Apollo Fotografie

My wife and I chose Apollo Fotografie as our San Francisco wedding photographer last August. From our very first interactions with Jonathon and his team, we knew we had made the right choice. They made a point to get to know us as a couple before our big day so that they could capture all the special moments just the way we envisioned. When Erin and Victoria arrived the morning of the wedding, we had already hashed out the details and timelines of the day so the wife-​to-​be and I could relax and enjoy ourselves. They were absolutely wonderful, providing guidance at just the right time and yet letting things unfold organically. Needless to say the photos turned out fantastic! We cannot thank the Apollo Fotografie team enough for preserving our special day with such memorable images. I highly recommend anyone searching for a San Francisco wedding photographer to look no further!

Jonathon and his team are pure perfection. They are organized, easy to work with, resourceful, and creative. As a professional event planner, these types of vendors are absolute gold and I treasure them immensely. When searching for a San Francisco Wedding Photographer, Apollo Fotografie is our first call. We cannot recommend them highly enough!

I met Jonathon (Dakarai) at a friend’s wedding and he did more than a fantastic job with their photos, and booked him too. He is not only professional but a great guy. He is quick to respond and really listens to his clients. A fantastic San Francisco based photographer.

This review is looooong overdue. After searching endlessly for a wedding photographer, I happened to stumble across Apollo Fotografie’s website. We liked what we saw on the website and reached out to Jonathon. We spoke on the phone for about 10 minutes and I new based on his personality that he was the photographer that we were looking for. We booked him immediately and we chose to use him for the photo booth as well. The pricing is very reasonable and the quality is amazing. On our wedding day we finally met Jonathon and the other photographer Abbie. The moment they walked into our hotel room all of our personalities meshed really well. We laughed, joked, and had a great time. They totally put us to ease. They are very creative with their location scouting and took amazing pictures. When we finally received the photos people could not stop talking about how amazing they were. I highly recommend them for your wedding. Great job guys, we are in love with our photos :)

Jonathon and his team were so lovely to work with. I first reached out to Apollo Fotografie because I was looking for a wedding photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area although we were living in Seattle. I wanted someone easy to work with who was great at communication since I would be planning our wedding from states away. A friend who had gotten married a couple of years prior recommended Jonathon and I am so grateful she did.
From the first phone call, Jonathon was easy to work with and extremely flexible. He worked hard to get us as close to our initial budget as planned and really went out of his way to be accommodating. On a trip back to the Bay Area, Jonathon worked around our schedule to meet us at the venue and walk through possible photography backgrounds. He was really familiar with the area surrounding the Brazilian Room, had great suggestions, and knew what he was talking about.
I was introduced to Erin via email and we were able to touch base over the phone prior to the wedding. On the day of our wedding, Erin and Stavan were wonderful. They were very personable (and particularly patient while we attempted to wrangle my large family into group photos). They got photos of people enjoying themselves and of the little details. Erin was a total sweetheart and had a great sense of humor.
Our photos turned out stunning and we couldn’t be happier with our experience with Apollo. Jonathon is quick to reply to emails and his whole team is really flexible, communicative, and lovely.

Jonathon and his team were a pure joy to work with. We met with a few different San Francisco wedding photographers but we felt like we connected with Jonathon and he truly understood our vision. He is incredibly easy to work with and communication with him was super easy via email, text, or phone. The day of our wedding was purely magical and he and his team were able to capture all the important and also intimate moments beautifully. We love all of our wedding photos, videos, and the highlight video he created. We highly recommend Apollo Fotografie and Jonathon for anyone looking for a fun, easy to work with, and professional photographer to artfully capture unforgettable moments.

Apollo Fotografie
I would recommend Apollo Fotografie to absolutely anyone and everyone! Jonathon (aka DaKarai) and his team are an incredible group of people. They brought so much wonderful energy that they contributed to the best day of our lives. They’re 100% committed to delivering these beautiful photos no matter what it takes, very professional in how they work — and not to mention an absolute joy to be around! (Which is essential on the happiest day of your lives!)
As I am an artist myself, I wanted a San Francisco Wedding Photographer who understood how to make magical images… I wouldn’t settle for less– and I got exactly what I hoped for! A lot of photographers can make nice pictures, know how to operate a camera, etc– but Dakarai is a true artist! He makes you look great, and he captures the glorious beauty of your day like nobody else can. No question!
It truly takes an artist to capture the essence of someone’s love, family, the attitude of the day and to rally everyone together the way he does. Not to mention to put together an all-​star team of other professionals who share in his eye for artistic shots!
The result are not your typical «posed» pictures — he captures natural moments that show the true emotional content of the day. People smiling and laughing and being «them!» I love it.
He was also very easy and fun to work with before wedding day, and connects very professionally with you as well as the rest of your vendors. We had a few phone meetings to discuss the special most «photo-​worthy moments» of our day, he had us make a checklist of all our must have photos, and had us put together a Pinterest board of some of our favorite photos from across the internet– so that he could understand exactly what we were hoping to have in our final photos. However one look at their website tells you that there’s no bad photos, and that he makes everyone look great — so I trusted him from the beginning! Very organized, on-​time, involved, interested and passionate about your wedding the same as you are.
We are so happy with our experience with the exciting, professional, artistic and joy-​filled team at Apollo Fotografie. You’d be a fool not to book them!

It was a pleasure working with Jonathon for our wedding in San Francisco. He was very familiar with the area, and knew all the perfect spots for beautiful photos; truly a well rounded San Francisco wedding photographer! He was calm and patient with all my guests, and with me, as people started showing up and the nerves set in!
Jonathon was with us for most of the day, taking pictures before the ceremony, during, and after, until almost the end of the reception. He captured all the family and friend shots we needed, and we were left with plenty of time for creative, artistic, and romantic shots as well. I didn’t realize how lovely they would be until I saw the «teaser» pics. Jonathon has a great eye for a beautiful shot, and we will treasure the photos always. We have some slightly more traditional «wedding portrait» photos, and many creative photographs that capture all the fun and whimsy and translate above and beyond a «wedding photo.»
I loved that the photos do not look staged, fake, or cliché — he created lovely images that capture the beauty of our location and the excitement and romance of the wedding day.
Jonathon was dedicated to getting great shots — always in the background capturing moments without us ever noticing!
Jonathon’s patience, professionalism, skill, and artistic eye were all deeply appreciated. His photography is highly recommended and I would certainly hire him again.

Jonathon Dakarai and his team at Apollo Fotografie are absolutely amazing! From the first moment we spoke with Jonathon, we knew he was the photographer for us! He is organized and asked all the right questions. If you’re a bride like me who freaks out about the details, you’ll truly appreciate a vendor like Jonathon who is even more detail-​oriented than I was when it came to the pictures. We were afraid we wouldn’t be able to afford him because of all of his accolades but he made it possible! He had questionnaires for both the engagement session and the day of the wedding to make sure that we got the shots that we really wanted. We set up a Pinterest board for him to review so that he can see our vision, which he totally understood! We had calls before each session to discuss what we wanted and the timeline. He’s really on top of it with communication. My then-​fiancé and I are not really comfortable in front of the camera but he made us feel really comfortable for our engagement session. On the day of the wedding, Jonathon and his team just blended right in with our guests. Our bridal party loved Jonathon! I mean, how could you not love a photographer who comes dressed in your wedding colors?! If you’re looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer, look no further than Apollo Fotografie!

I cannot begin to express how fantastic my experience was with Apollo! Our wedding took place in Napa, so we searched high and low for an amazing wedding photographer in the San Fransisco area. From the moment we had our first communication with Jonathan, we knew we were in good hands. There is a great attention paid to all details of your special day and he was always quick on responding to emails or phone calls. On our wedding day, the entire wedding party (guests included) loved the Apollo staff and thought they did a fabulous job. While you may not even know they are there because they are never in your way, they are wonderful and fun when you have your moments with them, too. They captured everything special… and the pictures are to die for! No one would regret hiring this amazing photographer for their wedding!

As a wedding make-​up artist, I encounter a lot of Photographers, and Videographers. Never have I worked alongside such a professional team, until I got a chance to work with Apollo. Jonathan was extremely friendly, knowledgable, and experienced, so much so that he almost functions as an event coordinator at the same time that he’s capturing beautiful moments on camera. He knows what looks great, and has confidence and know-​how to get the wedding party looking great, having an amazing time, being where they need to be to get the best shots. He brings in a team of videographers as well, who are just as professional and experienced as he is. You can tell they all have done this alot, and that they love what they do. Its a true, customer service experience. You guys rock!

After searching around for videographers for quite a while I stumbled across
. I had already booked my photographer so even though it said they were San Francisco wedding photographers I saw that they did video and were willing to travel to sonoma. I decided to call and see if I could work out a special deal that wasn’t a standard listed service. I was on a really tight budget and wanted to just get raw footage without the video editing so I could compile my own video since I am a Graphic Designer myself. From the get-​go Jonothan was willing to work with me even though he said it wasn’t something they usually do. We agreed on a special package of 7 hours of footage with one videographer that could fit my budget.
In the days leading up the the wedding I filled out the questioner and I was really specific about a few shots that I wanted the videographer to capture but at first it looked like it was going to be impossible with the single camera. I understood why so I just asked them to do their best.
The day of the wedding I was pleasantly surprised to find that 2 videographers showed up!!! Later Jonothan told me he really wanted me to get the shots I asked for and he loved being able to surprise me with the gift. :) As a company, they really went above and beyond all my expectations and this is just one example that shows how awesome Apollo Fotografie is.
After I got the footage I had some questions and concerns and Jonothan was really easy to work with. He is a great communicator and really values his clients. This is absolutely the type of business you want to work with when it comes to wedding matters.
Now comes the hard part… actually compiling the clips into a video! He even said that if I have questions I can call him and he would be happy to help. I am so glad I chose to work with Apollo for my wedding videos. Thanks guys!

Dakarai is funny, talented, passionate about his work, and was an absolute joy to work with.
My fiancé and I needed engagement photos for a wedding announcement **immediately**! He made himself available ASAP in the middle of Bay Area wedding season, and sent us photos immediately afterwards. He was a great communicator, very responsive via text/​phone/​email, and we couldn’t be happier with the photos.
I would also add that he has a wonderful sense of humor, and is graceful under pressure! His pants had ripped earlier in the day, and he was completely unphased! The show went on without a moment of worry – exactly the sort of person you want by your side on your wedding day. He is a wonderful San Francisco wedding photographer, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly.

Long due review… hands down one of best around. Since our initial interview to the last photo taken. Dakarai more than exceeded our expectations. Even after three years having worked with him, he has made himself available to retrieve a copy of our wedding day.

It was a complete joy to work with Jonathon every step of the way: from our first phone call, to the wedding day, through the photo album editing process. He is a sparking ball of positivity with fearless creativity and a talent for connecting with people.
Before our wedding day he took the time to understand who were were as individuals and as a couple. It’s evident in our photos that he really got what was important to us and he captured the visual story that we wanted him to tell.
For all of you overwhelmed brides out there, I can’t say enough about how easygoing, sweet and uncomplicated Jonathon was to work with. Although I was a quite a procrastinator when it came to returning his calls and emails, he was always encouraging, patient and gentle with me. Lots of things stressed me out when planning the wedding, but Jonathon was not one of them.
The day of the wedding, Jonathon and his photography and videography team were incredible. They were invisible, yet everywhere! They were also efficient, professional and charming. And they were also super adorable :)
And I can’t say enough about the quality of the photos and video. I was on the fence about shelling out extra money for a videographer, but having those moving pictures to look back on is truly priceless. In my opinion, Jonathon could price his services far higher than he does, but I’m so thankful that he keeps his prices affordable and modest.

After searching and searching for a creative and talented photographer in Northern California in our budget, we were absolutely thrilled to find Jonathon at Apollo Fotographie! He seemed to offer the most impressive packages and impeccable body of work we could find in the price range– and so far Jonathon has not disappointed! After my initial contact, Jonathon facilitated several phone calls and sit down meetings to get to know my fiancé and I and hear about our vision for the photography.
He absolutely went above and beyond for our engagement shoot! We couldn’t have been happier with his consultation leading up to the shoot, as he took what we had in mind but put his professional spin on it. He was insturmental in helping choose the locations, color schemes, props, wardrobe, etc. and even put us in contact with a fabulous coordinator/​stylist who was so impressive at the shoot, we hired her for the wedding! My fiancé felt a little uncomfortable at first, but Jonathon knew just how to warm us up and get us feeling like ourselves despite the lavish photoshoot going on around us. Our engagement photos are more beautiful than we ever could have imagined and we can’t wait to work with him for the wedding!
~Lauren, bride

Jonathon is an absolutely amazing photographer. He made us feel totally comfortable in front of the camera, which was crucial on our big day. My husband and I consider ourselves to be perfectionists so we paid a lot of attention to many of the little details for our ceremony and reception. About a couple of weeks before our big day, Jonathon sent us a nicely organized spreadsheet so we could tell him beforehand who we absolutely needed to take photos with on the day of. Also included in this list was shot descriptions (i.e. cake cutting, bouquet tossing, etc). It was so great and reassuring to know that he was organized, was also a perfectionist, and knew exactly what to do to make sure we would not miss a thing.
After the wedding, Jonathon was very responsive to our emails and very good at setting and meeting expectations with regard to timing and delivery of the photos. Not surprisingly, they were nothing short of amazing. Jonathon even took great shots of our puppy Rottweiler who was our ring-​bearer in the ceremony (which is not an easy task because she is normally so squirmy!) Jonathon did a great job editing our photos and the composition and colors were breathtaking. If you are looking for a photographer who really cares, pays attention to detail, and has exquisite taste and talent, Jonathon is your guy!

My wife and I contacted Jonathon regarding our particular situation. My wife and I for married October, 2012. We were supposed to receive our photo album within six months. After a very frustrating situation involving multiple excuses as to why the album was not ready six months later and false promises, I managed to obtain the original photographs, almost a year after our wedding.
I located Jonathon on Unilocal and decided to request his assistance. I explained my situation to him and to my surprise he said he was more than willing to help me out.
Jonathon kept in constant contact with me in regards to the layout of the album and everything else involving the photo album. Within a few weeks Jonathon had the layout of the album which we approved.
Two months later, two days before X-​mas, one year and two months later, my wife and I finally had our wedding photo album.
I can’t express enough the gratitude I have for Jonathon’s hard work and willingness to help me out. Thanks again Jonatjon.

Last month I hired Jonathon Dakarai Towe from Apollo Fotografie to photograph «LATE NITE ART: In the Dark,» a monthly social art party in Oakland, CA. I find Jonathon through his Wedding Photography work in San Francisco. His engaging, warm, and casual presence behind the camera was perfect for this evening event and made participants feel comfortable and at ease.
His photographs from the evening display a high level of skill and artistry that is rare to find in any photographer in the Bay Area. He plays with color and lighting in a beautiful way and captures the essence of emotions and moments.
I would (and will) hire him again!
Adam
Founder /​LATE NITE ART

Jonathon Dakarai Towel is the most talented photographer I have ever met. He captured every moment of our engagement and wedding perfectly. I am so thankful to have so many great romantic photos. I will include some pictures– honestly they speak for themselves.
The most important part of any wedding is the pictures-​EVERYONE would say that to me while I was planning!!! Talk about pressure– and all my family wanted was pictures. Pictures: pictures of my grandfather in his tux and my Mom’s beautiful Burgundy dress that we cried over when she found it. And my lovely Step dad Joe’s Beaver top hat and tails-​Mr. Peanut outfit.
I really wanted photos that I could look back on when I am old and crotchety and think how young, crazy and happy we were at the wedding…
The reason you should hire Jonathon Dakarai:
1. He genuinely wants you to be happy with every photo.
2. He makes you look GOOD! If you are bride getting ready for her wedding you know what I mean.
2. He knows all the details to take the perfect picture.
3. He’s so friendly and upbeat– he feels like another one of your guests.
4. He really listens to ALL of your ideas and will work with you to get exactly what you want.
5. He is so talented that you will get the pictures that you can’t even think of!
Most importantly for me was that Jonathon had my best interest in mind the entire time. When your wedding day comes and you are completely brain dead and trying to finish up all the last minute details– you want a great photographer on your side. Jonathon was all that I could have wanted and more. He got along with the ladies and the groomsmen and totally hit it off my parents instantly.
I must point out too– not that I have not all ready gushed enough. =) — Jonathon went above and beyond after the photo-​shoot engagement to make sure that I was truly happy with every photo and the overall feeling of the pictures. He felt that it was very important that he capture every detail the way that I wanted it to be captured. I admire his work ethic so much and he proved that I could trust him with my every concern.
Lastly, my mom and step dad Joe were such a big part of the wedding and Jonathon really went out of his way to capture pictures of them. I loved that he noticed what was important to me.
Jonathon– I will be having babies– not too soon-​and I will be back to trust these pictures to you because you are the best and I would only have faith in your talented eye.