WOW, WOW, WOW

We were not going to post this, but we felt that all of the photographers out there would appreciate this awesome task.

An incredible opportunity was offered to us by a local company to fly to Africa and photograph an expedition there. Unfortunately, we don't like to fly that far so we've turned down the offer. However, we've given the go to another photographer that we network with and he was more than willing to accept the job. He even offered to give us half of the money that he'll receive from the rather substantial check.

We wish him the best and a safe trip. The trip will be next spring and once everything is finalized, we'll give more coverage and insight on the matter. I know the experience alone will be breathtaking and a once in a lifetime event. The most interesting thing is, among all of the talented photographers in the Houston area, they said that something about our work stood out to them and they gave us a call.

Maybe one day I'll gather the nerve to fly that far, but for now three hour flights to California are more than enough.

We'll keep you posted.
Perfect Silhouette Photography
"Keep doing what your doing if it makes you happy and does not affect anyone else!"

" Exclusive Sneak Peek"

We hope you enjoy the bridal sessions that are on the main website. This is just a quick look at summer wedding photos, ideas and good things to come. Also, be sure to look through the Trash The Dress section. This was creative, fun and a real treat to photograph.

Selecting A Photographer That's Right For You

Introduction

Well, summer time is quickly approaching and that means the number of wedding ceremonies will be rising rapidly. To be sure you are ready to go through with your big day, we have added some key points for you to view as you prepare for one of the happiest and most memorable days of your life.

Your Personal Budget

Many wedding photographers will work with clients to create a package to fit the clients' individual needs. This would include location(s), total photography time, images, albums and copyright releases. There are many photographers that will have a package that already meets your budget and tastes. Ask questions to figure out what you truly need.

The Working Relationship

You should feel secure, comfortable and confident with and about the photographer you select to photograph your wedding. This is a day full of events that will not allow opportunities to re-shoot mistakes. Also, the pace is very rapid and your photographer should be able to document events as they occur without being obtrusive. They should also be willing to listen to any requests you may have and discuss what can and cannot be done throughout the wedding day. The best advice is to meet with the photographer in person and ask as many questions that you need answered. This will also allow you to determine if you are comfortable with this particular photographer or if you need to look elsewhere. There is no charge or harm with meeting multiple photographers. Ultimately, it is your money, time and day and should occur as you envision.

The Wedding Location

Most professional photographers can produce stunning and breathtaking images, but some are better at different location types than others. So often, it seems like a piece of cake to compare the work of different photographers, but be sure to compare apples to apples. Be sure that the person(s) you select has the skill and experience photographing in a venue similar to the one you will be using. Also, if your photographer has not photographed in a church or cannot show images in a church, then they may not be prepared to shoot without using flash as most that have shot in a church know. This is critical for your image quality.

Image Quality

Sometimes, be very weary of photographers that use black and white or sepia toning for most or all of their indoor shots. This is often used to mask image noise due to poor exposure, cheaper, low quality lenses and entry level camera equipment that do not handle well in low light conditions. A mix of these is fine and artistic, but a red flag should go up when the majority or all of the images are processed in this manner. Another aspect to observe are how images are cropped on websites and in portfolios. If the aspect does not look quite right on websites and in portfolios, chances are they are not going to be done correctly with your images. There are some websites where this is readily noticeable, so look for these things. This reflects quality control. Also, observe color accuracy when searching websites and viewing portfolios. This alerts you of time spent editing and processing images, versus just posting images directly from the camera.

Equipment

All professional photographers will have top notch equipment and know how to use it properly. The name brand won't affect quality, but proper use and good technique will. However, an amateur photographer may believe that they can sell themselves as a professional photographer if they believe the equipment is the most important tool for exceptional images. Thus, you have some people with the most expensive cameras producing sub par images, and people with less expensive cameras creating stunning images. The equipment is important, but is only a fraction of the equation. Let the photographer's images speak for themselves.

Final Notes To Consider

Does the photographer look as if they can get around quickly enough to capture your day? Photographing weddings and events are tiresome and on-going tasks that last for an entire day. Meaning the photographer(s) shall be on their feet for most or all of it. If they don't really seem as if they can keep pace, keep looking until you know that your selected photographer is ready to be there when you need them. It is also a plus to have more than one photographer for the event.

Is confidence immediately noticed with the photographer, or is doubt readily visible during the consultation? Does the photographer know about their equipment and how to fully utilize it to produce the best images possible? Research some questions that true photographers should be able to answer and ask as many questions as you need until you are 100% comfortable. Any photographer can show you images, but can they explain why it was shot or composed the way it is presented to you? Also, beware of the auto photographer that sets the camera to auto mode and shoots away.

Does the photographer look professional? Are they well spoken and can they explain things to you along with answering your questions? Are they well dressed and/or well groomed. Photographers that take care of themselves will take pride in their work because they know how important their appearance is to selling their product. Be up front concerning what attire and demeanor you expect from your photographer.

Does the photographer seem to have the ability to blend in or will they stick out like a sore thumb? The wedding day is yours, not theirs and they should be invisible to the audience when moving in any location throughout the wedding venue. They should not block the family and friends in attendance from being able to view and share your day with you.

If you have an uneasy feeling or doubt about the photographer, chances are there is a reason for it, so continue to look until you feel totally comfortable.

We hope that these tips will help to point you in the right direction in your search for a wedding photographer.

Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Perfect Silhouette Photography (PSP)

Good Times During Tough Times

We at Perfect Silhouette Photography would love to send out a great thank you to everyone that accesses our site and decides to use us for their weddings, occassions and portait photography. We have truly been blessed in this tough economic time. So far, we have contracted 7 upcoming weddings for 2009 and a host of engagement and family portrait shoots. We look forward to working with many more during this year and welcome you with warm hearts and open arms. We strive to give you the best because you bring the best out of us. Earlier this year we worked with another photography company, but separated into two unaffiliated businesses. We hope they are doing well because thanks to you all, we are doing great.

Also, we were selected by an advertising company to appear in their ads and campaigns. We had not contacted them, but somehow they found us. It is true that good things come to those who wait. We shall post the advertising company's address once we finalize the ad and information. Truly, these are indeed Good Times During Tough Times.

May you all find good fortune and many reasons to laugh and smile. Thank you again for using us and passing along the word about Perfect Silhouette Photography.

Katie and Dustin

Katie and Dustin were very, very fun to work with. We all made each other laugh throughout the entire photo session. They were extremely comfortable in front of the camera and really compliment each other. They are a truly unique couple. I look forward to working with them again soon. May they have the best of luck and times together.

Two Hearts Share The Same Beat

Melvin and Keshia have weathered the best and worst of times, being there for one another. Rarely does an unshakeable love surface that is so obvious to all that are bystanders. I had the joy and privilege to share this day with them. Not just as a photographer, but also as a friend as I have grown to know them and see their love flourish. Wishing them the best of times and endless years together.

Out At The Creek

I met this wonderful couple by chance at Oyster Creek Park. I was taking photographs of all the people that were out that evening and I noticed how great these two looked together. So, I began to take a few shots and realized that they were so natural and comfortable together that they hadn't noticed me photographing them. Just look at how the images speak for themselves, showing how much fun and happiness theyr'e sharing together. I did eventually speak to them and they were great to talk with.

Thanks for such great, candid images.