For more than 30 years, Dane Miller, owner and chief photographer of Dos Kiwis Studios, has experienced the world through a camera lens, taking portraits of families and glamorous models. But, it’s wedding photos that have captivated his heart and career.

“When I get up in the morning to cover a wedding, I think about how this is one of the most important days in the bride’s life, and I must do my best to capture the images she’ll treasure always,” he says. “I feel as though I have a responsibility to put 120 percent effort into my job.”

Although Dane, a member of the Professional Photographers of America, takes his job seriously, he has a relaxed demeanor that puts his clients at ease, whether he’s taking their engagement, bridal portrait or wedding photos.

“No two couples are alike, so I’m very adaptable,” he says. “It’s a priority for me to build a rapport with the bride and groom so they feel comfortable during their photo sessions and wedding events.”

On a Sunday afternoon, you might find Dane walking along a bridge at Brackenridge Park, standing on the roof of The Fairmont Hotel downtown or lying on a green patch of grass looking up at the Tower of Americas.  

And he is doing more than enjoying the local scenery. 

He’s doing everything it takes to perfectly photograph couples about to embark on a lifetime commitment of marriage. 

“Engagement photos are my favorite,” he says. “No matter where I’m shooting -- at a favorite San Antonio landmark or at the place where the couple got engaged -- I focus on the interactions of the couple.”

Dane’s focus on the natural happenings and emotions of the wedding day lends itself to the photojournalistic style in which he snaps pictures of the bride and groom without having them pose. 

“I try to stay in the background and not be too intrusive as I follow the couple,” he says. “At a recent wedding, I was getting a shot of a bride looking at herself in her gown before the ceremony. She told me she had forgotten I was even in the room. I like to hear comments like that.”

For the ceremony, he often shoots with a long lens, so he can stay in the distance as he photographs sacred and sentimental moments. Afterwards, he takes all the formal poses the couple and family will cherish for years to come. 

During the reception, he, of course, gets all the necessary photos such as the first dance and the cutting of the cake, but he enjoys taking the informal shots.  

“When the newlyweds start doing the things they don’t have to do, like dancing and laughing with each other and their guests, that’s when I capture the essence of their day,” he says. “I’m stuck to them like glue all night.”

So that a bride looks her best for her portrait session, Dos Kiwis’ in-house make-up artist and hair stylist, Kourtney, can work at the studio or at a location of the bride’s choice. This service is complimentary with the portrait session. Frequently, brides are so pleased with the results that they use the artist on their wedding day.

To showcase the wedding memories, Dos Kiwis’ in-house graphic designer, Amanda, creates elegant coffee table albums with custom-designed covers.

“My designer takes my photographs to the next level,” he says. “She uses eye-catching graphics and colors and eloquent text headings to beautifully chronicle the events of the wedding.”

Dane is proud to say that all package prices are posted on his website, and he is glad to provide estimated quotes on customized packages. 

“We have packages for the more budget-conscious bride as well as for the bride who wants the works,” he says.

Many of the studio’s packages also offer video services such as a DVD slideshow called a video montage that includes photos from the bride and groom’s childhoods as well as memories from their dating days and engagement photos. Couples usually play the montage during the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.  

And, Dos Kiwis associate, Victor, can produce storybook DVDs and HD-DVDs with highlights of the wedding day preparations, ceremony and reception in addition to interviews of family and friends addressing the couple.

From still shots to video, Dos Kiwis aims to provide the pictures that will tell your love story. 

“I try to snap photos without the bride and groom having to stop what they’re doing,” Dane says. “I realize the wedding day is not about taking pictures. It’s about the couple having fun and sharing the excitement of their celebration.”