Why Your First Chat with Your Photographer Matters More Than You Think

Why Your First Chat with Your Photographer Matters More Than You Think

Choosing your wedding photographer is about so much more than pretty pictures. Yes, you want someone who can deliver stunning images—but there’s one thing that’s just as important as their portfolio: making sure you actually click with them.

That’s where a simple pre-wedding call comes in.

Why the Call Matters

Your photographer will be with you through some of the most emotional, exciting, and even chaotic moments of your day. They’ll be there when you’re getting ready with your friends, standing at the altar, and sharing your first dance as a married couple. Having someone you connect with on a personal level changes everything.

During a call, you get the chance to:

• See if your personalities mesh – You’ll quickly know if you feel comfortable with them.

• Talk through your vision – Share what’s most important to you, whether it’s candid moments, creative portraits, or both.

• Ask questions – Everything from timelines to backup plans becomes easier to discuss in real time.

The Comfort Factor

When you mesh with your photographer, you’ll feel more at ease in front of the camera—and that shows in your photos. Natural smiles, genuine laughter, and those candid moments happen when you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, not just “hiring someone.”

My Approach

I love hopping on a call with couples because it sets the tone for the entire experience. We get to know each other, talk about what you want for your day, and make sure we’re a good fit. The goal isn’t just amazing photos—it’s making sure the experience is enjoyable from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

So, before you book, schedule that call. Take the time to chat, laugh, and see if you vibe with your photographer. Because at the end of the day, the right photographer isn’t just someone who takes great pictures—they’re someone who helps you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy every moment of your wedding day.

Romantic Backdrops Everywhere: Engagement Photos at Cox Arboretum

If you ask me for the best outdoor location for engagement photos in Dayton, Ohio, my answer is simple: Cox Arboretum MetroPark—hands down. This place has an almost infinite variety of settings, and every single one brings a new vibe to your photos.

A Photographer’s Playground

One moment, you’re by a serene pond; take a few steps, and you’re in the middle of a whimsical bush maze. Turn around, and there’s a line of tall trees framing the sunlight just right. Walk a little further, and you can climb a tower for an epic perspective shot. There’s even a prairie, peaceful woods, and of course—the famous Monet bridge that feels like it was made for romantic photo shoots.

Every corner of Cox Arboretum has its own personality, and after photographing so many couples here, I can tell you—it delivers every single time.

The Magic of Golden Hour

Here’s my favorite tip: plan your session for golden hour. I always suggest meeting up about an hour and a half before sunset. At first, the light is soft and pretty, and as you get more comfortable in front of the camera, the sun drops lower, the glow gets richer, and magic starts to happen.

Some times of the year, the sun hits my favorite spots in the park perfectly, creating that dreamy, romantic lighting couples love.

More Than Engagement Photos

Cox Arboretum isn’t just for couples—families love it too. With kid-friendly play areas, fish and turtles in the ponds, and plenty of space to explore, it’s the kind of place where you can create beautiful memories and gorgeous photos all in one trip.

You’ll Fall in Love With It, Too

Every time I take a couple to Cox Arboretum for the first time, they fall in love with it instantly. The variety, the beauty, the way it changes with the seasons—it’s simply unbeatable.

So, if you’re planning engagement photos (or even family photos!) in the Dayton area, trust me: Cox Arboretum MetroPark is the spot.

Off the Beaten Path: Finding One-of-a-Kind Photoshoot Spots

Sometimes the best photos happen in the most unexpected places. Take this couple, for example—they rented what looked like a pretty ordinary house on the outside. But the second you opened the front door, you realized it was anything but ordinary.

This Airbnb was designed by an artist who has multiple properties, each with its own unique theme. The bold lines, modern design, and bright pops of color gave us endless opportunities for creative shots—like this one on the staircase that instantly became a favorite.

The cool thing is, there are so many places like this out there. From rentals to boutique hotels to quirky local spots, you can find hidden gems that take your photos to a whole new level.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique location for your next session, don’t overlook vacation rentals. Sometimes the most unassuming buildings hold the most incredible backdrops, just waiting to be discovered.

Quick Guide: How to Find Unique Rental Properties for Photoshoots

1. Start with Airbnb & VRBO Searches

Use keywords like “unique stays”, “designer homes”, or “artistic rentals” when searching. Airbnb even has a “Design” category that features properties with bold architecture and creative interiors.

2. Check Local Facebook Groups & Forums

Sometimes homeowners advertise short-term rentals or themed properties locally before they appear on the big platforms.

3. Search by Specific Features

Look for terms like “loft”, “industrial”, “modern cabin”, or “artist retreat”. These often lead to places with amazing character.

4. Read the Reviews & Look at Photos Closely

Pay attention to reviews mentioning “great for photos” or “beautiful design.” The listing photos can give you a good idea of natural light, open spaces, and unique backdrops.

5. Contact the Host

Before booking, message the host to ask if they’re okay with a photoshoot. Most love the idea and appreciate the heads-up.

6. Think Beyond the House

Look at properties with interesting outdoor spaces too—gardens, rooftop decks, courtyards, or even converted barns.

7. Search for Local Design Hotels

Some boutique hotels or converted inns allow photoshoots for a small fee and often have amazing, curated interiors.

Golden Hour’s Moody Cousin: Why I Love Rainy-Day Shoots

I’ve always been a fan of golden hour—the soft, warm glow as the sun drops low, the way it makes even the most ordinary spots look magical. I’ll always suggest it to couples because, honestly, it rarely disappoints. That kind of light gives you those dreamy, timeless images everyone loves.

But lately? I’ve been falling in love with rainy-day photoshoots.

There’s something about the moody energy rain brings—the quiet atmosphere, the way it softens everything around you, the intimacy it creates. It’s a completely different vibe from the bright, sun-kissed look we’re all used to seeing. And that’s what makes it so special.

I’ll admit, this isn’t for everyone. You have to be okay with getting a little wet, maybe feeling a little cold, and embracing the unpredictability. But when you do, the payoff is incredible. These kinds of photos have a unique, cinematic feel that makes friends and family say, “Whoa… I’ve never seen wedding photos like this.”

The only tricky part? Rain doesn’t always show up when you want it to. But if you go into your session hoping for golden hour and the clouds roll in, don’t be disappointed—because you might just walk away with a gallery unlike anything you imagined.

Tips for an Amazing Rainy-Day Photoshoot

1. Bring a Clear Umbrella

A clear umbrella keeps you dry without blocking the beautiful moments from the camera’s view. It also creates a cozy, romantic vibe when you’re tucked underneath together.

2. Embrace the Mood

Don’t fight the weather—lean into it. The dark clouds and soft light create drama and intimacy you can’t fake on a sunny day.

3. Wear the Right Shoes

If you’re heading outdoors, consider shoes that can handle a bit of mud or water. You can always change into your fancy shoes later for the close-ups.

4. Layer Up if Needed

A stylish jacket, shawl, or even a blanket can keep you warm while adding another element to the photos.

5. Be Flexible with Timing

Rain can come and go quickly, so be ready to shoot during breaks or drizzles for the best variety.

6. Trust the Process

Some of the best rainy-day photos happen when you stop worrying about the weather and just enjoy the moment. Laugh, kiss, dance—it all photographs beautifully in the rain.

7. Have a Backup Plan for Shelter

Whether it’s a covered porch, a greenhouse, or even a parking garage, having a dry option nearby keeps the session stress-free.

Every wedding needs a moment for creative photography

Weddings are beautiful chaos. The day is full of laughter, tears, and timelines that don’t always stick to the plan. As a photographer, you’re constantly running from one moment to the next, making sure you capture everything as it unfolds. But every now and then, it’s important to slow down—just for a few minutes—and make room for creativity.

At a recent wedding, I noticed a small stage tucked away in the reception venue. The background was completely black, almost like a blank canvas waiting to be filled. Immediately, an idea struck. I set up a single light and decided to try a shutter drag technique to create a ghosting effect.

Here’s the thing: I didn’t want to take much of the couple’s time. Wedding days are busy, and I knew these shots were a creative gamble. But that’s the beauty of it—sometimes the most unique images come from those quick, inspired moments where you let creativity take the lead.

The result? A set of photos that look and feel like nothing else from their wedding day. Something artistic. Something bold. Something that, more than likely, nobody else they know has from their wedding.

That’s why I always encourage couples to leave just a little bit of time in their day for these creative experiments. They don’t take long, but the payoff is huge—a one-of-a-kind image that turns a fleeting moment into lasting art.

Cultures

One thing I did not expect when I started my photography business was how many cultures I would get to experience. I never thought being in the middle of Ohio that I would get to see different cultures celebrate some of their biggest life moments. It has become a privilege to be a part of these celebrations.

Since I was a child I saw the photos in National Geographic of all the different cultures around the world. When I picked up a camera, I wanted to get pictures like those. Get the pictures that show someone that lives completely different than I did. I wanted to capture something I have never experienced before. I read a book by a war photographer named Lynsey Addario that painted this picture of what she saw and lived through that inspired me to want to see how people lived outside of my country. When I bought her photo book, I was amazed at some of the photos. I knew I would never get the opportunity to do what she did, to get inside the lives of people that lived so different than us.

One day I received an inquiry to do a first birthday party. I didn’t think much of it and gave my price then booked it. When I arrived, I was in a different world than I had expected. The porch was covered in discarded shoes, I took mine off after reading the situation. When I walked in all the walls were covered in photos from a foreign land and had sandscript posters. This was not what I expected. I met the hosts and quickly realized that I was going to have a unique experience. I was delighted to see the different clothes and tried some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. This event catapulted me into a string of events that gave me a peak into a world not many people get to see.

My most recent experience was one that gave me the photos I have craved since reading Lynsey Addario’s book. I was invited to see an Indian maternity ceremony. The colors, the singing, the entire thing was an experience I really enjoyed. I love the photos I was able to capture. I am very thankful that my passion is leading me to experiences that I would have never had the opportunity to see if I wasn’t doing what I love.

Why I am a photographer

I started Dickson Photographs because photography is my passion.

I grew up with a photographer as a dad so cameras were just a normal part of life. I took it for granted, I always thought if I needed a photographer I had one. I saw his photos every time I walked down the hall, on every one of his walls, they were everywhere I looked. The thing I didn’t realize was that I wasn’t just seeing his photos, I was seeing the world through his eyes. This is something that I appreciate now.

My passion for photography began to grow when my son was born. I looked at him and knew I had to capture him as I saw him. Any parent knows that you see so much when you look at your children. You see the first time you laid eyes on them, the sleepless nights you would welcome back so that they were that little again, all the good, all the bad, you see THEM.

I took pictures with my phone like everyone does but when I looked at them something was missing. I wanted to feel like I was living in his world when I looked at the photos. I wanted to be able to see what I saw when I experienced that moment with him.

My wife and I were taking him to a pumpkin patch and I decided to grab the old camera my dad gave me years before. I thought I was going to pull it out and create art. I was wrong. The camera was extremely difficult to use. There were settings I had no idea how to set, buttons and knobs that seemed to do nothing but also seemed pretty important at the same time. I was beyond frustrated and had to default back to my phone. I cherish those pictures but the experience lit something in me. I had to figure this contraption out.

I went with my dad so that he could teach me how to use my camera. He explained the exposure triangle, priority modes, what an aperture was, a shutter and all the buttons and knobs. I was finally taking pictures and they were turning out. I was excited. A short time later my brother in law announced that he was getting married in a small ceremony. I am not one to pass up an opportunity so I decided I would take my camera and get pictures for them. I had a professional camera (though very out dated) and plenty of confidence. The wedding happened and when I got home, excited to send them these professional looking photos, I downloaded the memory card and saw my work. They were absolutely horrible. Blurred, too dark, too bright, I blew it.

Twice I had taken my camera with high expectations and twice I was defeated. I lowered my expectations and went with my dad again but this time I took my son. Having him in the viewfinder made the lessons stick. I adjusted this and changed that. The pictures were turning out. When I got home, I looked at my pictures and finally, I had pictures I loved. I proudly showed my wife and sent them to family. I realized that I needed to take pictures of something I truly cared about. From that day on, every time I took my son anywhere there was a camera in my hand.

Over time I upgraded my gear and my skills grew almost as much as he did. I began to try other types of photography, studio photography (setting up bedsheet back drops with make shift studio lights in our living room), wild life photography, street photography, race photography. I shot everything, I was obsessed.

This obsession lives in me today. I take a camera with me everywhere I go. I love taking pictures of places and events, capturing things that most people miss as they are going through their everyday lives. Telling stories with my photos of making Christmas cookies or coloring a picture. I knew I could do more with my passion. I wanted to share my photography, share moments with people. I spoke to my wife and told her I wanted to start a business. She of course was supportive, excited to see me do what I love.

I started Dickson Photographs shortly after. Before I knew it I had inquiries and booked a couple weddings. I didn’t want to tell my dad because I wanted to show him my work as a photographer following in his shoes, not just a guy with a plan. My first wedding finally came and I took every piece of gear I owned. I was the Rambo of wedding photographers. I had cameras strapped everywhere, moments weren’t getting passed me. When I looked at the photos, I realized I actually pulled it off. Me and my 5 cameras did the job. Moments really didn’t get passed me. I delivered an album I was proud of. Soon after, I showed what I had done to the person that was so important in my journey. He was proud. That feeling I got has never left me.

Today, I am not the Rambo of wedding photographers. Im not armed to the teeth with cameras ready to shoot anyone and everyone that walks in my path. While my skills and experience have grown, so too has my drive. I am very fortunate to get to do the thing I love and I put everything I have into every shoot. My goal is always to have my next shoot be my best shoot. This is why I am a photographer.

Capturing a moment

This photo is the definition of capturing a moment. Freezing time during a brief look that says so much about a father and daughter’s relationship. The bride is giving her dad a mischievous little look and he knows she’s going to do what she’s going to do. This wedding had a great dynamic between the bride and her dad. The emotions he showed were so relatable.

When I am photographing a wedding, I do not hear the music or the speeches so I sort of miss out on a lot of what makes a wedding so special to the couple and their guest. I am so focused on my task that everything else is drowned out. The thing I do get though is a hyper focus on the visuals. While I am looking through my viewfinder, I am seeing peoples eyes welling up, lips quivering, I get to see what their words are trying to convey.

When I am looking at these things, I am trying to find the moments. Im looking for the expressions and body language that give that silent story. I get so excited when I am combing through the thousands of photos from a wedding and I see that one that really captures the emotion of the day. I want to give my couples a staple image that can be something they hold special for the rest of their lives. This one Im sure will always be special to the brides father. I know as a girl dad I would love to have this one day when my daughter gets married at 70 because she’s my baby and nobody is allowed to take her away from me.

Wedding photography is, in a way, a thankless job. While everyone else is celebrating and having the night of their lives, we are watching through the eye piece of a camera. We (well we should) stay away from the booze (I do) and stay focused on everything that is happening around us. We watch every speech, we watch every person in the bridal party, all the parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts (especially the crazy ones), uncles, cousins, friends, that guy nobody knows. We watch and we wait, taking pictures to document the night, waiting for that tiny moment that we can freeze in a frame. When we deliver the albums, we have so much excitement for the couples to see what we captured for them. Unfortunately, we don’t always get the reaction, the payoff so to speak when the couple sees their photos for the first time. It means a lot when we get feedback. We put so much into making sure you have tangible memories from a day that goes by so fast. We just have to have the satisfaction that our photo is used as a profile pic as a little nod to the fact that we took a better photo of them than their drunk friend at a Jason Aldean concert.

Photos like this one are why I do this. Im always chasing an opportunity to capture something truly special.