Need Help Quickly!!!!

We are going with Cassarino--based on recommendations from here and from friends-- we were beyond impressed with them (dominic is our photographer) they are on the high side but their quality is amazing and there packages are great
They also bargain a lot--we were upgraded in many areas ( size of album, # of pics, etc)

I have been planning my wedding along with 2 friends--Each time one walks into a place they pretty much get the package that is written on the page-- I think they judge each couple and figure what they can get away with ---I know I bargain for everything--not just wedding related--so I dont settle-- but then some people just say okay that is the price we will pay it---the salesman know who will walk out and who is sold the minute they walk in the door
PLus when you compare people who go to the same vendor and you get a better package for the same price--there is the proof right there

I know a lot of places use as one of their selling point 'you get to keep the negatives.' I really don't understand the benefit of that. Don't you need to bring them to a professional studio to have additional pictures made anyhow? I have also heard, but his may not be true, that you may run into copyright problems. I am currently in the process of looking for a photographer, and I'd like to get some feedback as to whether it is worth it or not to get the negatives.

DO you have to go to a town hall in the County that you are getting married in?
Laura

I think that there are things that the vendors know they are willing to give into but they won't offer it unless it is asked for. So many times those are the things that are considered extras. Yes, there are people who are better hagglers and negotiators than others. I happen to be terrible at it, I hate doing it but it does yield results a lot of the time. There are some people that are great at it - God bless 'em.

Also - I've heard that most photographers keep your negatives for a limited time - a few years at best. If you keep the negatives in a safe, temperature-controled area, like a safety deposit box, you may still be able to get new prints made years later should you lose your album in a fire, theft, etc.

I think the point of negatives is the studio giving their copyright over to you--as far as going to a professional studio to make copies --it is always cheaper when you are not a bride---that goes for a million things---
For me it was a plus but not all people are interested in that---def find what you are willing to give up and what is not necessary for you

Elizabeth
we went to the whitestone location too--but we met with the owner first so I didnt experience the girls==thank god cause i probably would have had the same reaction

The good thing with Cassarino is you dont have to buy them--they include them with every package--but you made a good point about having that option later on
Laura

Which location did you go to? When we were looking we went to the Whitestone office and none of the girls who worked there looked older than 21. In many ways they were not very professional. Of course I don't mean to say you didn't make a good choice. They seem to have a really good reputation and a lot of people here seemed pleased. I just couldn't picture any of the people we encountered being in a position to make a decision greater than what color nail polish to wear (meow-sorry) The 'first impression' at that location needs a little help.

Anyway, it's their photos that count and I'm sure it will be spectacular. Enjoy!

We looked at ProLine, Sherwood and Imagine Studios. Loved Sherwood and Imagine - went with Imagine for both photo and vide because: I preferred their video, we clicked with Leah and Nelson ( wont mind having them around all day and night,) their pricing was better and my sister (MOH) who is in the film business and works with photographers and viedographers all the time gave them the star of approval.
PLus when you compare people who go to the same vendor and you get a better package for the same price--there is the proof right there

They were great- they have set packages but you can do what ever you want and they price accordingly. They are very flexible. My FI grumbled about having to take our engagement photos but Leah was so great he had a blast - he thought he was Mister GQ by end of the shoot.

Your only 'professional' obligation is to give enough notice for days off needed for your 'honeymoon' or to arrange for coverage on your position if your job warrants it.