MELISSA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | MOST LOVED

Meet Melissa, the newest Coterie member and our most recent MOST LOVED!! We met Melissa at a Knot networking event over 2 years ago when Celebrate Dallas was just starting to set it roots in the community. She was wearing a black dress covered in constellations and planets and we just knew we'd found a kindred creative spirit in the sea of Dallas vendors. 

Read all about her photography journey and get to know Melissa a little more intimately on today's episode of CELEBRATE DALLAS' MOST LOVED!

What are five words (or a five word sentence that would describe you and/or your company the best?

Bold. Loving. Free-Spirited. Candid. Colorful.

How did you get into photography? Was it always weddings?

I always knew I wanted to spend my life and career taking photos, so I studied fine art photography and received my Bachelor's Degree in 2010. After graduation, I honestly wasn't sure *what* exactly to do with my future. Luckily, a few wonderful photographers gave me guidance and let me shadow them at weddings, and I started second shooting a lot. I fell in love with weddings and am always grateful to have found a career that is both creative and service based!

What’s your favorite moment of the wedding day to photograph?

Getting ready. From styling the details to capturing the candid anticipation of the day (even for myself), the first part of the day is a chance to slow down and be fully present while the rest of the wedding day is a joyful whirlwind. Another favorite is definitely the romantic bride and groom portraits!

Have any tips for the camera shy brides and grooms out there?

Trust your photographer, and trust the process. It's our job to provide coaching/guidance and walk into any situation with confidence and direction!  Additionally, I would encourage brides and grooms to hire a photographer they like personally as we're right there with them the entire day.

What’s your favorite local hangout?

I'm such a homebody, but I do love a good art exhibit! I'm always up for cocktails at Paschall's in Denton. And you can also find me at local music shows, since Nick (my husband and wonderful second shooter) plays in two Fort Worth based bands: Lindby and The Hendersons!

MOST LOVED | CHELSEA Q. WHITE

Happy Wednesday lovely people!! Today we're so excited to introduce you to Chelsea Q. White Photography, the newest member of the Celebrate Dallas' MOST LOVED vendor list!  Our friendor-ship developed from a shared connection on Instagram (isn't that how we all meet these days?) and after countless happy hour dates and dinners we finally collaborated for the first time last fall. Our autumnal bohemian photo shoot will be featured later this month on The Perfect Palette!

Chelsea's eye for design and composition is necessary for any couple who wants the perfectly captured wedding day. Her sweet smile and genuine personality are just a bonus! Read along to get to know her a little better! 

1. What are five words (or a 5 word sentence) that would describe you and/or your company the best?
Personal | Joyful | Genuine | Timeless | Real

2. How’d you get into photography? Was it always weddings?
I definitely share a similar beginning to a lot of photographers! I was always the one with a camera in my hand growing up. I learned photography on a film SLR camera in high school and developed my own film and prints in the darkroom. In my professional life, I started doing documentary and photojournalistic photography before I branched into weddings almost three years ago.

3. You shoot film + digital, right? How do they compare in your opinion?
Yes! And they don’t compare - ha! Film has a timeless, romantic quality that is so difficult to achieve with digital. There is a reason so many digital photographers try to emulate the look of film -- it’s just magical! Digital does have it’s place and it helps me in tricky lighting situations like dark churches and receptions. There are ways to get your digital to look like film and I’m always up for a challenge.

4. What’s your advice for the couple whose number one priority is having a fun wedding?
Hire vendors you trust and communicate with them A LOT before your wedding. If you take the time to insure everyone is on board with your vision and your priorities, you can rest easy on your wedding day and know your team is going to pull it off for you. But if they don’t know what’s important to you or don’t know what you want, you’re more likely to be stressed on your big day. Don’t feel like you’re asking too much or being naggy -- I’d rather over communicate with a bride than under communicate! Also, schedule way more time than you need in the pre-ceremony portion of your timeline.

5. How would you describe your wedding photography style or portfolio?
I’d say I fall into the fine art category of wedding photography. Fine art photography is often misunderstood but basically it means your photography and/or planner are going to be involved in styling details of your day, making sure everything looks cohesive, and that you are in beautiful environments where natural moments can unfold. It means we’re checking to make sure your hair is perfect and the photos of your grandmother’s broach are styled like a magazine. That’s not to say we don’t capture candid moments or let the day unfold organically but we do make sure all your images are clean, without clutter in the background, and timeless. I highly recommend fine art photographers for brides who love fashion, art, design, and culture. 

6. What's your favorite local [Dallas] hangout?
Oh gosh, there are so many! I love tacos and Topo Chico from Velvet Taco; a healthy pour of red wine and a charcuterie board at Times Ten Cellars. For craft beers and burgers, Liberty Burger is my jam. And you can’t beat the skyline view at HG Sply Co.

MORE INFO + INQUIRES
Chelsea Q. White Photography
Email | chelseaqwhite@gmail.com
Instagram | @chelseaqwhite
All photos by Chelsea Q. White Photography