Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Bartelski
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story has taken a lot of twists and turns, but at its core, it’s always been about adventure, creativity, and the pursuit of something meaningful. I was born in Holland but grew up all over the world—Singapore, Hong Kong, England, and the U.S.—which gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and the beauty of seeing the world through fresh eyes. That sense of wonder has shaped everything I do, whether it’s flying, photography, or just how I approach life.
I’ve always had a creative streak. Music was my first love—I started playing violin at three, switched to viola, and eventually found my way into singing and songwriting. I even chased a music career for a while, coming close to a production deal, but life had other plans. Photography came naturally to me as well. I loved capturing moments, the in-between expressions, the real stuff that makes a memory last. That led me to wedding photography, where I found joy in telling love stories through my lens.
But at the same time, I always felt this pull toward aviation. Flying had been a dream since childhood, but I assumed my red-green colorblindness would keep me grounded. Turns out, I was wrong. After a lot of research and perseverance, I found alternative tests and ways to prove I could safely fly. The process wasn’t easy, but I didn’t quit, and eventually, I got my first-class medical and started flight training.
Today, I’m balancing both worlds—pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot while continuing my work as a wedding photographer. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Flying gives me a sense of freedom like nothing else, and photography allows me to freeze time and capture the beauty of human connection. At the end of the day, I just love telling stories—whether through images, music, or even the way I navigate life.
I guess you could say my journey has been unconventional, but that’s what makes it mine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think the best things in life rarely come easy. Pursuing aviation has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done. The training, studying, and logistics of becoming a pilot are incredibly demanding—not to mention expensive. I even sold my beautiful home, which I had completely renovated, to fully commit to this dream. Now, I live in a motorhome and will continue to do so until I finish flight school. It’s a sacrifice, but one I’m willing to make because I know the freedom and fulfillment flying will bring me in the long run.
On top of flight training, I also work as a wedding photographer. Capturing love stories and those raw, unscripted moments is something I truly enjoy, but running a creative business while also training to be a pilot is no easy feat. And to add another layer, I also work as a Dutch-speaking flight attendant, which takes me to Europe a few times a month. I originally took the job not just for the travel, but as a way to reconnect with my family there.
Growing up, I had the incredible experience of living all over the world—Singapore, Hong Kong, England, the Netherlands, and the U.S. By high school, I had filled three passports with stamps. It gave me an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, but on the flip side, I almost missed out on putting down roots and truly connecting with my extended family. That’s something I’ve been working to rebuild in recent years.
Balancing all of these things—flight training, photography, and my job as a flight attendant—hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The challenges have shaped me, and they remind me that the best journeys are the ones where you push through the obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Orchard Photo, I specialize in capturing wedding days in a way that feels real, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. I’ve been photographing weddings for over 15 years, and what I love most is telling a couple’s story in a way that feels true to them—not just what’s trendy at the moment.
What Sets Me Apart
Timeless Over Trendy (But With a Balance)
Wedding photography should stand the test of time. I aim to create images that couples will still love decades from now, even as styles change. Of course, I stay aware of current photography trends, but I never let them dictate my work. Remember when the “jump shot” was the wedding photo everyone wanted? Yeah… glad that one died out. Did I take it when asked? Sure. But I always made sure my couples had classic, beautifully composed images they’d treasure forever.
Not Every Client Is My Client
Weddings are deeply personal, and the connection between a couple and their photographer matters more than most people realize. If you wouldn’t invite me as a guest to your wedding, I probably shouldn’t be your photographer. When there’s a good vibe between us, the photos come out more natural, and the whole experience feels effortless. A side note: If you want great wedding photos, treat your photographer like a guest—feed them, let them enjoy the atmosphere, and you’ll see the difference in your images.
The Wedding Is the Event—Not a Photo Shoot
Some photographers take over the day, making it feel more like a styled shoot than an actual celebration. That’s not my style. I go with the flow, letting moments unfold naturally while making sure everything is documented beautifully. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I’ve found that when the couple can actually enjoy their wedding instead of worrying about the photos, the pictures turn out better. My philosophy? Wedding photos are a big deal—but taking them shouldn’t be.
At the end of the day, I’m here to make sure couples get images they’ll love forever, without making the process feel overwhelming or forced. That’s what Orchard Photo is all about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I was lucky to be one of the first photographers to shoot at Neverland Farms in Cleveland, GA (neverlandfarms.com). If you’ve ever been there, you know it’s a magical place—120 acres of rolling North Georgia countryside, a stunning antique barn, the best food in the business, and a wedding team that runs everything like clockwork. It’s the kind of venue that feels like something out of a dream, where every wedding is effortlessly beautiful and full of heart. That opportunity became a turning point for me. The images I captured at Neverland Farms helped build my portfolio and opened doors to weddings across the U.S.—from LA to New York—and even internationally, from the Netherlands to India.
But while luck played a role, I firmly believe you create your own luck. It’s about being ready when the opportunity comes and putting in the work to make the most of it. One of the greatest lessons I ever learned came from my mentor, legendary entertainer Cody Marshall (www.codymarshalmusic.com). I met Cody when I was 18, and he’s one of those people who just gets life—he’s spent decades performing all over the world, and he’s full of these hard-earned, simple but profound truths. One day, he told me something that stuck with me ever since:
“You don’t get a gold medal for doing what you’re supposed to do.”
At first, I didn’t quite get it. But he explained—if I say I’m going to do something, and I do it, that’s just the baseline. If someone hires me to shoot their wedding and I show up, take great photos, and deliver them, that’s what they paid for—that’s expected. But if I want the gold medal—if I want to stand out, build a reputation, and create something truly memorable—I have to go beyond expectations. That might be capturing extra images, sure, but more than that, it’s about shaping the experience. It’s about how I interact with people, how I make them feel comfortable, how I respect the moment and the significance of what’s happening. That’s what people remember.
Case in point—this very interview. A past wedding client recommended me for it. That wasn’t because I simply showed up and did my job; it was because they felt something in the experience. That’s what I strive for every time.
So yes, luck played a role in my career. But at the end of the day, the harder I work, the luckier I get.
Pricing:
- Elopement Package: $1500
- Basic Wedding: $2500
- Premium Wedding: $3500
- Video Add On: $1750
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orchardphoto.com
- Instagram: @orchard_photo
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/4PT0OP7WUCFGgCWbYrSrvr?si=87e14f2982684c50
Image Credits
Duffy James – www.duffyjames.com (My Editorial Photo)
