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Today we have a "7 Questions" vendor spotlight. I am so excited to share Studio 563 with you guys. This amazing wedding photography studio produces some of the most gorgeous wedding images in the Houston and Austin areas. And owners and principal photographers of the Houston studio, Craig and April Davis, were kind enough to give us some insight into their work processes. I can personally attest that Craig and April are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So brides, if you're looking for a wedding photographer, look no further than Studio 563. I mean...check out these images...they speak for themselves! And after you're done devouring the images here, go to their website and check out even more!
1. Describe your style of photography.
I believe that the most unique thing about my photography is the experience that comes along with it. I really look for and try to predict moments before they happen that a bride or a groom or a family or friend will want to cherish for years to come. I do this by trying to develop a relationship with the couple and their wedding party on the wedding day that gives me that "insider's" perspective on what will be important to them beyond that one day.
2. What's your favorite part of a wedding to photograph?
My favorite part. Hmm...I would have to say that it depends on the wedding. Each day is unique enough between the people attending the event and the setting of the event that sometimes it's the couple's portraits and others it's the reception. There have been several ceremonies lately that have had so much heart in them that they were my favorite part. If the girls are getting ready somewhere fun and having a really good time together, or if the guys are getting a vintage shave beforehand that can be a blast to shoot as well. It truly just depends.
3. What elements of a wedding do you feel make it memorable and special?
I think that details go a long way to help retell the story of the day, but as far as memorable and special I think that is really all about the connection the couple has with one another. I think that if the couple does not allow anything to get in the way of the excitement that they should have just to get married, then that is all it takes to make special memories.
4. What is the best shooting experience at a wedding you've had to date? What made it so special?
Oh man. This is a really tough question to answer. I think that destination weddings may be my favorite but not for the obvious reason. It's actually a pain in the butt to travel with all of the needed gear to pull off a wedding successfully. I like them because of the relaxed atmosphere. People seem to not stress out about timelines and details as much. It allows them to truly focus on enjoying each other and the fact that they are coming together forever. Very cool.
5. What advice do you have for couples when choosing a wedding photographer?
You know this is probably not the answer that you might expect from me. The truth is that if the work is not of a certain standard then that photographer should not be shooting weddings on their own yet. There are so many shooters whose work is on the same page. What the client should be asking themselves is can I work with this person and do I like the finished product. I can guarantee one thing for sure. If a person cares about their photography experience and the driving factor in making their decision is how much does it cost, they will be disappointed. Conversely if the photographer is priced fairly within the market for what they provide and the client likes them and their work, then book em! You will be happy that you did.
6. What do you wish couples would do to make your job easier?
You know it sounds easy but I wish that they would all just relax. Don't try and micromanage your wedding day. Make the plans, communicate with your vendors, and if you and your vendors are on the same page then just enjoy yourself. You will not regret this I promise. If you are enjoying yourself and not looking for something to go wrong then your pictures will be happier.
7. From a design perspective, what backdrops do you feel make the most beautiful wedding images?
Wow. Again an answer that is different from circumstance to circumstance. You know when getting ready just try and not fill up the room with boxes or bags or ugly hangers-as little clutter visible as possible. Make the snack tray kind of an organized mess. For ceremonies, one thing that is often missed is the light on the couple. If your stage is bright but the couple is standing on the steps where it is darker then the couple will be in the dark in the images. That is just the way it is. Anytime it is possible the place where the couple will be standing for the majority of the ceremony should be the absolute brightest spot in the room. Especially since as professionals we do not use flashes during the ceremony. For portraits I would say anywhere that the light is the best. In order of priority we look for light, then background. Receptions-I say spend less money on huge flowers and save dollars to allocate towards lighting. Room lighting is HUGE. They are expensive but when you can light each table individually as well as uplighting in the room THAT is when your reception will look AMAZING.
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