Which would you recommend? Imagine Studios or Patken? I am looking for a mix of traditional and creative photojournalistic pictures with nice scenary and colors.
kitt6katt
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
The problem with asking that question is anyone booked with Imagine is going to say Imagine, and anyone booked with Patken is going to say Patken. I am booked with Imagine, but I didn't meet with or consider Patken. I can tell you about my experiences so far, but I cannot recommend one over the other, because I know nothing about Patken's work:
Lia is very sweet, accommodating, and professional. Her work is beautiful and her manner is very approachable. I instantly felt at ease with her, which was a major plus for me because she is going to be with me for the whole day. Her prices were competitive, and she was very flexible as far as length, location, etc.
Peekaboo218
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
I'm bias so I'm going to say Imagine. My brother and SIL used Patken and they were very unhappy with their photos. The problem is that they have a bunch of 'teams' who do their photos, and I don't think you're guarenteed a certain photographer(s). Lia and Nelson and their team and absolute gems. Very easy to work with, and take outstanding pictures.
mattandjess2013
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
I didn't meet with Imagine, but I did meet with Patken. I didn't go with them due to really clicking with Lighthouse, but their work is nice. I didn't love them, just due to how I felt in our meeting, but I know plenty of people that have used and loved them.
LisaReyes
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Posted by Peekaboo218
I'm bias so I'm going to say Imagine. My brother and SIL used Patken and they were very unhappy with their photos. The problem is that they have a bunch of 'teams' who do their photos, and I don't think you're guarenteed a certain photographer(s). Lia and Nelson and their team and absolute gems. Very easy to work with, and take outstanding pictures.
Yeah, that's true about Patken. My friend used Patken and she loved her pictures, but she didn't know who her photographer was until he showed up to take pictures. Kind of risky. However, they have quick turn around and nice quality pictures. They have more of a posed style than photojournalistic - so it all depends what you're looking for!
DeeCee29
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Thanks everyone. I actually really liked Lighthouse but they didn't have availability on my date so narrowed it down now to Imagine and Patken.
linda_art
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Imagine def! I feel like Patken airbrushes their photos a bit too much.
HCONKtoHWALK
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Like someone said previously, I did not meet with your other vendor choice so I do not know. I went straight to Patken and booked the same photographer my friend used after seeing her pictures, HE WAS PHENOMENAL. Here is a summary I gave someone else-
I used Patken Photgraphy and LOVED them. I had Steve as my photographer and Tom as my Videographer. Steve was UNBELIEVABLE. My best friend actually used him and that is why I specifically requested him. I probably would not have booked Patken if I couldn't get him. He is such a kind person, never in the way and a true professional. At one point we had a mix up during pictures and he put me in his car and drove me down to the beach so I wouldn't have to walk. He pinned all of the guys boutonnières on, just a wonderful asset. His pictures were also great, he got them done quickly and once the wedding started we never knew he was there. Tom as well, during the wedding we did not even know he was there. He got everything important during our wedding and our video looks great, and long. :) I have not received my album yet but I did see the proof and it looks WONDERFUL.
I also know that Jessie (a woman) is a wonderful photographer as well. I have heard a few negative comments about Patken but those are usually people that did not request a specific photographer. Steve is one of the best in their studio. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are looking for a company that will be in constant contact with you then Patken is not a good choice. They get everything done when expected but do not give courtesy calls but if you do contact them they are always pleasant.
During my process of getting my loose prints, waiting on my album design and video they are not very prompt. You will get everything and with a few phone calls they'll get a move on but this whole process is a little slower. Hope that helps.
2013Bride
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
From personal experience, my fiance' and I met with Patken when we first started our photographer/videographer search. We met them at a bridal showcase & booked an appointment to meet with them about a week later. When we showed up at our appointment time they were basically like '.... what are you doing here?'--no recollection that we had scheduled an appointment with them. They put us in a room for a good 25-30 minutes alone and finally the woman that came to speak to us rattled off information so fast that we could barely understand her. It was almost like she wasn't at all interested in making a sale. Honestly, we knew right away that we weren't going to book with them. Plus we weren't fans of the posed wedding pictures that look like every one else's that is booked with Patken.
I'm sorry that Lighthouse is booked on your wedding date.... Florio & his team were the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of our experience at Patken.
I can't speak about Imagine as we did not meet with them. But good luck with your search and make sure you choose a photographer that you really click with and feel super comfortable with. You will spend more time with them than you will with your fiance' on your wedding day!
DeeCee29
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your feedback!
DB2013
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
I met with imagine and she was a total sweet heart and loved her work. I didn't meet patken.
Kristin31613
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
I met with Patken and was not thrilled with their work. They did however quote me the lowest price and I used that when looking at other photog's and found one to match what I wanted. I ultimately went with Ken Hild who has a similar style to lighthouse but was willing to match Patken's quote.
I felt that Patken was very old school with some of their pictures. I agree that some photog's are NOT like this but when I asked, I was told that you can request someone but that doesn't necessarily mean you will end up with your request. The owner looks at your engagement shoot photos and he makes the decision. Also, they were not keen on giving me an asst to help the photog, which worried me. After speaking with Doug, the owner, he said that he has shot weddings with 400 guests and didn't need an asst but would work something out with me if it worried me that much. I didn't like all the different variables so I took their quote and found someone to match it!
Courtz
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
Can't say anything much about either... I'm using Studio 27. FM me if you want more information.
futuremorasse
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Re: Imagine vs Patken
I used Patken for my wedding last week. I requested Steve as my photographer. I think if you go with him or Jesse you will be very pleased with the work. I loved the fact that there were 2 engagement sessions because in the first one the photographer takes a bunch of pictures that are very different styles. Once he posted them we told him what ones we did and didn't like and then a few weeks later went on the 2nd shoot. Our pictures were perfect for us. I can't say anything really about my wedding photos, but from all the poses he had us in and others taking pictures I am going to love them. Good luck with your decision!!
