Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

marc_rai Posted: Sep 24, 2004 12:08 PM

Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

I really would like to know if others think that $3100 (that's with tax) is a good price for the following:

I love their work, here's what's included:

300 + proofs (told my photography average around 500-600)

1) 36 photo album (Album is matted. Different sizes for pictures)
2)2- 5x7 parents album: 12 pictures each
3) 100 thank you
4) 20 x20 portrait
5) 11 x11 portrait (I didn't want this, but was told that it was included and that I can trade it in for a photo in the album)
6) 3- 8x10 portraits
7) 1- 8x8 engagement portrait (trading this in for a picture in the album)

Please give your honest opinion..
Thanks

OKAY due to some of the questions here is the additional information:

Thanks for all the advice. I'm using Patken (are they considered higher end?) and I have one photographer. They shoot in black and white film, color, and sepia. That was one of the things I like about them. I have no problem paying the $$, it's just that when I read other people posts I'm like I'm getting too little for what we're paying. UGGH, they were like one of the first vendors that I booked by myself so I kind of sucked on the negotiating tactics.

Can anyone reccommend some good photographers? All I really want is a 50 photo album, 2 parents album, a large portrait of us, and thnak you cards? How much is it to make thank you cards for yourself or over the internet?

I'm really thinking about going back to NYC to look at more photographers (I'm live OOT).
Okay, it seems as if people really like:
12 night
Duet

Any others???

JimmysBride Posted: Sep 24, 2004 12:16 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

Sounds a little high, but only because of the low number of proofs they are guaranteeing. Also, is this just for traditional photography or both traditional and black-and-white photojournalism? How many photographers do you get? Of course it really depends on the quality of their work too.

steph4777 Posted: Sep 24, 2004 12:18 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

Posted by JimmysBride

Sounds a little high, but only because of the low number of proofs they are guaranteeing. Also, is this just for traditional photography or both traditional and black-and-white photojournalism? How many photographers do you get? Of course it really depends on the quality of their work too.

I agree...

Who did you go with?

divabride Posted: Sep 24, 2004 12:21 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

I think it sounds a bit high too. See if you can negotiate either more pics or cheaper price. I would shop around first with other photographers and go back to them to see what they'll offer you.

DMcK Posted: Sep 24, 2004 01:02 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

Posted by steph4777

Posted by JimmysBride

Sounds a little high, but only because of the low number of proofs they are guaranteeing. Also, is this just for traditional photography or both traditional and black-and-white photojournalism? How many photographers do you get? Of course it really depends on the quality of their work too.

I agree...

Who did you go with?

I agree. See if you can negotiate more for that price.

rrdm782004 Posted: Sep 24, 2004 02:23 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

way too much money, I paid $960 check out my review. The one that you see on the review is just my digtial pics.

isopodi Posted: Sep 24, 2004 02:30 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

Sounds way too high for the amount of proofs you are getting plus, your album and your parents albums are not good enough for that kind of money.

I would try to get more proofs (500 range) and your album should have atleast 50 pictures- and the parent's albums atleast 24 but 30 would be even better).

tourist Posted: Sep 24, 2004 03:00 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

One photographer or 2. That is about what I am paying forsimilar albums but we have two photographers, & an assistant.

tinkerwdw Posted: Sep 24, 2004 06:47 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

That sounds high to me as well. Personally, when they inlclude 'thank yous' and wallet size prints, those are things that you could just purchase yourself through ofoto or shutterfly for much cheaper.
I am paying 2000, but I am getting two photographers, one photojournalist, and 1000 proofs, color and black and white. I am also getting more photos on a disk.

troutster Posted: Sep 25, 2004 12:03 AM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

It sounds high to me also. Who are you using?

hearts Posted: Sep 25, 2004 09:31 AM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

if you're using a higher end photographer like perceptions or natasha stazak then no, that is not a lot of money. if you are using a studio with freelancers, then yes, renegotiate.

jill13bean Posted: Sep 25, 2004 09:51 AM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer?

i agree...it sounds high because the number of proofs and the number of pictures in both the parents picture album and your album

marc_rai Posted: Sep 25, 2004 11:58 AM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

bumping for more advice... thanks.

FoxHollowbride0617 Posted: Sep 25, 2004 12:13 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

Personally when it comes to photography--I think quality is more an issue then price. If you know the photographer and they do very good work then I would say no it is not too pricey. Photo was the one thing that I was not worried about price because it is something I will have forever. Quality not Quantity right ?

marc_rai Posted: Sep 25, 2004 12:19 PM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

Yes, you're right it is quality that matters. But, I'm wondering if I can get the same quality at a better price..

Loriteach Posted: Sep 26, 2004 08:53 AM

Re: Am I paying too much for my photographer? (Updated with more info)

I don't think that is high at all... I am paying $7500 (with video and 2 photographers)... My sister used patken last year. She was so happy with the pictures... Her albums were beautiful... The only reason why i am not using them is b/c i didn't want our weddings to be the same.