Today’s interview is with our fabulous Nashville PUG leaders, Peter and Whitney Carlson of Dove Wedding Photography.
Describe your photography style or words that describe your brand?
We want our photographs to capture the essence of the day‚ the funny moments, the happy moments, the moments when people cry. We also want our photographs to be creative, to be modern, elegant, romantic, fun. We treat each image as a work of art, but our images are beautiful because we see every bride we photograph as beautiful.
What is a must read or must see?
Dave Ramsey is one of the best financial advisors you can learn from. He has a couple books that are must-reads. His live seminars are also must-sees. Peter attended his one-day business leadership seminar this fall and felt it to be more beneficial to our business than any photo conference we have attended. On a personal level, LOST is one of the best stories ever told.
What are your work hours?
Mon-Fri, 9:30 – 6:00 (occasionally we go over) Sat=Weddings and Photography Classes.
What is your favorite thing about Pictage?
We love that Pictage is constantly growing and improving their services. We love that they actually listen to the input given by their photographers.
What lens could you not live without?
Canon 70-200 IS. The images it takes look great and it is a must have for wedding ceremonies.
What workflow tools do you use?
Our two favorite tools are Audrey and Sarah. Without our two part-time employees, our lives would be a mess. Of course LightRoom2 and Pictage help out a lot.
How long have you been a photographer?
Dove Wedding Photography has been in existence for 3.5 years now. Whitney has been photographing weddings for 5.5 years.
What was your very first job?
Peter’s was Cinnabon, Whitney’s was a ballet teacher at The Athens School of Ballet.
Most listened to song on your ipod?
Anything by The Polyphonic Spree. Whenever you are busy or stressed, they remind you that life can be full of joy.
What is something you have learned this year?
Hiring people, freelancers or employees, with the right personality and work ethic is far better than hiring those who are really skilled at their craft.
What is a goal for 2009?
To focus on target marketing. In the past we have been marketing without much thought. It’s actually surprising how successful we have been with such little effort.
What is one thing we don’t know about you?
Peter was featured on a Disney Channel reality show. Whitney is Winterville Georgia’s Miss Marigold 1996.
How do you get most of your bookings?
Most of our bookings come from recommendations from venues, wedding planners, and other photographers. Networking and making friends with wending vendors has been vital to our success. Other photographers are not our competition, but our lifeline. Connecting with an audience through our blog, email newsletter, and Facebook has been some of the best marketing sources we have.
What blogs do you stalk?
Strobist, Southern Weddings Magazine, and Dark UFO (a blog about LOST).