Looking for a particular photography style

vdam

Hi guys. I've been lurking around here for awhile since my engagment and finally decided to join in. I'm looking for a particular style of photography and was wondering if you guys could help me. I fell in love with this photographer: http://pure-light-studio.com/ when I was in Vancouver but unfortunately, since the wedding is here and we don't have 7,000+ to spend on photography, I want to look for a photographer in the DFW area that's similar to her. I would describe her style as dreamy, romantic, fairy tale-like, hauntingly beautiful that uses lots of lights and captures the moment and emotions and NEVER look posed or forced. She has a gift for capturing the couple in love and the emotions that goes along with it. Anyway, I haven't been able to find anyone like her, though there's several I'm considering and/or looked at like The Three Photography, Ambient Photography, June Bug Photography, Fairy Tales Photography. If you guys know anymore photographers that would be similar to what I've described, please let me know. My budget is around $3000, though if there's a photographer EXACTLY like the one in Vancouver, I'd pay $5000 for her. Thanks.

crash2729

I used Mcgowan Images www.mcgowanimages.com/blog I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for 

There is also Sixfourteen http://www.sixfourteenphotography.com/

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:bd6d2ce9-85e6-4e4b-9e7d-64a04d7f018e">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]I used Mcgowan Images <a href="http://www.mcgowanimages.com/blog" rel="nofollow">www.mcgowanimages.com/blog</a>  I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for  There is also Sixfourteen  <a href="http://www.sixfourteenphotography.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sixfourteenphotography.com/</a>
Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]



Thanks! I just looked at McGowan and their style sorta reminds me of Pure Lights! I just emailed them for more info on their packages and availability. The only thing I don't like about their photos is that on some of them, they distort the pictures by stretching it out vertically or horizontally. Why the heck would they do that?! Especially horizontally!

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:c58c46d3-be94-433b-9fe9-821f0bca52fe">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style : Thanks! I just looked at McGowan and their style sorta reminds me of Pure Lights! I just emailed them for more info on their packages and availability. The only thing I don't like about their photos is that on some of them, they distort the pictures by stretching it out vertically or horizontally. Why the heck would they do that?! Especially horizontally!
Posted by vdam[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Are you talking about recent posts?  I think they just bought a new wide angle lens, and that may be what you are seeing.  I don't think they stretch their photos.

</div><div>Just be honest when you talk to photogs and let them know EXACTLY what style you are looking for and what you want.  Good ones will tell you up front if they cannot accommodate your tastes.  I <em>think</em> McG will run you around $2700-3000 for a basic package (epics + six hours of wedding coverage, images on disc, image rights, etc).</div>

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:7a8099d1-42eb-42b4-a4eb-6d804f441e40">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style : Are you talking about recent posts?  I think they just bought a new wide angle lens, and that may be what you are seeing.  I don't think they stretch their photos. Just be honest when you talk to photogs and let them know EXACTLY what style you are looking for and what you want.  Good ones will tell you up front if they cannot accommodate your tastes.  I think McG will run you around $2700-3000 for a basic package (epics + six hours of wedding coverage, images on disc, image rights, etc).
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]



I think you're right. It's the lenses. It makes the people wider, which is not very flattering but otherwise, some of the pictures are quite gorgeous. They're in my price range if it's around $3000. Thanks guys. More rec is greatly appreciated. I'll make sure to be honest with them on what I want. When I look at wedding photography, the one thing that turns me off is if they're posed and awkward and unnatural looking.

angelsong21

Names that are thrown around here a lot are McGowan, SixFourteen, Maddie Pie Creations, and more.  Hopefully others will chime in.  Stacy Reeves is amaaaaaaazing but very expensive.  Her work is just incredible, though.

None of these photographers do the unnatural, forced poses.  Our pictures turned out GREAT and we are not photographic people.  Cameras make us nervous.  Let's say McG, for us, made a great deal of something out of nothing.

rsaleh84

Wow I wish I had y'alls budget!  My budget was $1000 or less, which thankfully we found a couple who accomodates that and is actually pretty great for what they charge...I was so upset when I was searching for photogs because their prices were just so far out of our range...it seems they charge excessively sometimes...I mean some of them START their packages @ $2500...I guess I'm just cheap lol

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:ce4f5c66-6d00-404a-b57e-4373e580ff38">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow I wish I had y'alls budget!  My budget was $1000 or less, which thankfully we found a couple who accomodates that and is actually pretty great for what they charge...I was so upset when I was searching for photogs because their prices were just so far out of our range...it seems they charge excessively sometimes...I mean some of them START their packages @ $2500...I guess I'm just cheap lol
Posted by rsaleh84[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Some people place much more emphasis on photography for their weddings while others don't care as much about the photography.  We didn't hire a videographer, so we really wanted excellent quality pictures.  We initially hired a "budget" photographer under $1000 and quickly realized that the level of quality and professionalism this person expressed did not even hold a candle to the more expensive photographer we went with.  It is true that you get what you pay for, and part of that is experience, professionalism, and quality.  Pictures were extremely important to me, so we were willing to up the budget and save in other areas.  Just depends on your preferences, I think.

</div>

rsaleh84

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:d6c40ce6-2a28-44b3-828a-0429dd8e15c1">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style : Some people place much more emphasis on photography for their weddings while others don't care as much about the photography.  We didn't hire a videographer, so we really wanted excellent quality pictures.  We initially hired a "budget" photographer under $1000 and quickly realized that the level of quality and professionalism this person expressed did not even hold a candle to the more expensive photographer we went with.  It is true that you get what you pay for, and part of that is experience, professionalism, and quality.  Pictures were extremely important to me, so we were willing to up the budget and save in other areas.  Just depends on your preferences, I think.
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]

I agree...you definitely get what you paid for...it was so hard for us not to choose a more expensive photographer because we also are not having video at the wedding, but our budget just couldn't afford it...even after all the cost cutting we tried to do...both sides of our family are not able to help as much as they would like, so we had to make do with what we could afford.  I am a big time bargain hunter, so I searched and searched until I found a good match for our price, but if we could afford it, I would have the best of the best for both photo and video!  Weddings are so expensive...it makes me want to cry lol 

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:ceadc233-0b93-49f4-bb8c-20f14e824713">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]Names that are thrown around here a lot are McGowan, SixFourteen, Maddie Pie Creations, and more.  Hopefully others will chime in.  Stacy Reeves is amaaaaaaazing but very expensive.  Her work is just incredible, though. None of these photographers do the unnatural, forced poses.  Our pictures turned out GREAT and we are not photographic people.  Cameras make us nervous.  Let's say McG, for us, made a great deal of something out of nothing. :)
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]



Hi, can you tell me what happened with McG? Why did they make a big deal out of nothing? Oh, and I agree with others in that photography is very important to me. They're the only thing that I can keep when all said and done. Our budget is 20K and that literally includes everything from venue to honeymoon and wedding bands. I'm cutting back on lots of things like dresses and decorations. I'm looking for a dress with alterations under $500. To me, they're not important. I'm only going to wear it once so I'm actually looking for something where I can alter it into a cocktail dress when it's over. Also flowers. Totally irrevalent to me that they are as long as they fit my color schemes, which is also something that's not important to me. We're getting married at Paradise Cove on November 4 of this year. The two things that's important to me are a beautiful outdoor venue and beautiful photography. No videography. I hate looking at myself on cameras.

I checked out Stacy Reeves and honestly, I'm not a fan. :( I know she's very popular but not my style.

vdam

Also, I checked out Maddie Pie Creations and I liked them also. Just emailed them for more info. Thanks for the recs.

MarieSD

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:3f06ef4b-5a43-4b65-bd5d-95cd9ef7e6ee">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style : Hi, can you tell me what happened with McG? Why did they make a big deal out of nothing?
Posted by vdam[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure she just means that the McG's took some amazing pictures of them, i.e., she doesn't think they usually photograph well but they look like models in their McG photos.

OP, I think of my photographer's style as what you describe, but when I look at the link you sent ... she's not quite as "dreamy" as Pure Light (That's the only way I can describe the lighting and everything). But anyway, if you want more websites to check out, my photographer was Stacie Tatum, and her packages start just above 2k I think. I paid 3k exactly, including engagement photos and a longer timeframe on the wedding day.

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:7faef2fd-2147-4d9a-b6ff-522cb7d01b04">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style :<strong> I'm pretty sure she just means that the McG's took some amazing pictures of them, i.e., she doesn't think they usually photograph well but they look like models in their McG photos.</strong> OP, I think of my photographer's style as what you describe, but when I look at the link you sent ... she's not quite as "dreamy" as Pure Light (That's the only way I can describe the lighting and everything). But anyway, if you want more websites to check out, my photographer was Stacie Tatum, and her packages start just above 2k I think. I paid 3k exactly, including engagement photos and a longer timeframe on the wedding day.
Posted by MarieSD[/QUOTE]

<div>LOL, yes, this is what I meant.  OP, I don't know how that got so skewed but the way you took it is not what I meant... at all.</div>

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:7faef2fd-2147-4d9a-b6ff-522cb7d01b04">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style : I'm pretty sure she just means that the McG's took some amazing pictures of them, i.e., she doesn't think they usually photograph well but they look like models in their McG photos. OP, I think of my photographer's style as what you describe, but when I look at the link you sent ... she's not quite as "dreamy" as Pure Light (That's the only way I can describe the lighting and everything). But anyway, if you want more websites to check out, my photographer was Stacie Tatum, and her packages start just above 2k I think. I paid 3k exactly, including engagement photos and a longer timeframe on the wedding day.
Posted by MarieSD[/QUOTE]



Oh, ok. That makes more sense. Haha. I checked out Stacie Tatum is liked her also but you're right. She's not quite dreamy and well, otherworldly for lack of better terms, as Pure Light but I know that it's unreasonable for me to expect the exact same thing. You know how when you connect instantly with a photographer? That's how I felt with Pure Light's photos. I love all of them because somehow, to me, she captured the emotions so well and for whatever reason, all the people in the photos she took look so beautiful even if they're not classical so. While there are photographers here that has elements like hers, I don't see that in all the photos they took. I hate the whole posing awkwardly with hands on hips and looking oddly at cameras so when I see photos with that, I cross the photographer out. I'm hoping to find a photographer whose photos connected with me so much that I love all of them. That's quite hard to find.

I think the reason I don't like Stacy Reeves and others like her is because to me, while it's beautiful, the lighting used is cooler tone. It doesn't invoke a dreamy, romantic feeling when I look at it, unlike some that uses a warmer, yellow tone. I don't know if that makes sense.

Anyhow, I'm going to contact the photographer you recced. Thanks!

vdam

Actually, I have to edit what I said about Stacy Reeves. I've mistaken her for another photographer. My apologies. No, Stacy Reeves uses warmer tones lighting that's very beautiful. I think when I thought of her and why I crossed her out earlier on was because she's so pricey that with the money I'd spend on her, I could probably get Pure Light.

cwaggoner07

I will throw my photographer, Leslie Spurlock, out there. She's great, and is one of the best photogs at working with natural light.
https://www.facebook.com/lesliespurlockphotography

MarieSD

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:9499413a-2931-42c2-97aa-e4dd07fe6868">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]You know how when you connect instantly with a photographer? That's how I felt with Pure Light's photos. I love all of them because somehow, to me, she captured the emotions so well and for whatever reason, all the people in the photos she took look so beautiful even if they're not classical so.
Posted by vdam[/QUOTE]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I stumbled across my photographer by accident and that was the first time I was actually excited about planning a wedding. I wanted to be in every single photo on her website. I felt about her photos the same way you describe feeling about Pure Light's.

You'll get more recs from other ladies (especially on Monday) but I recommend just googling combinations of "dallas + wedding + photography" or "dallas arboretum wedding photography" (insert random wedding venues in DFW). That's how I found my photographer -- I was actually googling a random reception venue in FW and trying to find pictures of it (besides on the venue's website) and stumbled across my photographer's blog. That might be quicker than looking up photographers by name individually. I hope you find a photographer you love!

cwaggoner07

I agree with finding a photographer who has shot your venue before. At least take it into consideration, because they will know some good places to take pics, and be used to how the light falls. Like I said, not crucial, but I loved my photographer, and when I learned that they had shot my venue before, it just sealed the deal.

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:6c7e4608-42d6-40f3-98e2-1a609953e75e">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with finding a photographer who has shot your venue before. At least take it into consideration, because they will know some good places to take pics, and be used to how the light falls. Like I said, not crucial, but I loved my photographer, and when I learned that they had shot my venue before, it just sealed the deal.
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I agree that its REALLY helpful to see pics of your venue done by your photographer.  In my case, most of the weddings I had seen shot at our venue were in February or in the winter at some point.  Considering the venue is known for its gardens, it wasn't an optimal time to take outdoor pictures there so I had no good idea of how the place could be shot.  For our wedding in May, the pictures were night and day from the ones I had seen before.

</div>

ashleym060

We're leaning towards www.dallasclassicphotography.com They have the best value from what we have seen now. As nice as some of the photos of Stacy reeves are, there just isnt enough of a difference to pay thousands more for nearly the same thing.

ktwed1

I'm using Cindy and Saylor Photographers http://cindyandsaylor.com
I've worked with Cindy a couple of times as she took both of my daughter's senior portraits and they turned out fantastic. Cindy's packages start at $2500 and include e-pics. We went higher for photographer budget as tyhis is something really important to us and honestly I really wanted Cindy to do them.

fallbride1109

When I looked at Pure Light the McGowans came to mind as well as Perez Photography (who was my first choice but not available on my date) as well as Joseph Mark.  Both of these would be at the higher end of your price point.

I used Lynn Michelle for my wedding day and she also shot another Knottie's wedding at Paradise Cove the year I got married.  Not sure if she suits your style but I love her.

I also love the McGowans as does everyone here--they did the B&G shot that's in my siggy.

winechic25

So when I looked at Pure Light, their style is kinda close to how my photographer shoots.  We used Jenny Martell Photographers.  They may be a bit to modern for what you're looking for, but we're not "modern" people, and ours isn't quite a much that style that you see.

I have links to our wedding if you want to see more of an actual wedding. 

That said, they are definitely on the higher end.  We paid a little over $5,000, but that was e-pics, bridals, day of, disk, FANTASTIC wedding album and two parents albums. 

Link -- /> http://jennymartellphotography.com/newblog/

lynn-michelle

You may really like:

http://www.erikclausen.com/blog/
http://www.josephwashere.com

angelsong21

I was going through some of my old wedding magazines just now to get rid of some of this stuff, and I noticed an ad for this group:   http://www.beauxartsphoto.com/

I don't know anyone that has used them and don't have a way to verify that they are a photographer that treats their brides well, BUT it looks like their style is very similar to some of the ones on Pure Light's page.  More muted colors, more "dreamy" in the editing, etc.  May be worth an inquiry.

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:13556c3a-f867-45b6-8c0b-58ffde2009f5">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]So when I looked at Pure Light, their style is kinda close to how my photographer shoots.  We used Jenny Martell Photographers.  They may be a bit to modern for what you're looking for, but we're not "modern" people, and ours isn't quite a much that style that you see. I have links to our wedding if you want to see more of an actual wedding.  That said, they are definitely on the higher end.  We paid a little over $5,000, but that was e-pics, bridals, day of, disk, FANTASTIC wedding album and two parents albums.  Link -- /> <a href="http://jennymartellphotography.com/newblog/" rel="nofollow">http://jennymartellphotography.com/newblog/</a>
Posted by winechic25[/QUOTE]



Holy Smoke Batman, her pics are gorgeous! As well and Joseph Mark's! Thank you so much guys! Erik Clausen's is beautiful as well but waaay out of my price range. $6000 starting price. Haha, if only I have that money... But these are wonderful recs! Jenny Martell's is a bit high but they're wonderful pics. I'm going to contact her and Joseph. Oh, and McGowan is available for my date. McGowan, Martell and Mark are my short list so far, as well as The Three Photography. The Three is by far the cheapest but not exactly my dream photographer. Still, they have wonderful pics as well. Again, thanks or being so kind!

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:0be2ebe2-8a92-43d6-9ba4-06dc2dc2fce0">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Looking for a particular photography style :

Holy Smoke Batman, her pics are gorgeous! As well and Joseph Mark's! Thank you so much guys! Erik Clausen's is beautiful as well but waaay out of my price range. $6000 starting price. Haha, if only I have that money... But these are wonderful recs! Jenny Martell's is a bit high but they're wonderful pics. I'm going to contact her and Joseph. Oh, and McGowan is available for my date. McGowan, Martell and Mark are my short list so far, as well as The Three Photography. The Three is by far the cheapest but not exactly my dream photographer. Still, they have wonderful pics as well. Again, thanks or being so kind!
Posted by vdam[/QUOTE]



Oh, also Stacie Tatum is also short listed. Out of the five, my favorite is Jenny Martell. But $5,000 is so high. Don't know how much more I can cut in my budget.

joe&cassie

We are planning McGowan Images for ours. They were the only photogs that we looked at and I fell in love.

fallbride1109

I also considered Jenny Martell but she was also unavailable on my date.

vdam

I've rested my eyes, took a break and reviewed back all the photographers I liked. I realized Joseph West is exactly what I'm looking for. He's available on my date and I'm going to meet up with him this week. Only downside is that he's a little pricer than my budget. The info he send me had his starting package at $3,400 and that's just very basic. 8 hours of photography on wedding day, 1 hour engagement session, DVD and high resolution edit. No albums or print. I wonder if $3,400 includes taxes... Regardless, I loved his photos! It's very much like Pure Light, dreamy and muted and very romantic. Thanks so much! More recs is welcome though!

vdam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_looking-for-a-particular-photography-style?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:38e23b44-1768-40b6-8376-7aa7d8262b5aPost:62b9c0db-ba51-4b9f-bc4c-8d92bee27ac9">Re: Looking for a particular photography style</a>:
[QUOTE]I've rested my eyes, took a break and reviewed back all the photographers I liked. I realized Joseph West is exactly what I'm looking for. He's available on my date and I'm going to meet up with him this week. Only downside is that he's a little pricer than my budget. The info he send me had his starting package at $3,400 and that's just very basic. 8 hours of photography on wedding day, 1 hour engagement session, DVD and high resolution edit. No albums or print. I wonder if $3,400 includes taxes... Regardless, I loved his photos! It's very much like Pure Light, dreamy and muted and very romantic. Thanks so much! More recs is welcome though!
Posted by vdam[/QUOTE]



Actually, it's $3,600. :( hopefully that's including taxes...