Hidden Gems: Meet Abraham Saldivar of Yugen Films

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abraham Saldivar.

Hi Abraham, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
Our story began 7+ years ago. Growing up, we (Steve & Abraham BROTHERS) loved to capture and create videos with our phones. From creating music videos (hilariously terrible) to making homemade movies. One day, a couple we are friends with reached out to us and asked if we can capture their wedding. Of course, we said yes, but little did we know what it really entailed. Despite the obstacles, we made it happen, and that leap of faith opened an opportunity we had not considered. After that, we completely immersed ourselves in education, and that led us to become Yugen Films. We’ve gone through many style changes through the years, and they really taught us what kind of weddings we want to document. Throughout that journey, we met our wives Jocelyne (Steve’s wife) Melissa (Abraham’s wife), and they also fell in love with our passion and joined the team. As a family business, we’ve incorporated photography into our work, and now we’re a Photo + Film team! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While working with family is one of the biggest blessings of our business it also required a huge learning curve in terms of how to communicate. Steve and I (Abraham) have very different personalities that sometimes clashed when it came to establishing the vision, style and direction of our business. At first, it wasn’t easy to make decisions we were both happy with. After years of not giving up, we really improved the way we communicated our goals and learned to use our different personalities and visions to continue building our business. It’s still something we continue to work on, but with the support and wisdom of our wives, we’ve made a lot of progress and feel great about the unified direction we are headed toward. 

We’ve been impressed with Yugen Films, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a duo husband and wife team. Steve/Jocelyne are the photographers. Abraham/Melissa are the Videographers. When we share this with couples who are interested in both Photo & Video, it sounds exciting to them because we understand how to work alongside each other and bring a fun and relaxed atmosphere for our couples to be completely themselves. We specialize in capturing candid moments in a way that feels elevated and timeless, a balance of feeling and looking luxury & candid. Along with the digital photo + video, we also incorporate film photos and Super 8 into our work to give a touch of that nostalgic feeling. 

What were you like growing up?
Since we’re a team of 4, I’ll share a little about each of us. 

Steve is a dynamic individual who lives life to the fullest with an infectious zest for every moment. He finds joy in the simplest of things, from chilling at home to tearing up the dance floor. Steve’s vibrant nature effortlessly matches any energy, whether he’s savoring new coffee spots with Jocelyne or embracing new experiences with a smile. Steve sees life as a wild ride, and he’s always ready to dive headfirst and make the most of it! 

Jocelyne is a free-spirited adventurer who lives for sunny days and sandy beaches. Raised in Oceanside, she cherishes memories of chasing sunsets and savoring fresh seafood. Jocelyne’s passion for connection shines through her love for making new friends and immersing herself in different cultures. A dog mom and ballet enthusiast, she embraces life’s beauty with her camera in hand. 

As a nature lover, Abraham is most inspired when he’s exploring the great outdoors with Melissa. He loves channeling his artistic spirit into creating visual narratives, like capturing mesmerizing time-lapses of the Milky Way. Abraham prefers simple pleasures like a great cold brew and listening to podcasts on long drives. You can usually find him playing board games with his loved ones on Sunday afternoons. 

Melissa is a passionate naturalist. She loves sharing her knowledge of flora and fauna with Abraham when they’re out on a hike. Her playful, light-hearted nature means she brings joy to everyone around her. She loves long drives, sweet tunes, and good company. When she’s not busy filming weddings, she’s dedicated to supporting students through the power of American Sign Language. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yugenfilms.com
• Instagram: yugenfilmss

Image Credits
@hannahmaiselphoto