I'm going to start meeting photo/video vendors soon. I keep reading about money saving tips by ordering services a la carte. Does this really help? What can I leave out that will be offered with most packages? For example, I've seen some truely hideous albums that I'm not fond of at all. I think I've read somewhere that those albums can be DIY? What other cost effective tips can you ladies provide? Would it really make more sense to book photo & video together or look for them seperately? Help!!!
luvbud
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
I don't really know how to save money on all the in's and out's. So I decided to meet with 4 photographers first. Picked the one I liked and got a good vibe from, also the best priced. Asked them if they knew of someone to do video. They said they have people that do it, so I got both from the same place. I didn't want to cut corners on the photo/video because those things can't be replaced. And the DIY albums, I wouldn't know where to begin. My thing is they are professionals, and I decided to let them do what they are best at. IMO
Kris10546
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Honestly, the albums and parents albums are usually what can be cut out of photographers. Maybe if they just give you a hi-res disk with your pics instead of giving you actual pictures as well would be cost effective. As far as video - you can just get the raw footage.
You can always have a student do either photo or video but if you want prof pics, then definately go with the basic pkg with no extras. You can find photo/video w/o albums for only a few thousand. I am getting full quotes for photo/video with extras for $5k.
emcheung
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
on average, most of the places quoted me about $5000 on photo. it can get kinda pricey when you want video as well. somethings to look into...when you book a package, ask them how much it costs to order extra photos for bride and groom album after you get the proofs. they are usually cheaper than upgrading your package. skip on parent albums...mine are never going to look at it. you can reprint pictures and put it in a nice album for them. that'll save you a couple hundred dollars. check out house vendors because sometimes they'll give you a discount.
and, try searching the boards for who people recommended as affordable photo/video companies.
curiousgeorge
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
www.taylorphotos.net This is who we are using!! I got a fantastic price with him and he does great work. We got photo and video for about 2k total!!! That includes a 10 hour day!!! FM me for more details if you want!
failurebydsign
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
if you go the student route..the reception hall may require them because they are a vendor to have a $1,000,000 liability insurance..my RH does..and i couldnt use the person i wanted to use because of it
melissas28
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Definitely the albums are the first place to cut costs. A lot of the places charge about a 1000 dollars for an album and couple (or lots of ) hundreds for the parent albums. I got my package with only my wedding album and I plan to DIY my parent albums. I plan to use one of the online vendors to print up the parent albums and they are relatively cheaper. (even one of the photographers said they were pretty good) . You can always do your own album too (I chose to have my photo do it because his albums were sooooo nice) But look for a photo/video people you like, because they can make or break your day and your memories of the day. And negotiate with your vendor. Mine worked with me until we had a deal that we were both happy with (or I assume they are happy with, I know I am) If you get a disk of the pictures you can order reprints online. It seems that the photo vendors charge a lot for reprints. AND you can definitey find both video/photo for less than 5 grand... I booked both from the same company and they gave me a deal for that. Their package was already less than five but they cut some more money when I booked both. Some of the bigger studios offer good packages but be careful because sometimes they nickel and dime you afterwards. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
PeteysBride
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
We went with ACANDIDIMAGE but we also looked itno BELLAPICTURES. Both reputable companies but very cost effective especially when you're only getting photos like we are. ACANDIDIMAGE (ACI) has one main office in Boston, then regional offices elsewhere. They cut the cost of studio but not having one. You meet your contact in a Starbucks (same with BELLA). I know it sounds weird but they are totally professional.
We felT ACI had a better deal for our needs because we got 8 hrs of photo, unlimited shots, choice of 500 edited shots 4x6 unmarked as our 'proofs,' plus all of our photos on CD so we could duplicate them elsewhere. This cost us about &1,800.
We are not getting an album BUT they had even nicer albums than some of the tarditional studios we visited and let me tell you, they were far more professional. Whats great about the contact is she/he is your liason to the corporate office, to your photographer should any issues arise, etc. Its basically run like a big company with a top-of-the-line customer service dept.
This is for BELLAPICTURES:(We had AMANDA but we were in NJ-she was fantastic with promptness and followup-we just got a better deal with ACI because of the 4x6 proofs and more hrs of photos)
Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Wow girlies thank you sooo much for all this info The more I read about cutting albums out, the more I realize it's not something i HAVE to do immediately. I could totally just have my images on a disk and then later when we're filthy rich (or have money to spend on an album- either or) we can get that done. I'm going to take all your suggestions into consideration. I REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!!
thanks!!!!
sr081906
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Most photographers will sell you a 'package'. Bunch of photos of different sizes, albums, etc..
That's where they make their money so just be aware of it.
Example of money saving tips: We went for 1 photographer vs. 2 We did not get any albums or photos We did digital All pics on a hi-res DVD I am making my own albums.
nlghttrain
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
This is something i have been batteling with lately too, but something to remember in this case often you get what you pay for. I booked the photographer I wanted, but for video Im having a hard time finding someone who shoots at the quality level Im looking for at a price I can afford. Even looking at their most basic packages Im looking at 2k Im looking for half that. its very difficult
sbandz
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Our photo package was about $2K. At the last minute, we decided we wanted a video but didn't have a huge budget for it. We got one for under $1K. Even though it is 'no frills', it came out VERY VERY well. We used In Sync Video. We didn't want any special effects or anything anyway, so this was perfect. The quality is really good and it truly captured our day very well at an affordable cost.
MrsD06
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
Posted by sbandz
Our photo package was about $2K. At the last minute, we decided we wanted a video but didn't have a huge budget for it. We got one for under $1K. Even though it is 'no frills', it came out VERY VERY well. We used In Sync Video. We didn't want any special effects or anything anyway, so this was perfect. The quality is really good and it truly captured our day very well at an affordable cost.
Our total cost was about the same..we used 12th Night and Golden Moments for video. We were both very happy with everything.
NY55angel
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
I got LOTS for 5K total. My album (digital) 3 parent albums with 24 pics in each, all my proofs, all my photos on a hi-res disk, my unedited video, 4 edited DVD's, Thank you cards, 8x10's and a whole bunch of other stuff.
They are located in Massapequa, and DEFINATLY worth going to see IMO. They have 'packages' but are EXTREMLY flexible with them.
I feel that photo / video is a TOP priority on my list because there is going to be so many memories from those 2 things, and if you skimp on them, I feel that I would regret it later.
Good luck in your decision
lisalisa27
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Re: How can I save $ on photographer/videographer??
If you are looking to save money as I was also. Check out 12th night they have great packages that don't lock you into a album when you book them. You can do later.
