Who: Douglas Pettway Photography
Why: Douglas Pettway might be the most grounded wedding photographer you’ve ever met. As a Navy vet in his forties, Douglas isn’t about gimmicks, and he’s not here to bring any kind of drama to your wedding (he ain’t got time for that). He’s married, and he has two kids; he gets what this whole thing is about. Which means you get photos that are creative and evocative, without jumping on the latest trends, and without turning your wedding into a photo shoot. With Douglas Pettway Photography, there’s just no need to worry, because you know he’s got this.
Where/How Much: Doug shoots all over the greater D.C. area with basic packages starting at ,800 for a whole eight hours of coverage. Travel is free within Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.
Hiring a wedding photographer is a tricky beast. You want someone who produces amazing images (that’s what you’re paying them for, right?), but ultimately, not even the world’s most breathtaking wedding photography is worth it if you can’t trust your wedding photographer. Douglas Pettway Photography is the opposite of that. With him, you come for the photos, but you stay for the customer service. To start, Doug is not the kind of guy who waxes philosophical about his own work. Mostly because he doesn’t think the work is even about him. It’s about you. (Duh.) He says:
I never want to use a couple’s wedding as a platform to take part in the popularity contest that the wedding industry has turned into. I’ve learned that it’s important to not pigeon hole myself into a “style.” Each and every wedding is a unique experience that requires a broad scope to photograph effectively. I don’t want to limit myself and my deliverable images to a “photojournalism” approach only, and conversely I don’t want every image to be an overly artsy piece that might not represent who my clients are. After all, my clients hire me as a photographer who meets their own styles and allows their personalities to shine through. I don’t have any “go to’s”—the same ring shot or bouquet shot at every wedding—because my clients put so much work into their weddings, and their photos should reflect who they are. My end goal is to photograph you and your spouse as who you are and create images that you would be proud to hang over the fireplace.
But it’s about more than just valuing your personal aesthetic. Doug is as good at the business side of things as he is at the creative side (harder to find in a photographer than you’d think). And when you’re stuck waiting on photos for what seems like forever, that’s when that kind of stuff really starts to matter. Douglas says:
As my calendar fills up, I am finding ways of getting photographs into the hands of my couples faster so that I still have personal time to spend with my family. The win-win is that my couples will have their photographs while their memories of the wedding are still fresh.
Given all that, I’m not surprised that every single one of Douglas Pettway’s recent client testimonials says the exact same thing: Doug is personally invested in your wedding, and it turns out that matters. A lot. As one client recently said:
I could go on and on about how perfect Doug was for our wedding—and wedding planning! When I couldn’t look at another flower and wanted to strangle various relatives, Doug’s prompt, sympathetic, entertaining communications reignited my enthusiasm. With good communication and natural empathy, Doug really entered into the spirit of our celebration. On the day of the wedding he even surprised us with special access to a local landmark, which meant the world to me. Doug really cares, which is his first gift; the other is taking great photographs! As others have noted, Doug will capture the essence of your celebration in ways that will keep you smiling for many, many years. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. He’s the best!
Doug’s base package price is ,800, which includes eight hours of coverage, or as I like to call it: basically the whole damn day. Plus, when you hire him, you get the free-gift-with-purchase of knowing that these guys above (Doug’s daughters) will be pleased with your decision. And personally? I wouldn’t want to cross the one on the left. So if you’re in D.C. (and the surrounding areas) looking for a nice, normal, sane photographer who also happens to be incredibly talented, then Douglas Pettway Photography is your answer.
Click here to see more of Doug’s recent work and then contact him today!
