Photographer Meeting tonight

I`m meeting with Chuck from Fine Art tonight. This is my first photographer meeting, so can anyone give me a basic idea on what the average (or bare minimum) package consists of? I have no idea on album sizes, amount of proofs taken, etc. Also, I`ve noticed most people on this board have positive comments on Fine Art. Did anyone have any problems with them for their photography? How about for video? Thanks in advance

My opinion and experience

Teri, I was married in June and used Fine Art I too found them from this board - plus I went to about 10 different photograperhs before making a decision on Fine Art. I had Jimmy as my main photo. and Chuck with him - I can not say enough good things about the whole experince - you get so many pictues - and they take so many of the same shot too so therefore you always have a great shot of the key moments. I had my proofs and unedited video waiting for us when we got back from our honeymoon. I just went for our meeting to choose the pictures for our album. This in my opinion really told us that we made no mistake choosing Fine Art... we got there at 7:00 and didn't leave until 10:45 - she went through all my pictues even the ones that I had put aside as no's - there was no rush and she really wanted our album to be perfect - I couldn't believe the time she took looking at each picture - in fact a few that I had picked to go in she was like no -way and would show us why. Anyway if you choose them you will see what I mean - the packages start at $3200 - but they throw a lot of pictures in with the package. They even gave me a few extras when I went for the album (and we were already paid in full) she gave me two free pictues extra to put in my album b/c as she put it they had to be in there! Anyway good luck - do a lot of research (photography is one of the most imp. venders) if not the most... I also wanted to tell you Jimmy and Chuck had the greatest personalities (everyone in my family and wedding party had a lot of fun taking all of those pictues) and they take a lot! I have about 700 (and I had no time to take pictues) so that gives you an idea. Good Luck!

Some advise

I was so nervous when I started meeting with photographers. I meet with Fine Arts as well as 4 other photographers that I read about on this board before making my choice. I think it all really depends on your budget and what you are looking for in a photographer. Some people want lots of posed family photos, others want lots of B&W. Make sure you look at full albums. Don't let a photographer show you different brides in one sample album. Everyone can take a few nice pictures. You should see how the whole album is put together and flows. I thought Fine Arts had very nice photos and the guys were very nice. Can I recommend that you also look at VIP Studios. They give you a lot of photos, 2 photographers, very nice quality and cost much less than Fine Arts. I feel in love with 2 of the Mark Kauffman photographers and he was very easy to work with so I decided to book him. You can also negoiate a lot. Do not just accept the first price you get. In terms of video: I was not crazy about the Fine Arts video. Check out Wild Rose. At least take a look at them before you book. I meet with 6 video people. There video was by far the best. When checking out videos, ask them to stop at the vow section of the tape. Listen to the sound quality. You want to hear the vows very clearly since that is the most important part of the entire day. Also ask if they use a large light. That is not very good because it really distracts your guests. I hope this helps you. E-mail me at [email protected] if you have any questions you want to ask 'off-line' Good Luck!

Photographer Meeting tonight

Just a note with any vendors get all the services they promise in writing. And make sure a few days prior that they know the plan and are committed to it.