James R Byrd Photography

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About

James Byrd Photography is committed to capturing your day, getting the right moments and making you look your best--at an affordable price. First of all, I am a "people person." I love working with people and capturing their most precious moments. Second, as a photographer, I love the challenge of the technical skills combined with the creative aspects.

Overview

Hired 23 times

Background checked

1 employee

10 years in business

Business hours

Sun7:00 am - 12:00 amMon7:00 am - 12:00 am

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Social media

Facebook

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2018

2017

Services offered

Photoshoot type

Proposal photoshoot

Posed engagement photoshoot

Photo style

Traditional posed

Candid

Artful composition and lighting

Natural or environmental

Wedding photographer also needed

Yes

Projects and media

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for value, professionalism, and punctuality.

Excellent 4.9

17 reviews

94%

Read reviews that mention:

Chyannye D.

Oct 1, 2017

James was excellent with both our engagement pictures and our wedding. He was very creative with his ideas and receptive to our ideas also.

Wedding Photography

Stephanie T.

Aug 8, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Wedding Photography

Jane T.

Oct 14, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

We haven't received the digital photos, yet, as the wedding was just last week, Oct. 7, 2017; however, I didn't want to wait for them before submitting a review of our experience using James R Byrd. I can always add to this review and share some of his pictures at a later date. Obviously, I don't have any pictures to share regarding the quality of his work, but there are other reviewers on this site who have submitted lovely examples of his work. What I do want to share with other potential clients is that I chose James over several other bidders because of the wonderful reviews he already had and because I was particularly interested in his talent for taking pictures in a natural setting. Our daughter's wedding was an outdoor affair, a backyard wedding on their property next to a pond! Taking outdoor pics requires a lot of extra patience and unique camera skill due to the unpredictability of the weather and the uncontrolled light availability, which greatly affect a photographer's ability to capture the best shots. Since James was clearly skilled in how to use his equipment and his experience to adapt to natural settings, I felt that he was a good choice for us. James also was very easy to reach - whether it was through this website, email, or even on his cell phone! He was immediately responsive to our initial questions and concerns, and I will admit that another perk was that his fee fit well within our limited budget. His fee included 8 hours of his time, compared to other photographers who charged extra after the first 4 hours. While his current services do not include some specific amenities often available from other professional photograhy companies (various packages that include actual prints, canvas mounted pictures, or pre-made wedding photo albums from which to choose), we felt that what he does provide fit our needs the best. In this more modern world of higher-tech, we really were more interested in having digital copies of the entire wedding day, along with a selection of digital copies that he "gives a professional touch up" to provide us with plenty of choices for us to use to create our own albums and prints. This allows the photographer to offer a lower fee option to the client who has a limited budget. During our search, we noticed that other photographer's who did offer certain "basic" packages that included just the digital disk copies, which also included the extra collection of the photographer's choice of special touched up photos, like James's, were still higher in their prices because they doubled their fees after 4 hours. The fact that James was willing to be contracted for the entire 8 hours without raising his fee was a PLUS for us! Additionally, James uses preliminary time to "scope out" the scene in order to better plan his picture schedule, which may change depending upon the options available in a "back yard" setting. My daughter's wedding day started off with rain - it had rained for two days prior and didn't stop until about a couple hours before the ceremony. That caused James to have to be creative about many of the pre-wedding pics. Then, to everyone's delight, the gray clouds disappeared and the warm golden sun (who had been invited to the wedding) shone down upon us in full glory, allowing the natural beauty of the early autumn colors to pop and the serene pond to sparkle! Of course. While this brought smiles to everyone's faces, it did mean that James had to suddenly work with the many reflections of the sun's glare! Still, he quickly improvised and moved us around a bit. I can't wait to see the pictures that James took, as he really had to be so very creative and flexible with the elements! Because I had already seen examples of his work online, I feel optimistic that he was able to capture some good pictures within the changing natural scene. I should also add that James is a very friendly young man who is sensitive to the various goings on of the wedding festivities and is able to adjust his timing for various pictures appropriately. We wanted him to feel very comfortable as we would want any guest to feel, and we made sure that he took some breaks and had time to make himself a plate of food from the buffet, etc. Still, he was mainly focused upon using his time to grab the best pictures that were possible in the craziness of the venue - people all over the yard, children under-foot, some people visiting at the tables set up under various tents, the night-time dancing, etc. I think that anyone who is doing a DIY wedding, especially an outdoor one and/or one within a controlled budget, ought to consider James R Byrd as their photographer bevause he is very flexible, considerate, easy to work with, and very focused upon his craft. I promise to revisit my review and upload some pictures! Can't wait!! Sincerely, Jane Trotter

Wedding Photography

Elizabeth R.

Dec 1, 2018

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Hired on Thumbtack

James was an absolute pleasure to work with! He accommodated our many different family portrait combo requests and had a lot of great ideas for what to shoot. We had unexpectedly cold temps and somewhat cramped quarters but he made the best of it and we had a great time getting to know him. We have so many lovely pictures from our wedding and I love that we have a USB so we can print what we like, when we like. I would work with James again in a heartbeat!

Details: Wedding • 25 people or fewer • Outdoors • CD / DVD • Digital or online download • Flash drive • $$ (standard) • Bride or groom

Wedding and Event Photography

Joanne X.

Oct 28, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

He was amazing to work with. I wasn’t having a traditional wedding, but he stepped up to the plate and delivered on this one. We enjoyed having him there on our special day. He did everything we asked of him, and always made sure everything was perfect.!

Wedding Photography

Credentials

Background Check

James Byrd

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My wedding packages start at $1000 for a six hour day, but my standard packages start at $1800. Packages include all photography, travel and a usb of images with release rights. I am happy to work with you on custom wedding packages, if you have different needs. For instance, I offer a small wedding package for under four hours for $800. I sometimes work with an assistant to check aesthetics and get the best family groupings.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I love getting to meet my new clients in person, but often an initial phone call is the most convenient way for many customers.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I attended Milwaukee Institute Art and Design Photography. But beyond education, I've worked with and trained with the best, interning with a premier Wisconsin Wedding Photographer.