Brandi McComb Photography: 10 Questions with Brandi McComb

Photographer - Brandi McComb

Business: Brandi McComb Photography
Location: Dallas, Texas TX
Experience: 21 Years
Photography Types: boudoir, pets, lifestyle newborn, headshots, theater, real estate, bridals, children, Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Brandi McComb Photography
Website: www.brandimccombphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

In 2001 I had this dream of not only being a professional singer and running a horn band but to also capture moments through my camera. My father was a wedding photographer and owned a studio in Dallas so I grew up with a camera in my face. I also grew up singing and my dream was to be a professional singer. I was able to live that dream right out of high school and travel all over the world with show band Vince Vance & The Valiants for close to 10 years of my life.

Then in 2001, I decided to settle down and get married and start my own band which I ended up retiring in 2018. It is an 11 piece horn band called ZuZu Peddals. However, it was also in 2001 that I decided that I wanted to learn more about photography. I would study and research cameras online and then began photographing families and children who were my main focus for many years, especially my first daughter when she was born in May 2002.

I continued to grow my photography and kept learning over the years and then took it even further when I decided to start photographing musicians, live performances, models, weddings, couples, anything and everything. I was no longer just a child and family photographer. I knew I could do more and I wanted to be able to share my talent with others. Now as a single mother of two beautiful girls, I run a very successful business in the wedding industry and I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love.

Each year I receive awards, 5-star reviews and numerous publications which mean so much to me because it is not just about the money to me. I am truly passionate about my work and my clients. Sometimes I will spend 10 hours straight at my computer editing galleries, answering emails, making phone calls, scheduling meetings because I am a hard worker and again I love everything about my job but I also have to take care of my two daughters. Each year I am able to allow myself time off for vacation with my girls and to be able to be home and pick them up from school each day has been the most rewarding part of owning my own business for sure. Even after 21 years, I am still learning new things all the time. This is my life. I was made to be in this industry and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

It was in 2014 when my youngest daughter became very sick and was hospitalized for almost a month that I knew I had to push my business even harder, I began promoting even more, knocking on doors and meeting with other vendors. It was then that I started to add assistants and 2nd shooters as well and picked up weddings. We have shot well over 300+ weddings.

I really think what sets us apart is the fact that we do not have a certain style. I love natural light but sometimes I will edit to look like film or matte. The way I shoot may be fun or serious, sexy or funny. I am passionate about my clients and therefore we build relationships that last for years to come. We may shoot their engagements and they come back to us for their wedding, maternity, newborn photos and so on.

I meet with my clients. I want to know exactly what they are looking for, what they want on their special day. I follow up with them often to be sure we are all on the same page. I follow up again even after the event to be sure they are satisfied with our services and if there was anything I could have done better. It is all so important to me and what helps me continue to be successful.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I am a professional, natural light, on location and studio photographer with over 21 years experience. My team and I work closely with every client to find out exactly how they want to be portrayed and produce the best possible results. I am all about natural light, in the moment and not a lot of “posed” or “staged” shots. I am here to tell a story through photography.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

I would say at least 6 months to a year to be safe

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I offer 3 collections which consist of 6 and 8 hours. Each come with a 2nd photographer and an engagement session, the most popular is collection two.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

I am the main photographer, then I have a 2nd shooter always with me.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I only charge travel if over an hour from me.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums and prints are separate from collections 1 and 2, but collection 3 does come with an album.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Turnaround time is 10-12 weeks from wedding day, images are delivered via a private online gallery.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

The Client may cancel the contract at any time by providing written notice to Brandi McComb Photography but in doing so shall forfeit any monies paid. Cancellation less than 12 weeks before the wedding will result in full balance due. All cancellations must be in writing via certified letter.