Patken Photographer

I was born into the wedding industry — but I fell in love with it for my own reasons. My parents and I built Patken Photographer from nothing but passion, belief, and a credit card in our Lindenhurst basement. I grew up watching them not just take pictures, but change how people saw themselves through those images.

What made me stay is the emotion. Weddings are pure, unfiltered human connection — joy, nerves, laughter, tears — all in one day. I love the responsibility of freezing that feeling forever. It’s more than photography; it’s storytelling through light, timing, and empathy.

After photographing thousands of weddings around the world, what I still love most is the trust couples give us — that one chance to tell their story in a way no one else can. Every time I pick up a camera, I’m reminded that I’m not just documenting a day; I’m preserving someone’s legacy. That’s what drives me every single time.

It’s funny — so many of our team members met their spouses at weddings we photographed, and I’m one of them. I actually met my wife at her sister’s wedding. At first, she thought I was a stalker (which still makes us laugh to this day), but thankfully her sister chose Patken — and the rest is history.

Now, almost 28 years later, I’m still grateful for that day and for this career that brought us together. Every time I capture a wedding, I’m reminded that what we do isn’t just about photos — it’s about the moments and connections that can change lives forever.

At Patken Photographer, we specialize in luxury wedding and engagement photography that blends emotion, artistry, and fashion-inspired storytelling. Every image feels cinematic yet natural — a balance of glamour and authenticity that’s become our signature.

Led by Doug Gordon, named one of Top 5 Wedding Photographers in the World and a United Nations Leadership Award recipient, our full-time team brings consistency, creativity, and heart to every couple we photograph.

Company History – Patken Photographer

Patken Photographer began as a dream — literally. In 1985, my parents, Pat and Ken Gordon, started the company in the basement of our Lindenhurst, New York home with nothing more than passion, creativity, and a credit card. The name Patken came from their partnership, and the spirit of that name still drives everything we do today — family, collaboration, and love.

I grew up surrounded by weddings and art. What started as helping my dad after school turned into a lifelong calling. Over time, I saw photography differently — not just as documentation, but as an emotional language. That vision led me to challenge traditional wedding photography and helped change how the industry tells love stories.

Through years of teaching, innovation, and hands-on experience, we developed a signature style that blends editorial fashion, cinematic light, and real emotion. It’s that balance — art and authenticity — that has become our hallmark.

Today, Patken Photographer has grown into a full-time creative team of photographers and cinematographers who share that same passion. We’ve captured over 29,000 weddings worldwide, and every one still feels as exciting as the first.

Our philosophy is simple: every couple deserves images that feel alive. We don’t just take pictures — we create experiences that reflect who our clients truly are. The technology and trends may evolve, but our purpose never changes: to create timeless, emotional art that makes people feel.

Frequently Asked Questions – Patken Photographer

Why is the engagement session so important?

The engagement session is where everything begins. It’s not just about great photos — it’s about connection. It gives us the chance to learn your personalities, your comfort level, and what makes you laugh or relax. By the wedding day, you’ll already know how we work, and we’ll know exactly how to capture you at your best. The result? More natural, emotional, and authentic images.

Do you include engagement sessions with your packages?

Yes, all of our collections include an engagement session because we truly believe it sets the tone for your entire experience. It’s the foundation for trust, comfort, and consistency — all key to incredible wedding photos. it guides us to what your style is rather than what we want it to be

How would you describe your photography style?

Our style blends editorial fashion and cinematic storytelling with genuine emotion, but at the heart of it, our goal is to understand you. Every couple has their own rhythm, energy, and love language — our job is to discover that and translate it visually.

Before we ever pick up a camera, we take time to learn about our clients — their personalities, comfort levels, and vision. Some couples are drawn to dramatic, fashion-forward imagery; others love natural, organic moments. By understanding those differences, we can adapt our approach so your photos feel like you, not like everyone else.

While our personal preference leans toward fashionable, editorial, and cinematic, our true signature is connection. We focus on what makes each couple special and bring out those authentic moments through light, composition, and emotion. Every image should feel timeless yet alive — elegant, artistic, and unmistakably personal.

At Patken Photographer, our ultimate goal is for you to look back and not only see how beautiful your day looked, but to feel how incredible it was.

How many weddings has your team photographed?

As a company, we’ve captured over 29,000 weddings worldwide over the past 41 years. Each one is unique, and that experience allows us to anticipate moments before they happen — making every wedding feel effortless and personal.

Will we work with Doug personally?

Doug oversees all training, creative direction, and editing to ensure every Patken image meets his standard. Our photographers are full-time, hand-selected, and personally trained by Doug to deliver the same consistency and artistry that define the Patken name. Doug personally pairs every client with a photographer that is right for them based on the results of their engagement session.

What makes Patken different from other studios?

We’re a full-time, family-owned studio — not a network of freelancers. Our entire team works together daily, trained to shoot and think as one. That consistency and teamwork are what make our images and client experience second to none.

Do you travel for weddings or destination sessions?

Absolutely! We regularly photograph weddings and engagements across New York, Florida, and destinations worldwide. Whether it’s Disney World, the Hamptons, or Italy, we bring the same energy, creativity, and precision wherever your story takes us.

What are your personal hobbies, what makes you smile, and what do you do when you’re not working?

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me doing something that fuels my love for storytelling and connection in a different way. I’m a lifelong Disney lover — from the magic of the parks to the artistry behind every experience. I’ve been fortunate to turn that passion into purpose, serving as a consultant for Disney, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, helping enhance the guest experience through creativity and emotion.

I also love being out on the water — cruising is one of my favorite ways to recharge and find inspiration. There’s something about watching a sunset at sea that reminds me how beautiful it is to slow down and take it all in.

And when I’m home, baseball is my world. I’ve coached at every level, from T-ball to college, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping players grow — just like I do with my team at Patken. Whether it’s on the field, on deck, or behind the lens, I’m happiest when I’m teaching, creating, and helping others see their potential. 

The Patken Boutique Experience

At Patken Photographer, we pride ourselves on offering a truly boutique experience — one that goes far beyond traditional wedding photography. Every couple we work with receives personalized creative direction, guided by Doug Gordon and our full-time team of artists. From your initial consultation to your engagement session and wedding day, our focus is on learning who you are, understanding your style, and creating imagery that reflects your unique story with cinematic beauty and emotion.

As a thank-you to those who dedicate their lives to helping others, we are especially grateful for our police officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, members of the armed forces, and teachers. These heroes hold a special place in our hearts, and we proudly offer them an additional courtesy in appreciation of their service.

We invite you to inquire directly for more details about this experience and how we can create something truly one-of-a-kind for you.