Photo and video

Hi ladies,
I just wanted to say that you all are so helpful on this site. I feel so lost in this whole process, but it makes it easier to run my ideas by you all. Thanks for the great advice!

Here is another question:
I am starting to research photographers and videographers, but I am on a very tight budget. Do you have any tips on saving money? Any recommendations for photographers or videographers? Who are you using?

Thanks, again!

I second duet. Here is the official duet photography thread, here

My budget vendor website:

Budget Vendors

Good luck!
Nadine

I recommend North Shore Video. they are a vendor on this board and I absolutely LOVE my video. very reasonably priced

Here are some questions you might want to ask the photographers when you start interviewing. I got them from someone on this site, I think she got them from TheKnot.com.

Questions for Photographer

Your wedding pictures will define your memories of the big day for the rest of your life, so it's very important to choose the right photographer. To help you make the best choice, we've compiled a list of 16 questions to ask potential photographers.

1. What's the photographer's primary style -- traditional, candid, or posed? (Go for someone whose forte is your favorite style.)

2. What's the photographer's philosophy about shooting weddings? (This question will give you an idea of the shutterbug's expertise and passion for his work.)

3. Does the photographer shoot in color, black and white, or both?

4. How independent is the photographer? Does she prefer that you describe exactly what you want, or would she rather have free rein to capture the festivities on film? (This point determines how you two will work together.)

5. Will the photographer you talk with be the one who actually takes your wedding pictures? (This is crucial! Each photographer's style is unique.)

6. Has the photographer shot many weddings? (Experts say a wedding neophyte is a risk. You want someone who's experienced with wedding mechanics and won't miss key moments.)

7. How many weddings will the photographer shoot on your wedding weekend (or even on your wedding day)?

8. Is the photographer open to a list of must-take photos (pictures you definitely want shot)?

9. How does the photographer determine price? By the number and kind of prints you think you'll want, the hours the photographer spends on your wedding, the developing time, or a combination of the above factors? How many rolls of film will be shot, and how many proofs and final prints will result? Are packages available? Can you get a price list?

10. What kinds of cameras does the photographer use? (This will acquaint you with the photographer's experience and knowledge.)

11. What kind of lighting and other equipment (such as tripods) does the photographer use? Does the photographer bring backup equipment in case of emergency?

12. Does the photographer develop his own film? How long does he keep negatives? Can you buy your negatives from the photographer?

13. Ask yourself: Does this seem like a person you could tolerate throughout your wedding day? You'll want to feel very comfortable around your photographer. Rapport is important with all wedding professionals, but it's crucial here!

14. Carefully examine each photographer's past work (the book). Be sure you're looking at work shot by this particular photographer, not by other professionals who work at the same studio.

15. Notice whether:
photos are framed and centered well
photos are over- or underexposed
lighting is effective
details are visible
people look comfortable and relaxed

16. Call references and ask:
Were you satisfied overall?
Did the photographer get the shots you wanted?
Has the photographer responded promptly to orders?


If parent albums are important to you, aks if those are included, ask whether or not you get the negatives, how may pics are in the albums, what sizes, how much for ordering extra photos - what size are the proofs and
does the photog stamp his name on the proofs- my photo shot over 800 photos and all my proofs were 4x6 so I kept all of them and they are regular size to give out, frame or keep myself. GOOD LUCK!!

We used Commack Wedding Center for photo and video and were very happy with our photographer Eric.

But if we didn't use CWC and we had more time I would have looked into Duet or Imagine as well.

Here are my recommendations:
Photographer - Marcy Studio
Videographer - Bellarino

We are going with 12th Night! Domicik is so honest about what you do need and what you don't need. He encouraged me to take the cheaper package! Their prices are amazing! He can teach you how to do your albums!


www.twelfthnightphoto.com

We used DUET... THEY WERE FABULOUS!!! The part that I liked was that thy totally work with your budget and make everything work well. Some vendors may try and give you the slip by saying 'Just pay for the photography now and worry about your album later' DO NOT FALL FOR THAT!!! I wanted my parents as well as both of brians sides to have pictures, so I opted for parent Folios instead of books... A little 80's but so what.. I am too! They all loved it and thought it was a great idea anyway! If you have any specific questions please feel free to FM me!!

(PS.. I did a 10K budget and it looked like a 30K wedding!!)

Best wishes and Happy planning!
~Lauren