The Salty Side
The Salty Side is a space for thoughtful reflection, lived experience, and the parts of creative work that are rarely spoken about out loud. It offers a glimpse into Chayil’s passion for photography, business, and storytelling, blending practical insights with personal perspective. Here, tips, lessons, and the occasional recipe live alongside candid commentary on entrepreneurship, creativity, and the realities of building something meaningful. No fluff. Just the real, shared with intention.
Sorry if you’re trying to watch your sodium intake…
Thomas Jefferson Memorial: A gorgeous backdrop in the heart of washington, dC
As a Washington, DC wedding and elopement photography team, we love photographing at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial for its natural light, symmetry, and calm atmosphere. This blog highlights why it’s one of our go-to locations for timeless engagement and elopement photos as well as family and graduation sessions.
7 questions you should always ask your wedding photographer…
Choosing the right wedding photographer goes beyond style alone, especially in a busy city like Washington, DC or Richmond, VA. This guide outlines seven essential questions to ask your wedding photographer, from experience and low-light comfort to editing approach and storytelling style, so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Honoring the art of timelessness: 35mm film as an addition to your day
35mm film offers a timeless, textural approach to wedding photography that complements digital storytelling beautifully. This post explores how film photography adds depth, nostalgia, and intentionality to your wedding day without taking away from the moments unfolding in real time.
maybe you were meant to read this…
A personal reflection on building a creative career from the ground up. Led by wedding photographer Chayil of Black Pepper Photography, this post explores what it means to take the leap, start a business without permission, and turn passion into a full-time career through experience, intention, and persistence.
welcome to the salty side!
Led by Chayil (pronounced Kyle), Black Pepper Photography LLC is a wedding and elopement creative team with over five years of experience and more than 100 weddings documented across Virginia and Washington, DC. This blog shares real-world insight into candid, documentary photography, intentional editing, and what truly matters when telling wedding stories honestly and with care.