You’ve fallen in love with a wedding photographer’s style. You’ve envisioned them capturing your first look, golden hour portraits, and those in-between candid moments. But then—they’re booked on your date.
It’s disappointing, but don’t panic! There are still plenty of ways to ensure your wedding day is captured beautifully. Here’s exactly what to do if your dream Dallas wedding photographer or Dallas luxury wedding photographer isn’t available.
1. Ask for a Referral
Most professional photographers are well-connected in the industry and happy to refer you to someone whose style and quality align with their own. These referrals often go to other trusted professionals they’ve worked with or mentored.
If you love the tone, editing, and storytelling approach of a specific Dallas luxury wedding photographer, ask if they have a list of recommended colleagues. Referrals are often the next best thing to booking the original.
2. Consider an Associate Photographer
Many established wedding photography studios offer associate photographers—talented professionals who shoot in the same signature style as the lead photographer. You still receive the studio’s editing, communication, and overall experience, just with a different person behind the camera.
If you’re eyeing a popular Dallas wedding photographer, it’s worth asking if they offer this option.
3. Adjust Your Wedding Date (If You’re Flexible)
While not always feasible, if your heart is completely set on one specific photographer, consider being flexible with your date. Some couples opt for a weekday wedding or shift their plans to secure their dream team.
If you’re early in the planning process, this might be worth it—especially if you’re going for that high-end, editorial look only a seasoned Dallas luxury wedding photographer can deliver.
4. Focus on the Style You Love
Pinpoint what drew you to that specific photographer. Was it the lighting, the posing, the color tones, or how they captured emotion? Once you understand what you’re looking for, you can search for other photographers with similar portfolios and artistic approaches.
Use keywords like “fine art wedding photographer in Dallas” or “light and airy Dallas wedding photographer” to find the right fit within your aesthetic.
5. Don’t Wait to Book Your Second Choice
Once you find another photographer you love, don’t hesitate. The best Dallas wedding photographers book up fast—sometimes 12 to 18 months in advance. If they’re available and your styles align, secure your date with a contract and retainer as soon as possible.
6. Make Sure You Connect Personally
While style and professionalism matter, your photographer is also someone who’ll be by your side throughout one of the most intimate and emotional days of your life. Make sure you click on a personal level and feel confident in their ability to document your story with care, artistry, and calm under pressure.
7. Look at Up-and-Coming Talent
Sometimes newer photographers haven’t hit the radar yet, but are producing truly beautiful, high-quality work. These rising stars are often just as talented but may have more availability and flexibility in their pricing.
Search Instagram, Pinterest, and local wedding directories, and don’t shy away from reaching out to photographers with smaller followings—as long as their portfolio, professionalism, and style align with your vision. Bonus: You may be among the first to experience a rising talent in the Dallas wedding photographer scene.
8. Consider a Destination Photographer Willing to Travel
If you’re having a luxury wedding in Dallas but your top-choice local photographer is booked, expand your search to destination or out-of-state photographers who travel. Many Dallas luxury wedding photographers and fine art creatives from across the U.S. are available for travel and might be open for your date—even if local talent is fully booked.
Make sure to factor in travel costs, but know that for the right fit, many couples find this to be 100% worth the investment.
Bonus Tip: Invest in Videography for a Complete Story
If your first-choice photographer isn’t available, consider investing in both photo and video with a team that offers a seamless, cohesive experience. A trusted Dallas luxury wedding photographer and Dallas wedding videographer working together ensures full coverage of your love story—emotion, sound, movement, and all the magical moments in between.
Hillery’s Photography: Timeless. Elegant. Personal.
At Hillery’s Photography, we specialize in capturing authentic love stories with an elevated editorial approach. As a sought-after Dallas luxury wedding photographer, we offer both solo and associate team coverage, along with custom videography options to preserve every moment of your day.
If we’re unavailable for your date, we’ll always help connect you with someone we trust—because your memories deserve nothing less than excellence.
📸 Planning your dream wedding? Let’s find the perfect way to document it.
Contact Hillery’s Photography to check availability, inquire about our associate team, or get personalized recommendations tailored to your vision.
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