Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christophe Willm. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Christophe, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

A few months ago, I was hired to photograph a high-end real estate property in Malibu. I showed up with my usual setup: DSLR, lenses, gimbal—the works. But just before I started, the realtor pulled out his iPhone, said “Wait,” and did a quick vertical walk-through for Instagram Stories, narrating the marble countertops like he was on Selling Sunset. That video? It got 50,000 views overnight. My polished edits? Maybe a few dozen likes on the agency’s page. That moment was a wake-up call: the world isn’t just consuming images anymore—they’re consuming experiences. Content creators, with their behind-the-scenes angles, vertical formats, and spontaneous storytelling, are redefining how we connect with visuals. It’s not just about the perfect shot—it’s about real-time engagement, personality, and adaptability. For photographers, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity: evolve into hybrid storytellers, or risk becoming background noise in a fast-moving feed.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Christophe, a French-born photographer and creative storyteller based in Southern California. My journey into photography began through travel. From exploring hidden corners of Europe to filming in Polynesia, I used my lens to capture not just places, but the feeling of being there. That instinct for emotional storytelling still drives my work today.

I specialize in editorial-style photography and content creation for luxury events, brands, and lifestyle moments. Whether it’s a wedding, a real estate shoot, or a brand campaign, I focus on timeless imagery with cinematic emotion. My style blends a European eye for elegance with a modern, digital-native approach.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just take photos, I help people tell their story in a way that feels intentional, elevated, and emotionally real. I’m most proud of building a creative business rooted in trust, personal connection, and craft, not just trends. Willmus Weddings, the brand my wife and I built together, is now recognized as the most reviewed wedding planning team in San Diego.

If there’s one thing I want people to know: I’m here to create images that move you, not just visually, but emotionally.

How’d you meet your business partner?

In 2012, I was backpacking through Myanmar, dusty roads, crowded markets, barely any internet, just raw, unfiltered adventure. I hopped on a local bus in Rangoon heading to Inle Lake, crammed shoulder to shoulder with local travelers. Somewhere between the endless curves and flat tires, I struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me, a fellow traveler who, like me, was chasing moments instead of itineraries.

We talked about music culture, food, and the feeling of being somewhere new and completely unknown. That bus ride, bumpy and chaotic as it was, sparked something bigger than small talk. We kept traveling together, capturing stories through my camera and seeing the world in a surprisingly similar way.

Years later, that same person became my cofounder, and now life partner. Together, we built a company, combining our creative strengths and shared love for storytelling. It all started on that bus in Myanmar, where two curious strangers ended up finding not just inspiration, but a future together.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

For us, the best source of new clients has been digital marketing, especially through Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms allow us to showcase our work visually, connect with engaged couples and creative brands, and build a strong, recognizable aesthetic. Instagram gives us direct interaction and visibility, while Pinterest continues to drive long-term traffic and bookings thanks to the evergreen nature of well-optimized pins. Consistent storytelling, strategic SEO, and intentional visual branding have been key to attracting the right clients who align with our style and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willmuscreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willmuscreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willmuscreative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/willmus-creative
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@willmuscreative
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/willmus-creative-san-diego

Image Credits

all images are mine (@willmuscreative)