Patken (Why)

I have seen a lot of messages on this photographer - so a few nights ago I went to see. I have seen a lot of photographers and this wasn't personalized at all. It seemed like they just do hundreds of weddings and you get who you get as a photographer? (the studio was very messy and unorganized) I can't figure it out - did I just have a bad experience?? Has anyone been to them who has thought the same? Other photographers I've been to spent a lot of time asking questions telling you about the different types of photography - Saw many books - The only thing I saw was that they are extremely reasonable... but are you getting quality? Hey I don't know -

Patken (Why)

Of all the photographers you have seen who do you like the best so far?

Patken (Why) Karen

Who have you seen so far? I thought Creative Compositions were GREAT.... a little over my budget but still considering them Fine Art (also very good)middle of the road in price (you get a lot but there not the lowest priced) but I think worth it. Behing the scene (also probably good but you don't meet with the photographer (I never like or trust that) Sherwood (didn't like) I know others so tell me who you've seen and who your thinking about

Patken (Why) Karen

I've seen Gray, Glenmar, Fine Art and Creative Composition. So far I like Gray and Fine Art the best. Creative Compostion looked like they would be great but they seemed to like to hear themselves talk. I don't think I could handle that all day. Also there prices were pretty high. Should I see anyone else? Maybe Jovon or Imagine Studios.

Patken (Why) Karen

Who did you see at Fine Art (What did you think of them?) I'm seriously considering them... Jovon is one of the house photographers for my place (but I didn't go see them) I haven't heard a lot of good things about them (including on this site) but that doesn't always mean anything - I haven't been to Imagine Studio (should I?) what have you heard? How did you hear about Fine Art? I went from this web site but I don't want that to be my main reason (I like to know what others have thought about them... What are your thoughts on them? See I met with Ernie at Creative and I like him a lot... Fine Art was Frank and I thought he was a little quiet (will he be assertive)

Patken (Why)

If you want to work directly with a photographer, and not a photography studio, I recommend that you check out Laurie Studio (www.lauriestudio.com). It is owned by the one and only photographer on premises (Ken Manwiller (sp?)), and is managed by his wife. They do an incredible job. I'm going to get my engagement photos done next month, which are included in my wedding package. We are having them done in his studio, as well as at 2 locations (park and beach). He will be with me on my wedding day from 1 pm until my reception is over at midnight. I can not say enough good things about him. I am so pleased! They also hire an outside photojournalist, who is also amazing. I am having both. Okay, enough of my endless chit chat.: ) If anyone wants more information, please feel free to ask!

Patken (Why) Sue - long

I met with Chuck at Fine Art. He was really nice. Two of my friends used them. One of which I was the maid of honor. They both used Jimmy (the owner). I saw albums that Chuck did and they seemed good. They definitely are more flexible than some of the other studios. I was suppose to meet with Ernie but due to confusion over the appt. I met with Steve. They seemed very professional and I have heard nothing but raves. However I was short on time and told Steve that but he continued to speak endlessly. I am more of a get to the point type of girl. Their prices also are high but as I said they seemed to do great work. I never met with Imagine Studios but have heard good things from different boards. They are far out in Suffolk and living in Manhattan I`m not sure I want to travel that far. I am looking at studios that have a few photographers because I am concerned that if something happens to that one person or weather is bad (marrying in Feb.)there might be a problem. I would rather know there is another photographer that could take his/her place. Sorry this is so long.

Patken (Why) Sue - long

I have heard good things about Imagine Studios. I made an appointment to meet with Lia next Saturday. I'll pass along any information I get. Good Luck!

Patken (Why) Sue - long

It is very unfortunate that you had a bad experience with Patken studios. I am using Patken for my wedding and I experienced nothing like you described. We met with Doug (owner) and he sat with us for about 1 1/2 hours. He went over many details and many books. He answered all of our questions and his work was amazing..I have heard that the Smithtown office can be a little crazy. I went with Doug and he is in the Lindenhurst office..I know of two other people who used Patken for their wedding and the results were beautiful.

Patken (Why)

Have you ever heard of anyone using a guy named Al? Did you see any other photographers? Why are they so much lower than others?

Patken (Why)

I am using Patken too. I agree that things looked a little unorganized, but I have seen his results(two of my friends used him) and they are great and reliable too!!

Patken (Why) Karen

Sue, just out of curiosity why didn't you like Sherwood? My friend is about to book them so any heads up would be great. Thanks

Patken (Why) Karen

We are using Ernie at Creative Compositions, and he is great! When we met with him he was so personable and took the time to really give us the information that we needed. We did think that they were a little on the pricey side, but well worth it! Pictures last forever!! Good luck, you will definetely find exactly what you are looking for!:-)

Why I didnt like Sherwood...

Can't speak for Sue but I thought Sherwood was too traditional and too expensive. When I told them I wanted to have a 70% candid/photojournalistic approach they insisted that I hire a second photographer. So I asked why couldn't I just hire the photojournalistic photographer (considering the traditional photographer wouldn't be doing much anyway)- they told me that the traditional photographer is part of the package even if hes not doing anything. By the way - that package was over 10K, not including Black & White!

Why I didnt like Sherwood...

Thanks Sonicstef! Oh my god 10K????

Patken (Why)

I am using Patken in May! Has anyone ever used Vinnie before from there?? The albums I saw there were great!!!