About Paul

(as narrated by Morgan Freeman…)

"Paul has been a professional photographer for over 30 years, but has been taking pictures his whole life. He begged his parents for a camera for Christmas when he was 11 years old because he felt that his life was zooming by too fast. He still feels exactly the same way today! His goal is to capture what his heart sees and sharing that with others is his greatest passion in life.

As a photographer he specializes in portrait, wedding and event photography and has been invited to photograph numerous well-known individuals including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Bill & Melinda Gates, Oprah, and Elton John. His corporate and event photography has taken him from Norway to Western Samoa.

Paul incorporates photography into every phase of his life, especially his volunteer work. He has been heavily involved with the pediatric oncology world for over 35 years, from volunteering at a summer camp for cancer patient kids and their siblings to helping to raise money to support warrior kids and their families either directly, or to fund research for new treatments for cancer. For his volunteer work he has been honored by the Seattle Rotary with the "Service Above Self" award. The American Cancer Society gave him their highest individual accolade "The Sword of Hope" award. And more recently, he was named a "Hometown Hero" by KIRO Radio for his volunteer service.

Paul currently serves on the board of Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Foundation of Western Washington. And he is also very involved with the team at Ladybug House, which when built, will be the first palliative care home for children in the northwestern United States.

Paul believes that compassion changes the world, and either by encouraging it or sharing it, people can be empowered to do almost anything in this life and affect positive change wherever their hearts lead them."

 (Thank you Morgan!)

Reviews from others

-Outstanding artist and wonderfully engaging personality. He might be the most fun person at your wedding! – Scott M.

 -Paul is a gifted photographer, telling stories through his beautiful photos. – Linda R.

 -Paul is the best! The photographs are top notch and we'll cherish them for life, and we will always remember how much fun it was to work with Paul. So full of energy and creativity, he brought an amazing element to our wedding day! – Rebecca B

 -Paul has an incredible eye for his passion of photography. And he's an AWESOME human being filled with compassion and positivity..he is unlike any other! – Wally N.

 -Always original and personable. I always feel as if I have met the people in his pictures. – Crystal M.

 -He is so darn personable and adapts to ANY situation to get great shots! You feel like he is part of your family and so happy to take pictures rather than on a schedule! The Best! – Douglas S.

 -Our family couldn't have an event that didn't include Paul...he has captured every one for the last 25 years!! – Carol M.

 -Paul Dudley is what is great about Paul Dudley Photography. He is a magician with people. I think Paul's pictures are even more impressive to me than raisins and I think raisins are the bomb!! – Megan R. (thank you Megan R. I need to send you a big box of raisins for this amazing comment!)

 -He's AMAZING! Sees beyond the typical into the magical! – Paula Y.

 -I have rarely seen Paul without a camera. He sees beauty in everything and captures it for the rest of us to enjoy. His heart and soul are poured into everything he does and his ability to make you feel like he has known you for a lifetime is legendary! One of Paul's other passions is "Camp Goodtimes" working with children with Cancer. His charismatic and child at heart personality make everyone he meets feel at ease and the smiles just come easy with him! – Turiad3 (thank you so much Turiad3, I forwarded this kudo to my mother!)

-My favorite photographer…always capturing the light, perhaps because he sees souls. - AnnaLee Z.

 A "Thank You" note

 -Paul! We miss you!!! We had so much fun--even more than we had possibly hoped. THANK YOU for being so amazing and helpful and warm and fun. Besides deciding to get married, you were the best choice we made in all of this. Paul, we want you to come over for dinner, and to birthday parties, and holidays. You're family now, so don't be surprised if you get an invite!

 So many thank yous!!!!!  There aren't enough in the world.  – Liz & Kevin

 My Favorite Places & People

There are so many incredible places that I have been lucky enough to shoot weddings and I’ve met incredible people along the way as well. Here is a list of some of my favorites;

Kiana Lodge - I’ve photographed over 300 weddings there and it is spectacular year round. Top-notch professionals will help plan your wedding; small, medium, large, or gigantic (it’s a big place!). I’ve worked with so many people there over the years. I even met my wife Heidi when she worked there long ago! So yes, Kiana Lodge does hold a very special place in my heart.

Port Gamble Weddings & Events  -  Located only 7 minutes from my studio. I have photographed over 50 weddings at Port Gamble. It's versatile, unique and a wonderful spot especially for destination weddings.

Red Cedar Farm  -  Beautiful, fun and eclectic with a wonderful layout and excellent staff to work with. Aundrea has built a beautiful venue over there in Lofall (literally 3 minutes from my Big Valley Road studio…2 1/2 minutes if I make the one stoplight on the way there!).

Heronswood  -  Newly remodeled with breathtaking gardens.

Argosy Cruises  -  There's something pretty classically Northwest about having a wedding in a venue that moves! And moves anywhere you feel like it in Puget Sound or in Lake Washington. Make sure you ask for wedding planner extraordinaire Peter Robinson when you call Argosy. I’ve known Peter for over 20 years and he is amazing.

Hollywood Schoolhouse  - Spacious with many different areas to enjoy, and lots of natural light throughout the entire building.

Trinity Tree Farm  -  Such a unique and fun venue with a cozy building, beautiful areas to explore and a large outdoor but under cover propane fireplace.

Ballard Bay Club  -  Post card picture views from this jewel on Shilhole Bay. Operated fittingly enough by Jewel Hospitality!

Garden Party Flowers  -  T.J. is a true artist and also one of the loveliest human beings you could ever have the great fortune to stumble upon. She cares deeply about you and I am positive you will relish the opportunity of working with her on your special day.

Every Detail Weddings  -  Valerie Weymer is a wonderful certified wedding & event planner with years of experience. I know you would love the opportunity to work with her.

All images ©2025 Paul Dudley Photography