Collages.net recently had the chance to speak with Judy Dawson of Visuality in Oklahoma City, OK about her studio.
Judy Dawson and Chris Heldenbrand
When did you start shooting?
I started photographing in high school for our yearbook and special events. I then took photography courses in college and later attended several workshops at the Texas School of Photography. After a successful stint as a free-lance editorial photographer, I began apprenticing at weddings with local photographers. I gradually gained the courage to go out on my own and start Visuality. Ten years later - here we are!
How would you describe your style?
Our style mixes photojournalistic and traditional styles. We also shoot some “guided” candid shots, but our images have a natural look. We think of it as enhancing the candid look, rather than posing. Some of the couples at first feel a bit awkward, but when they see the results, they love it!
Do you have any influences?
Bambi Cantrell has had a huge influence on me in terms of contemporary photographers. I have been in contact with her several times and she gave me some pointers that have helped my studio.
What do you love shooting?
Weddings are definitely my forte, but I also love shooting bridal portraits. Chris shoots most of the engagement sessions and then we collaborate at the weddings. I love shooting weddings because they are always fun and festive. Capturing everyone on a happy day when everyone looks great is such a joy. I also love knowing that I am capturing a historical moment for a family.
What is the best part of the wedding day?
Besides eating the cake? I would say getting photos of the bride and groom during or before the ceremony is my favorite part of the day. We’ve found that about 25% of our couples want to see each other before hand, which gives us more time and flexibility to shoot their portraits.
What gear do you use?
We use all Canon gear – mainly the 5D and 40Ds.
Do you have a favorite lens?
I really like my 85mm 1.2.
In terms of your style and what you shoot, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the romance of the day. For me, it’s inspirational to see a couple in love and see them interact with each other.
Do you use Facebook or other social networking sites?
Right now, I use Facebook for personal use and have a business page, but we’re so busy catching up with weddings that we haven’t had the time to really put too much effort into it.
Do you have a favorite venue or location that you love to shoot?
I like gardens and architecturally interesting buildings. There is a place in Guthrie, OK called the Dominion House, which is an architecturally stunning location. The Masonic Temple and Cole’s Garden are also great locations where I love to shoot. I like churches, too, but Oklahoma is a relatively new state, so we don’t have the old historically beautiful churches like you do on the east coast.
What was the best business decision you’ve made this year?
Probably meeting with vendors and establishing relationships with them. We’ve gotten a lot of leads in the past just from networking with vendors. It’s a great idea to keep in touch with vendors as well as other photographers, too, in case they ever get overbooked.
Do you ever run promotions or specials for your clients?
We try to run a special about every month or so. Every promotion is different – some are a little more extravagant than other months. I think one of our best promotions was when we offered a gallery wrap with every booking during a certain period of time.
When people leave your studio, what impression do you want them to leave with?
That we care about them and that we’ll do a great job for them. Also, that we’ll give them great customer service.
What is your favorite Collages.net product or service and why?
Of course the books, but I also love the event cards, which is also something that our clients love. We’ll be meeting with a potential client and they just love the idea – they think it’s really cool. Also, the Premium leather albums are really nice and online posting is great, too!
What was your strangest wedding moment?
We once shot a wedding towards the end of October for a couple who asked their guests to come in costume. All the guests showed up in costumes and bride and groom were dressed as Godzilla and the Bride of Frankenstein! They walked down the aisle to a funeral dirge, which was very strange!
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