You or your family members have worked your tails off to complete the courses and attain that sought-after title of Graduate!  Remember this special moment by having a perfect photographic record. You’ll want to share this achievement by passing these photos around to all your friends and relatives!  And if you’re planning a post-graduation party, be sure to get all the fun photos of your friends enjoying themselves too!

Dream Pixel Photography still has several days and evenings available this graduation season, so call us now to schedule your photos of your prize graduation!  You can choose a pre-graduate portrait, or a post-graduate onsite series of photos, or the always popular graduation party mix starting at only $49.00!

Call me now at 512-565-1446 for your free consultation appointment!  Any images you order will be completely retouched to our studio standards.  Special orders are welcome!

For more information, email me at bill@dreampixelphotography.com.

1)    Where do I find a really good professional photographer?

2)    How do I know he or she is really good?

3)    What should I expect to pay for a professional photographer?

4)    When should I start looking for my professional photographer?

You’ve come to the right place because these and other important photography questions are answered right here! Here’s what you need to know when you contract with a professional photographer for your wedding or other special occasion.

Where do I find a really good professional photographer?

The first question is the easiest since the Austin, TX area is truly the Mecca of fine artists, and this includes photographers.  While there are hundreds of event photographers residing in Austin, there are only about 15 or so that can claim the title of a “really good photographer.”  And the best place to start is with your friends and family. They will know which photographer was the best for their needs and budget.  Look for member associations with trade craft organizations such as the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the Texas Professional Photographers Association (TPPA), and the International Special Events Society (ISES).  Be careful of claims to be “The best” since a truly fine artist will not need to say as such.

How do I know that he or she is really good?

Always ask to see their portfolio of past events.  With this review should be a look at their entire portfolio of the prior event that you want them to cover for you.  This way you can see not only the best photographs of the event but also the “routine” photographs. Do these additional photographs also meet with your expectations?  Will the photographer you’re speaking with be the actual photographer for your event? Often times a mentorship relationship exists for “start-up” photographers, and it is not normally a bad thing. Just be sure that your photographer will be the main photographer.  Does the photographer have any awards or certifications?  This may or may not play into your determination for a photographer for your event, but it’s always nice to know.

What should I expect to pay for a professional photographer?

This may seem like a tough question to answer, but it’s really an easy one.  For the normal wedding event plan on investing a minimum 15% of your budget with your professional photographer.  Notice the key word of “investing.”  Only your photographer can give you memories of your event that truly last a lifetime.  Only your photographer will work to assure that your photographs are enhanced correctly and presented to you in a timely fashion.  And only your photographer will be there for you in times to come: for births, school, and other important family milestones.  Which begs the question:  Why would you trust just anyone with your important photographs?

When should I start looking for my professional photographer?

Immediately!  As soon as you know that you’re going to have a wedding or other important event, start looking for that important ally.  The date and time of your event is what is most important to your professional photographer.  They are easily booked months in advance, so you don’t want to be left without your key assistant for your event.

While these basic questions and answers are a start, your best gage to finding a good photographer is still the same – trust your instincts.  If you feel comfortable with him or her, then chances are you have found a good fit.  Look for other answers to follow in subsequent issues of this blog!

Parents, bring your child, camera and Christmas lists to the Nutty Brown Cafe for pictures with Santa Claus!  Donations are kindly accepted for the Burke Center for Youth. Nutty Brown Cafe is located at 12225 West Hwy 290 Austin, TX 78737 .  Sponsored by DVine Marketing, Dream Pixel Photography, and the Nutty Brown Cafe.  All professional photos, Christmas Cards and other pro photo products with Santa Claus will be on sale at HALF PRICE, and benefiting the Burke Center!

Point, click, and shop from the comfort of your home now through December 4 to bid on practical, fun and creative donated items including vacations to far away places, romantic dinners and hotel stays in Austin, Spa services, a wedding photography package, the opportunity to serve as Principal for a day at Dripping Springs High School, a Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce Membership, iTunes gift cards, sports memorabilia and tickets to the event of your choice, and many more. Do some holiday shopping while supporting the Burke Center’s mission of supporting children in crisis by going to www.biddingforgood.com/burkecenterforyouth.

Then we get to take the engagement images for Rachel and James on the UT and Capitol grounds. Another great couple, indeed!  Then on the following Sunday comes the engagement photos of Danielle and Phillip – truly in love and wanting only the best!

Wow, what a list of gorgeous couples!  Makes my job very easy!

Then on Thanksgiving day or that weekend immediately following will come the Love Reunited images for returning servicepeople and their wonderful, supporting families.  I’m especially fortunate to capture the strong emotions and great times of the occassion, and providing our service men and women with a tangible reminder of their cherished homecoming!  Please join me in thanking both parties for their heroic efforts and good fortune to come home.

And lastly, we still have some dates available through the end of 2011!  Let me help you with your New Years Eve Party or other fun event!  I can be on call within 48 hours if the date has not already been reserved.  Leave me a message below!

To view the images just go to the Galleries, click on Client Proofs, then on My Photographs – Recently Added, then enjoy!

The band was excellent and much enjoyed by all!  First prize for costumes went to the “Mirror on the Wall” and rightly so!  But check out Mega Man!

Let me know what you think and which images were the best!  The images can also be seen on my Facebook page.  Check it out and “Like” me as well!

Whether in weddings, bridal portraits, engagement portraits, birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, or other family milestones, Dream Pixel Photography will present you with the finest results!

Based in Austin and available in the Hill Country, Houston, Dallas and all surrounding areas, we specialize in the best wedding photography. If you have limited time or a budget, or you want the finest in all regards, Dream Pixel Photography will always provide you with the courtesy, professionalism, style, and accommodations that you’ve come to expect.

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