CORY TAPIA, FOUNDER/OWNER, LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi! I’m Cory! I lead a team of unique, creative and experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds. My team and I have a shared interest-We've always had a passion for the arts.

I grew up in a small, sleepy suburb of Roanoke, VA and currently live in Richmond, Virginia with my lovely wife Erin, my son Jackson, and our 3 pups, Sully, Bear and Smokey. I love a good Irish Whisky, NC Barbecue, and you can usually find me spending time with my wife watching true crime documentaries, escape rooms on the weekend, or trying out some great craft beer at some local RVA spots.

I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006 with a focus in Animation, Photography and Film. While working in the production industry, I’ve had work shown nationally on places like National Geographic Channel, SPEED Channel (Now Fox Sports 1) and more. I have been shooting weddings since 2006, have over 300 weddings under my belt (over 100 of those South Asian/Indian) and have been a full-time photographer | cinematographer since 2012. I go out of my way to make sure every client is treated like family.

I created Afterglow Creative over 15 years ago as a labor of love; and as is often the case with love, it grew into something much more than I ever could have imagined. My team and I am so thrilled that you are considering Afterglow Creative to capture your love story. We will cherish your memories as if they were our own.

I also run and direct Creative Edge, our commercial photography/cinematography company.

PETE VON KLEECK, LEAD/ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTO EDITOR

Pete became interested in photography when he met his wife who loves nature photography. Every time she went out with camera in hand, Pete found himself tagging along doing the same. Once they were married, they were amazed at how their love for photography grew with their relationship.

Outside of photography, Pete enjoys working on sets of TV shows and movies as a background artist. It wasn’t long before he realized he was more interested in what was going on behind the camera to create what was going on in front of it. Pete had the opportunity to be a grip/gaffer. The fast pace, teamwork, creativity, and attention to detail needed to create a moment in time has been and continues to be a priceless experience. Pete also has four cats named Lily, Kitty, Rocky and Leo!

KAT VIVALDI, LEAD/ASSISTANT CINEMATOGRAPHER, VIDEO EDITOR

Kat is a graduate from the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech with an emphasis in Creative Technologies and minor in Cinema.

Kat has a background in film/video, installation, sound, and performance. Her work focuses on applying methods of video/animation to create non-narrative pieces that attempt to evaluate and conceptualize relationships between the mind, body, and performance. Kat’s work has been shown nationally, on places like HBO, PBS and Lifetime. She works these complex themes into her cinematography to create highly emotional and complex films.

Kat loves the Virginia Tech Hokies (and even got to meet the Hokie Bird on a shoot!), takes the toppings off her pizza to eat them separately, and also teaches a wine/painting class when she's not behind the camera!

ALYSSA PRICE, LEAD/ASSISTANT CINEMATOGRAPHER

Alyssa’s love for cinematography started when she was just a child. Instead of having a favorite toy to play with, she would cuddle with her VHS tapes. Growing up, she would always ask for a camera for Christmas, and once she got one! She couldn’t stop making silly music videos with her friends.

Her passion grew, and led her to study Cinematography at Virginia Commonwealth University. Since then, she has been working in the local RVA film production scene as a cinematographer, production assistance and even occasionally as an actress.

When she’s not shooting weddings, Alyssa spends her time babysitting, binging the latest TV show, roller skating, or playing with her cute cats, Alex and Brick.

ALICIA BARRINGTON, ASSISTANT/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Whether that journey is of your love, the growth of your family, or just some fun photos of you to document an awesome moment in time, Alicia is there! Alicia uses a combination of photo-journalistic and classic portraiture to capture candid and emotional moments. She’s not above making a fool of herself to solicit the most natural smile and laugh possible...hope you're ready for some lame jokes...She’s armed with tons.

She’s been photographing weddings and lifestyle moments since 2007 and studied fine art photography at UNC Charlotte. She lives in South Charlotte with her husband and theirtwo giant dogs Remi and Leila. She is a yogi, lives in leggings, and is a self proclaimed connoisseur of cheese and popcorn. Her bloodstream is about 80% caffeine.

She’s love and life and light and that's why she’s passionate about capturing memories, telling stories, and giving you the opportunity to share them forever.

CLAIRE PAISLEY, ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER, ASSISTANT CINEMATOGRAPHER, SOCIAL MEDIA GURU

Claire is a Richmond, Virginia based photographer, filmmaker, and animator. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 from the School of the Arts.

Her personal work focuses on capturing the beauty in the details of everyday life and discovering the magnificence out of the mundane. Her goal is to inspire those who view her work to look at the world with a closer lens and find beauty in unusual places.

When she isn't behind a camera she loves hiking in the blue ridge mountains, exploring analog technology, and traveling to new cities!"

PAUL SEILER, ASSISTANT/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER, ASSISTANT CINEMATOGRAPHER

Paul is an amazing photographer from Raleigh, NC. He recently started trying his hand at cinematography, but mostly rocks it with Afterglow as a photographer.

In his downtime, Paul loves spending time with his wife and daughter.

PRANAV GHANDI, LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER

Pranav has a passion for motion & still pictures, and loves using cameras to tell a story. Pranav shoots weddings, events, advertisements and more! He’s also a huge automotive enthusiast. He’s had several interesting cars over the years including an AP1 Honda S2000, Maserati GranTurismo, and currently he drives a Porsche Cayenne GTS.

He’s also a dog dad to a handsome pup named Tesla who is a husky/yellow-lab mix. Tesla is absolutely gorgeous & cantankerous at the same time and the best doggo in the world!

WILL SIDAROS, ASSISTANT/LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER, VIDEO EDITOR

Will has a passion for the moving image. Ever since he was a kid, he watched in awe as his heroes came to life on the big screen. Although he still has much to learn, he aspires to go beyond what is asked of him to achieve something more.

Will not only is a cinematographer, but he also edits some of the wedding films for Afterglow Creative!