Hi ladies... I am planning from out-of-town and desperately need your feedback! We met with a whole slew of photographers while up in LI this weekend and the two we liked best were Patken and Imagine. We actually liked Imagine the best, but are very concerned about the cost and not sure we can swing close to $4000 for photos alone. Patken is far more reasonable and seemed very accommodating to us being from out-of-town, plus we also really liked their work, but I am concerned after reading so many negative posts on this board. Given my situation, I was hoping I could get some feedback, specifically as comparison between these two vendors...if you were in my shoes, who would you choose? Thanks in advance!
jlabs
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
We are using Patken and I justed posted below under Patken- long. Hope it helps.
Fran M
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
We used Imagine. We just picked up our album last week and we LOVE it The proofs were wonderful but the album is even better. We dont have our finished video yet (our fault we were slow picking the music) but the raw footage is great.
I dont know it they have changed their policy on pricing from last year but we were able to work with them. We did not want any of the standard packages. We didn't need parents albums, thank you's or too many other extra pictures. So they gave us a quote based on what we wanted. They have been a pleasure to work with.
Meg9-20-02
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
I looked at both photographers and decided on Imagine. I have heard nothing but great things about them. Patken came highly recommended but I didn't feel totally comfortable with them and their pictures weren't really 'me'. We are on a tight budget for the wedding but we decided to spring for Imagine - The pictures are all you'll have after the day is over, right? I say go with your gut - Good luck deciding -
Sonicstef
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
I had issues with both of them so I can't help you there.
All I can say is that you should go with the photographer whose work you like best and get real references.
AlisonMT
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
Stef, do you mind my asking what issues you had (with both)?
Sonicstef
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
Nothing major since I didn't book with either.
Imagine: Lost my appointment more than once despite knowing that it was a considerable inconvience for me to come to LI. Were not apologetic about it. The general impression I got was one of disorganization and chaos in their office. Had nightmares of Imagine 'losing' my wedding appt if I had booked with them and then saying 'well, you didn't confirm!'
Patken: Liked the work but didn't like how Doug implied we had to 'prove' we didn't want traditional photos at the engagement shoot. Suggested posing nude was one way we could do that. Sort of freaked me out.
A few months later I posted my story on here after another bride had the same experience and Patken himself came on the boards and said a few things that made me really happy I hadn't booked with him.
Neither of these experiences mean one photographer is better than the other - just my experience.
Meg9-20-02
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
I totally forgot - I heard about that nude posing thing - It kind of freaked me out too when I saw nude pics in one of their sample albums.
Sonicstef
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
Alison: I just responded to your email but I had to reply to a liwedding address - not sure if you got it.
AlisonMT
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
Stef: That's weird! I didn't get anything in the liweddings mailbox. Wonder what happened. My real email is [email protected]. Try that instead. Thanks!
J&A
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
Two of my close friends used Patken. They were both very pleased with them, and I can tell you first hand that their pictures were great. I hope this helps. Good Luck!
jennbaby
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Re: Need advice: Patken vs. Imagine photographers
I am using Patken. I have read a few negative posts on them, but I have saw much of their work, even recent work & I loved it. Very different shots, not your typical boring wedding pics. Jenn
