when they sign a contract w/ vendors? i am freeking out right now b/c i am deciding on photography and b/c of time restraint i feel like i dont have many options. (not to mention i refuse to pay even 3000 for pictures) no offence to anyone who is. so to make a long story short i think i am going with always perfect studios located in davids bridal. noone on this site seems to know who they are but they seem ligit. can you guys tell me what you think. am i CRAZY for going with a photograther that a) i dont personally meet face to face untill the wedding. b) that noone has recomended personally to me. i am sorry this is so long can anyone give me their opinion? good bad or indifferent? tia
i102bcute
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
I would atleast make sure they are fully insured!
sk1nny27
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
insured in what way? they guarentee they will be there cause they even have a back up photographer just in case
kam0813
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
i admit that i do have a little heart attack everytime I have to give vendors money..but it is what it is...and personally I'm not spending 3000 on my photography. I've been to David's Bridal and seen those people. I personally am very leery of a place that can only get business through DB, they have little to absolutely no word of mouth referrals, which is what most reputable places thrive on. I would do a little more research into them check the better business bureau. Also ask to see a copy of their insurance, they're required to show you that. Either way, good luck and I hope you find a photographer that's right for you!
MrsMichel07
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
IMO I would not book with them.
I would check out 12th Night who is pretty reasonable. You can even ck out Duet and tell them u want only one photographer and less time.
Don't settle just because........
RomeBride
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with choosing a lower OR higher cost vendor for photography BUT you have to make sure that the style of picture-taking matches your 'vision' or you may not be pleased with the results. In other words, before you book, especially since you haven't known anyone who has used that company... ask to see LOTS of samples and/or contact previous brides who have used their services.
I am an amateur photographer and I have even had my photos published before. I honestly believe that there is NOTHING more important than photos because they are one of the few things you have left (besides the AWESOME marriage) once the wedding day is over. It's the only 'wedding item' that will be 'used' or looked at for the rest of your life. You owe it to yourself to find a great company at a good value. Maybe check into freelance photographers who do photojournalism if you want because they tend to be cheaper when they are first starting out. They could even use your photos to 'market' or show off their work.
I've never done wedding photography myself but I do have friends in the trade who talk about being 'half the price' of a typical wedding photographer but really have an eye for capturing emotion. I'm sure if you look through the reviews you can find someone.
Good luck and let us know what ya do!
amyg1033
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
i disagree. the whole point of them being in david's bridal is that they don't need to advertise, which allows them to pass along the savings to the bride and groom. the only business they get is from david's bridal and through word of mouth. Plus, a huge chain like david's bridal wouldn't just let any uninsured, joe schmoe photographer into their store to do business. They have to worry about their rep as well. I've been to tons of photographers on Long Island and I was shocked over and over again at how ridiculously expensive they were for what you get in return. ALways perfect was the one place that gave me the most for my money. I really don't like that I won't get to meet my photographer before hand, but I'm going to try to get them to make an exception so I can at least have one meeting before hand. They told me I should be able to once I talk to my individual photographer. Good Luck.
giapet99
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
Check them out on the BBB. Maybe that will help.
Laura&Phil
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
I understand you wanting to keep photo costs down- I splurged on my photos b/c I'm an amature photographer too (Ok- aspiring am. photogphr!) and am picky with photo quality and look/feel. If you think that they will do fine and give you what you want then go for it. Since they are associated with a chain they are probably fine. Check them out and maybe as someone in the store what they think.
Did you try a studio like Duet with a photo only package? Their quality is great and they seem to work with you. Ask yourself how important the pics are. My BM hired a good photographer and did her own album to cut costs. Also, most halls require insurance info be sent to them before your wedding reception so check that...good luck!
103005FallBride
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
Personally...I love photography... that's one area I wouldn't skimp on. It really depends on what's important to you. Some feel photography is not the item they care much about so less money is 'budgeted' for it. I had a friend who was married in July. Her family took the photos. They're amateur photographers. She wasn't pleased with her pictures. She said that was the biggest mistake she had was not hiring a real photographer. I'm not saying the people at David's isn't real, I'm just saying that do you feel if you look back at your pictures...do they really do your day justice? I look back at my pics and I'm so pleased. So pleased that they captured moments I wasn't even aware of. They capture all the details of the day...Every penny spent was worth it...they're priceless.
ncd623
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
Check them out with the BBB
beautyq115
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
Posted by ncd623
Check them out with the BBB
Definetely!
Nina
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
I third that
October Bliss
Posted:
Member since
Re: does anyone freek out...
Personally, I would not book with a photographer I couldn't meet before booking. That was one of the reasons I didn't go with Duet - they told me I could only meet with the wedding photographer after I signed a contract. I didn't realize how important this was until I met with another photographer that I thought had a wishy0washy personality, and who had no clear concept of what FH & I wanted to get from our pictures, despite our explanations.
Secondly, the way I look at the wedding photographer, is that his/her work is what you take away from the wedding and the album is what you look at 20 years from now. Without high quality that album can be reduced to nothing more than a paperweight (or bookend). For this reason we set a budget for photographer that we thought was reasonable percentage of our overall budget, but also one we thought was high enough to be able to afford someone who will produce a great quality product.
