About Me

My name is AJ Holtel, and I am a Photographer, Videographer, and Camera Assistant with a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling. I began taking photos at a young age on my family’s digital camera, where I first fell in love with capturing meaningful moments and the people around me. That passion led me to study Cinematography at DePaul University, where I earned a BFA in Cinematography with a minor in Documentary Storytelling. This background has shaped a thoughtful, narrative-driven approach to my work.

 

As my career evolved, I was naturally drawn to weddings, graduations and engagement sessions for their honesty, emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime significance. With a documentary-inspired perspective, I focus on real connection, quiet in-between moments, and the energy of the day as it genuinely unfolds. Having had the privilege of documenting important milestones for friends, family, and couples over the years, my goal is to create imagery that feels timeless, personal, and true. I want to capture photos that allow you to relive your story exactly as it felt.