Photographer stress

Ok girls, I posted about this once before, and I used all your suggestions for which photogs to visit.. I am planning from MD, so this Christmas week has definitely been a working vacation for me- the photographer is the next big thing that I NEED to get done this week. I have visited with
Karen Marie in Sayville, Visual Concepts in Islip, Hal Lyman at Full View, Patken, and VIP with John Pagano. The last visit is tomorrow with Imagine. Now, my Dad has me making a chart listing all the attributes of each - and I am about ready to pull my hair out!!! I am thinking that VIP, Patken and Hal Lyman were the best deal, but I was a little put off that I didn't have an appt. with an actual photographer at Patken, so I hate to say book it- without meeting them- and being out of town- it is tough to do that Frank and Doug are both available... HELP!!! Any calming words or advice will be very much appreciated!!! I am so overwhelmed!!! You ladies are the best!!!

Re: Photographer stress

I booked Patken & chose Steve, as well as alot of ladies on this board. I know Doug is incredible as well.
Good Luck

Re: Photographer stress

I used Patken, and was VERY pleased. All th ephotogrpahers are great. I had Steve, and Doug, well he trained everyone.

Re: Photographer stress

sent you a forum email!

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I also booked Patken and we chose Steve. His work is beautiful!

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I know!!! Everyone LOVES Steve- but he isn't available my wedding date I felt like I knew the guy (from hearing all of the raves on this board), and I was really sad when he wasn't available!! Doug the owner is (but he is 1500$ more), and so is frank, but I think I have seen a lot of mixed reviews about him...

Re: Photographer stress

after you have met with Imagine, I want to know how you feel. Quite a few ladies here, me included have used them. I love their work and it speaks for itself. I wish you all the best, b/c your photos are one of the most important piece of your wedding planning and you have to be comfortable and happy with whoever you choose. All the best. I don't think no matter what any of us here says the final decision is yours. Happy planning and let us know how it goes.

Re: Photographer stress

I saw so many photographers and was getting VERY stressed before I met with Imagine. Once I saw their work and met them, I immediately knew I found my photographer.

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I have heard REALLY good things about both Patkin and Imagine...remember to go for the one you feel best about since pictures are pretty important...this is the one thing that we did not scrimp on...but that is just us!

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Make sure you LIKE the photographer you are having and you meet that person. After my wedding, my photographer has been rude, arrogant, unprofessional, insulting and more.

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I visited with Patken but booked VIP. I liked PatKen and was impressed with Steve's work but I felt VIP did give you a bit of a better deal.
When I met with Patken the girl I had the appointment with talked about the styles of the different photographers and she said that while Doug was fantastic, he was a bit regimented in the pictures he takes and that he doesn't really take suggestions from brides on pictures they'd like to have taken. Other than that, she said Doug takes amazing pictures.

Re: Photographer stress

Toby, who was your photographer, I hate when people/vendors have your money and then in turn treat you like crap. That is really crappy. I think if you are comfortable with letting us know who this photographer is. So the ladies here can be aware. Hope your pix were beautiful. Where did you have your wedding??

Re: Photographer stress

If you go with Hal lyman from Full view
- will he be your photographer? find out who will be your photographer
I had 2 friends use him
the first one had Hal
and they were very happy.

the second one had John from VIP but paid Hals prices

I am using VIP and am paying less then she did and we will have same photographer she did. so money wish i got a better deal

both had great pics

good Luck

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We had Frank from Patken and thought he was great.

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Is Vinny from Patken available? I heard he's great also.

Re: Photographer stress

Just wanted to let you know that LisaT used Vinny from Patken. She posted a bunch of her pics (which are beautiful!!), so just do a search.

Re: Photographer stress

I booked Vinnie from Patken based on Lisa T.'s pics - they were awesome!!! You will not be disappointed w/ Patken.