing happening just outside the frame of the "official" memory. Couples who've worked with her describe the results as what memories actually feel like.
Her work has been featured in Vogue, The Wed, Together Journal, Wed Vibes, and Anti-Bride.
What is it like to work with Studio Thao on your wedding day?
Calm, observant, disarming, and genuinely present. Leading up to the day, the focus is on clear communication so nothing feels uncertain. On the day itself, the approach is responsive rather than directive—paying attention to light, mood, and the in-between moments that tend to pass unnoticed. Most couples are surprised afterward by how much they enjoyed the portrait sessions.
What style of wedding photography does Studio Thao specialize in?
Documentary with an editorial sensibility. The work is interested in atmosphere, tension, and the feelings of a day rather than its itinerary. Neither heavily posed nor purely photojournalistic—it lives in the space between: guided where it helps, honest always. The images tend to hold something open rather than resolve neatly, which is closer to how days actually feel when you're inside them.
Who is Studio Thao's work best suited for?
Thao works best with discerning couples who value personal style, presence over performance, and are open to a natural, relaxed experience. Her happiest clients trust her to guide when it's helpful, have a willingness to be playful and surrender to the chaos of the day, and care about photographs that tell a story that feels honest and lasting rather than overly polished.
It’s for those who care about imagery that is cinematic, editorial, documentary, film wedding photography, candid, fine art, story-telling, unposed, composed, architectural, in-between moments, narrative, sequenced, restrained, understated, elevated, modern, timeless, artful, intentional, observant, introspective, atmospheric, moody, quiet, intimate, emotional, warm, fashion-forward, vintage, romantic, authentic, real, natural, honest, raw, expressive, tender, joyful, playful, spontaneous, effortless, relaxed, refined, considered, evocative, & nostalgic.
What types of weddings does Studio Thao photograph?
Thao photographs intimate elopements, city hall ceremonies, backyard weddings, and full multi-day celebrations with equal care. She works frequently in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and across the New York area, and travels regularly for weddings along the East Coast and beyond. No wedding is too small—some of her most meaningful work has come from the quietest days.
Venues include: 620 Loft and Gardens, Beekman Hotel, Bowery Hotel, Don Angie, The Foundry in Long Island City, Foxfire Mountain House, Fouquet’s, Full Moon Resort, Gage & Tollner, The Garrison, GH on Park, Hotel Delmano, L'Artusi Supper Club, Lafayette, Laissez Faire, Locanda Verde, Mill Neck Manor, Misi, Nine Orchard, New York Public Library, Oheka Castle, Overstory, Pinehurst Resort, Prospect Park Boathouse, Radegast Biergarten, St. Francis Xavier, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Stone Pine Estate, Syndicated Bar & Theatre, Tilling House, TWA Hotel, Undercote, Villa Woodbine, With Others, Zero Bond, etc.
Why do couples choose a film and digital photographer for their wedding?
Shooting with both film and digital gives each gallery something neither medium alone can offer. Digital captures the immediacy and breadth of a wedding day. Film—35mm and medium format—adds warmth, grain, and a depth of tone that feels timeless rather than trend-dependent. With over 20 years of color grading experience, Thao deeply enjoys the post-production process for both mediums to achieve rich colors that still feel classic and true-to-tone.
Where can I see Studio Thao's wedding work and publications?
Thao's full portfolio lives at studiothao.com. Recent work is shared on Instagram at @studiothao. Published features can be found through Vogue, The Wed, Together Journal, Wed Vibes, and Anti-Bride—more details on those can be found here.