dacotah ashes // artist & photographer

Dacotah ashes is an artist and photographer based in Fargo, North Dakota. The work is described as collaborative and personal, with images shaped by intention rather than a fixed formula.

Why this studio suits LGBTQ+ couples

The business is LGBTQ+-owned. The photographer treats each wedding as a shared journey and aims to honor individuality, which is a useful starting point if you want pictures that look like the two of you and not like a stock pose guide.

The approach

The studio documents quiet portraits, creative expressions and intimate celebrations. The emphasis is on honesty and grace, with emotion allowed to unfold naturally. An artist background points toward careful composition and a considered eye for light and detail.

Getting the most from your shoot

Share a short list of moments you care about, such as a first look, a family dinner or a private vow exchange. Tell the photographer which relatives are comfortable on camera.

North Dakota weddings vary widely by season, so ask how plans change for winter light or an outdoor ceremony in wind. For small weddings, a few hours of coverage around the ceremony and portraits can be enough. Ask how long you will wait for the gallery and in what format it arrives.

It also helps to tell the photographer about anything private, such as a parent who is not attending, a name you would rather not have announced or a moment you prefer not to have photographed.

Questions to ask

Are intimate weddings welcome?

Yes. Intimate celebrations are named as part of the work.

Is this only wedding photography?

No. The studio also photographs portraits and creative projects, so an engagement session is worth asking about.