Keep in mind that I live in the NY/NJ area and things here are a bit pricey no matter what. The thing is this: I want a particular style of photos because my wedding is a 1930s-40s theme and I want classy, old film-star, crooner-type pics. All the photographers in the area that I've looked at that are cheaper only take a limited # of photos, use only digital, and limited hours. Their photos were so uptight, too.
The photographer I love is someone I wouldn't mind having around me ALL day, her hours are unlimited, she takes only real film photos (unlimited number "as many as it takes", and I simply love her style. The price doesn't include an album, either, which would be another $500. Prints are already included in the first price.
Our budget is smaller though and my fiance is complaining about her price. I figure that the only thing aside from our marriage and memories that we take away from this day will be the photos. I really want them to be fabulous. What should I do?
2006-09-12 10:36:31 · 13 answers · asked by J B 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Just a note, the reason I want all film is because there is a depth in them that you can't get with digital. She scans all of the photos into the computer, too.
Regarding my choice of theme for the wedding, I know that she can do this type of photo because some of her photos have this flare to them. She works in black and white and color with a camera format that is used for modeling shoots (I can't remember the name of it but it's a square format, not rectangular). Her photos bring out the 'human' aspect of her subjects, which I find rare in wedding photographers. Most of them seem so posed and formula.
2006-09-12 11:19:18 · update #1
Every bride has different budget priorities. Some want amazing invites, others spend the biggest chunk on the dress, others the flowers. It sounds like the photos are very important to you. And I agree, they are the only thing you take away with you. I spent the same amount on my wedding photog and that was a deal because he was a friend (and he only shot digital), so I think the price is pretty good for what you are looking for. Find a way to cut corners elsewhere.
Examples -
Invites - make your own. We did this and it saved us $2500, and they were beautiful. People just throw them away... You can also order kits if you don't want to make them from scratch (look at http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/invitations/index.html)
Flowers - buy flowers wholesale and do your own arrangements, or have a friend/family help - you can pay the florist to do your bouquet, but why go nuts on the table settings when you can Martha Stewart them yourself - Oh - definitely get her wedding magazine, so many ways to make your own stuff and cut corners for the wedding
Dress - there are tons of places in the NY/NJ area that have wedding sample sales (my friend got a $15,000 Bagdly Mischka gown for $2000)
Don't feel guilty about spending the money. You can make it work. Trust me - I still look at my wedding photos on a weekly basis and I've been married for almost 5 years. It was money well spent!
At the end of the day, it's just money. You can always make more, but your memories are priceless.
Best wishes and have an amazing wedding!
2006-09-12 11:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by coco 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in the L.A. area, and prices are comparible here as to in NY, and 3,000.00 for photography is A LOT! Plus I don't see how the digital is a drawback for you, like one other girl said, you can't see your pictures ahead of time on film like you can with digital, I mean really, you never know when you blink in a photo until it is too late, and do you want stupid little f-up things like that in your wedding photos? Digital allows for perfection, and the price is waaay too high (probably to make up for all the hundreds -and I mean hundreds-of wasted photos that will be shot with film)
2006-09-12 17:50:02 · answer #2 · answered by cittykat99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems expensive, but you will be happy you spent that money on your photos. I didn't have a prof. photographer at my wedding and now I wish I would have. It's so special to have those memories of you wedding day. I think it sounds about right. What are you getting. I mean is she going to do engagement photos too? My friend in Utah paid alittle more than $3,000 and the photographer did her engagement photos, took photos of her in her dress at the beach in Cali. and did her wedding and reception. They spent at least 5 hours at the reception. She had about 1,000 photos of her special day. She also got the album with 40 of her fave photos in it. I say go for it.
2006-09-12 18:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I paid over $3000 for my wedding photographer and never regretted it. The photos ARE the one thing you will have for the future. I used a cheaper photographer for a prior wedding and boy, does it show! I'm sure there are other areas you can trim to accommodate the photographer you want. You will be glad you did.
2006-09-12 19:08:17 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definetely go with the photographer whose style I liked. You are only going to have this day once, so you want your memories to be great! Find other areas that you can cut back on. Small things add up quick, so if can cut a few small things, you might have enough money to hire the photographer you want!
2006-09-12 17:43:29 · answer #5 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody wants there pics priceless but if you cant you cant well i mean the price pick something else out for your wedding and besides you dont see that theme alot so how would you know if those are really the pics she is suppose to be taken any way well whatt ever you decide good luck and spend your money wisely.....
2006-09-12 17:41:14 · answer #6 · answered by sgd_88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes even with a budget, you have to pick the pieces that are most important to you.
To me, it was the wedding photography, and wedding video. I didn't mind spending a bit more to get what I wanted. Now I even wish I would have spend more!!!!
2006-09-12 17:53:09 · answer #7 · answered by treday25 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should look around some more- make sure you view porfolios before hiring. 3000.00 is a lot of money- If you can spare it and it makes you happy- do it. If you can look around some more- you may find something just as good or better for less than half the price
2006-09-12 17:41:43 · answer #8 · answered by sarahds007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want it I say go for it..But look and see where else you can cut corners first..besides you can make copies of the picture later on and you can get a nice album else where...If you can swing it do it..Check into making payments starting now...check into advertising for her and see if she would cut you a deal..
2006-09-12 18:00:43 · answer #9 · answered by Sarah G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The photograpgher is the one place where you should absolutely place an emphasis. If you found the one you want after shopping around..I say go for it. You'll regret it later if ou do not like your pics.
2006-09-12 17:56:10 · answer #10 · answered by Mommy-of-Twins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋